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About Jamie O’Brien

Jamie has been skiing and snowboarding for more than 30 years. Based in Singapore for the last decade, he organises frequent multi-resort trips to Japan.
Latest Posts | By Jamie O’Brien
Why I sold my GoPro Hero and will be renting a 360 action camera from now on
9 months ago

Why I sold my GoPro Hero and will be renting a 360 action camera from now on

By  •  Guides

Over the years, I’ve bought many different digital cameras, bullet cams and action cams specifically for filming ski and snowboarding trips. Looking back, I’ve dropped a lot of money on …
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Riding deep, deep powder on Mt. Yotei after a mega-storm
9 months ago

Riding deep, deep powder on Mt. Yotei after a mega-storm

For most skiers and snowboarders that flock to northwestern Hokkaido, the luxury and modern infrastructure of Niseko, Kiroro and Rusutsu are the big draw. Backcountry enthusiasts come here for a …
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I ditched pre-booked ski hotels in Japan for a campervan road trip, and I don’t regret it
11 months ago

I ditched pre-booked ski hotels in Japan for a campervan road trip, and I don’t regret it

By  •  Guides

Accommodation in Japan is getting expensive. Just a few years ago, it was possible to pay next to nothing for a room in a resort. In recent seasons, prices have …
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Is historic Otaru the next big Hokkaido destination for international skiers?
12 months ago

Is historic Otaru the next big Hokkaido destination for international skiers?

By  •  Guides

Japan is a unique destination, and to get the most from a skiing trip, it can be better to base yourself in a large town or city rather than stay …
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What it’s really like to go backcountry touring in Japan for the first time
1 year ago

What it’s really like to go backcountry touring in Japan for the first time

By  •  Guides

After visiting Japan for the last thirteen seasons hunting for tree runs, taking the odd cat tour or lift-assisted snowshoe tour, I felt it was time to sample the backcountry …
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Why Kiroro is probably the best destination ski resort in Asia for a day trip
1 year ago

Why Kiroro is probably the best destination ski resort in Asia for a day trip

Kiroro has abundant fluffy soft snow, modern lifts and resort infrastructure, excellent rental gear, luxury all-inclusive resort hotels, tree run zones, low crowds, and unbelievable backcountry – but what really …
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Is Rusutsu the Japanese ski resort that truly has it all?
1 year ago

Is Rusutsu the Japanese ski resort that truly has it all?

Ski trips inevitably involve some sort of compromise. It’s very hard to find a resort with great powder, modern lifts, slopeside accommodation, good food, activities other than skiing and snowboarding, …
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Avoid the Niseko crowds and get off the beaten track at Japan’s Aomori Spring ski resort
2 years ago

Avoid the Niseko crowds and get off the beaten track at Japan’s Aomori Spring ski resort

This year, Japan has exploded as a destination as coverage on TikTok and other social media has fuelled record visitor numbers to popular tourist spots and the famous ski resorts …
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Japan has invented a totally new way for beginners to learn to ski
2 years ago

Japan has invented a totally new way for beginners to learn to ski

By  •  News

F Village isn’t really a ski resort at all, which is a very good thing if you’re a complete beginner or a family who want to try snowsports without the …
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An insider’s guide to planning a ski trip to Japan – and saving money
2 years ago

An insider’s guide to planning a ski trip to Japan – and saving money

By  •  Guides

If you want to save, planning and booking the individual parts of your winter trip to Japan online is the best move. It involves a little more effort, but when …
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