I’ve been in travel for 20 years. I’m a mum, I love my skiing and I don’t say this lightly. Japan in winter just hits differently.
The recent Sno’n’Ski Mega Famil wasn’t just another industry trip for me. It was one of those experiences that reminds you why you got into travel in the first place.
It had everything – incredible powder, moments of calm you didn’t expect and a group of people who went from industry colleagues to genuine friends somewhere between Sydney and our first onsen.
There’s always a bit of anticipation meeting a big famil group for the first time, but this one clicked quickly.
A drink in Sydney before departure, a few laughs and suddenly you’re boarding with people who already feel familiar.
Flying with ANA was the perfect soft landing into Japan; polished, calm and easy. Exactly what you want before a snow trip.
Shizukuishi was our first stop and it set the tone straight away. It’s one of those places that feels a little under the radar in the best possible way.
Wide open runs, barely any crowd and snow that just keeps coming. The snowcat experience was a standout.
First tracks through untouched powder and that weightless feeling you chase as a skier. It was that good…the kind of moment you replay in your head long after you’re home.
Off the mountain, the experience was just as memorable. Evenings were spent in small, welcoming izakayas, sharing food, stories and a lot of laughs.
The onsen became a daily ritual. Sitting in hot water, outdoors, with snow falling around you is something every Australian traveller should experience. It forces you to slow down, which doesn’t always come naturally to us.
Naeba brought a completely different energy. Bigger, more vibrant and perfect for a wide range of travellers.
The Prince Hotel really anchors the experience there, offering everything you need in one place, which makes it especially appealing for families or those wanting ease without compromising quality.
The real highlight in this region was Kagura. Once you make the connection across, it opens up into this expansive, powder-filled playground that feels far less crowded and incredibly rewarding.
With local guides leading the way we were able to explore more confidently and push ourselves a little further.
Shiga Kogen offered something else again. The sheer scale of it is impressive and it’s the kind of place where you can ski all day and still feel like you’ve only seen a fraction of what’s on offer.
It’s perfect for clients who want variety and the ability to explore.
Staying in the east wing of the Prince Hotel added a level of comfort at the end of long days on the slopes, something I definitely appreciate more these days.
Visiting the Snow Monkey Park was a highlight away from the skiing, a unique and slightly surreal experience that adds another layer to what Japan offers in winter.
Hakuba was the perfect way to finish. It’s lively, diverse and incredibly adaptable depending on the type of traveller.
Touring a range of properties really reinforced how much choice there is, from boutique accommodation through to more premium, high-end options.
It’s a destination that works just as well for first-time skiers as it does for seasoned travellers wanting a more elevated experience.
What Sno’n’Ski do so well is make everything feel seamless. Every detail is considered, transitions are smooth and you’re able to focus on the experience rather than the logistics.
More than that, they create an environment where connections happen naturally, both with the destination and with the people you’re travelling alongside. That’s what really sets these famil experiences apart.
As a travel advisor with Solis Travel, opportunities like this are invaluable. Being able to experience these destinations first-hand, across different regions and styles, means we can return with genuine insight and confidence when planning for our clients.
It’s not just about knowing where to go – it’s about understanding who it’s right for and why.
Japan in winter is special in its own right. The quality of the snow, the culture, the contrast between fast-paced days on the mountain and slower, more reflective moments off it.
Experiencing it in this way, across multiple regions and alongside such a great group of people, turns it into something far more meaningful.
It’s the kind of trip that stays with you, both personally and professionally, and one I know I’ll be talking about with clients for a long time to come.
# The Sno’n’Ski Mega Famil will travel to Canada in 2027, experiencing Whistler, Revelstoke, Panorama and Banff Lake Louise! Catch up here before April 10 to earn an incentive point.
