About Rupert Orchard

Skier participation in China is set to soar, with the announcement that Beijing will include ice and snow sports as a compulsory part of the primary and middle school curriculum. Under a …
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The Japanese weather bureau said on Tuesday that La Niña had arrived, following its August announcement that the weather pattern would be a 70% chance to emerge. The revelation bodes well for Japanese ski resorts, …
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It’s that time of year! Ski resort social media managers are taking to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to announce that “winter is coming” as first snowfalls for the year begin to …
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The release of Sahoro’s 2016/17 trail map has revealed a terrain and lift expansion that will give skiers access to an additional five runs and and a new high speed …
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Japan’s status in the global freeride community has been boosted with the announcement that it will host its first ever Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) event in January 2017. The 4* qualifier …
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Australian snow lovers will be pleased to hear that Qantas have added a daily flight between Melbourne and Tokyo Narita, to be launched on December 16 – just in time for the Japanese …
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Thai actor Ter Chantavit is the latest celebrity to experience Japan’s famous powder snow, taking a beginner lesson at Kiroro Resort while filming there for his most recent release One Day.

The Thai …
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Some great news for Japanese snow lovers, along with a healthy dose of reality thrown in for good measure. First, the good news. There is a 70% chance that a La Niña …
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A major lift ticketing system overhaul will see Hakuba Valley become Japan’s biggest ski area in winter 2016/17. In an arrangement similar to the one that unites Niseko United‘s four resorts, visitors …
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Any Powder Alliance without one of Japan’s snow-spoilt ski resorts would hardly be fit for the name. The inclusion of Kiroro Ski Resort in an otherwise all-North American lineup means …
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