This is the final Ski Japan episode and final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the season. Find out how a Club Med all inclusive ski trip in Hokkaido can be the easiest and best way to experience a ski trip with the family!

Skiing and snowboarding in Japan is truly something special and Hokkaido is one of the best places in the world for families. In this final episode of the year, Sally chats with Michelle Davies from Club Med Pacific about what makes Club Med Hokkaido such an easy and memorable ski holiday with kids.

We look at the different Club Med resorts including Kiroro Grand for little ones, Kiroro Peak for teens, and Tomamu for first time skiers with the bonus of the amazing Mina Mina Waterpark. Michelle also shares how much snow Hokkaido gets each season (and it's a whopping amount!) and why the long ski season makes planning around school holidays so simple.

There is also time for a little Christmas spirit as Sally remembers her own white Christmas in Canada and we hear favourite festive memories from all our Ski Japan guests.

It is the final episode of Snacks and Suitcases for the year and the perfect way to finish the Ski Japan series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ski Japan Series

01:53 Exploring Club Med Resorts in Hokkaido

10:33 Choosing the Right Resort for Families

12:23 Celebrating Christmas in Japanese Ski Resorts

14:49 Booking Tips for Ski Holidays

17:09 Reflections on a White Christmas

Topics We Mentioned

Club Med Snow

• Tomamu
• Sahoro
• Kiroro Peak
• Kiroro Grand
• Club Med France

Niseko United

Whistler Blackomb

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Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your snacks! Merry Christmas!

This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options.

Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert!

Sally and Christie cover:

• Why Niseko continues to win “Best Ski Resort in Japan” year after year
• What first-timers need to know about weather, gear, goggles and the cold
• Whether Niseko is comfortable for babies and toddlers
• Why booking ski school (and pretty much everything possible) early is essential
• Where to eat, shop and explore beyond the slopes
• What makes Furano and Rusutsu worth adding to your itinerary
• Onsens (yes, we talk about mixed onsens!) and the magic of Japanese snow culture
• Day trip ideas, terrain advice.

Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise

03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow

06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts

10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local

11:44 Exploring Other Hokkaido Resorts

15:33 Why Niseko is the Best Ski Area in Japan

22:01 The Changing Face of Niseko

25:19 Budget-Friendly Tips for Families

26:05 Getting Around Niseko: Transportation Tips

27:57 Activities for Non-Skiers: Food and Onsens

30:52 Exploring Onsen Culture in Japan

32:45 Family-Friendly Activities in Niseko

34:59 Day Trips and Local Attractions

37:44 Ski School Insights for Kids

42:02 Winter Weather and Clothing Essentials

48:04 Packing Tips for a Niseko Trip

49:42 Shopping and Supermarket Experiences

52:10 Quickfire Questions about Niseko

Topics we mentioned

Furano Ski Resort

Rusutsu

Rhythm Japan

Niseko United

Grand Hotel Onsen

Rhythm Rides

Moiwa Lodge

Ren Izakaya

Gyu Bar

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

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AND... Don't forget your snacks or your skis!

This is the first of three snowy episodes all about skiing in Japan.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable family ski trip to Japan, this episode is your go to guide to exploring Honshu with kids.

Niseko might get all the powder hype, but Honshu has its own incredible magic. Culture filled villages, family friendly resorts and that perfect amount of adventure and charm that families love.

And the best part? Some of Honshu’s top ski spots are just a quick hop, skip and Shinkansen ride from Tokyo.

Sally is joined by BBC Travel Reporter Carmen Roberts who spent eight years living, working and skiing in Japan. Carmen’s insider knowledge of family travel, easy day trip resorts, and hidden gem ski areas is very impressive.

In this episode Carmen shares her top family friendly ski resorts in Honshu including:

• Gala Yuzawa. The famous Shinkansen to Ski resort you can reach directly from Tokyo. • Hakuba. A huge resort area with something for every level of skier. • Nozawa Onsen. A beautiful traditional village known for incredible snow and natural hot springs. • Myoko Kogen. A favourite for families who want great snow without the big crowds (for now).

They also chat about the best off-snow activities for the whole family including onsens (and onsen family etiquette) the adorable Snow Monkeys, what to pack for your family ski trip and when to travel for the best snow and the least crowds.

If you are planning a family ski holiday to Japan this episode is packed with practical travel tips, resort advice, and expert insights to make your next snowy adventure unforgettable.

Follow

@carmenroberts_travels

Ski Resorts We Mentioned:

Gala Yuzawa

https://gala.co.jp/en/winter/

Hakuba

https://hakuba.com/

Nozawa Onsen

https://en.nozawaski.com/

Myoko Kogen

https://myokoskiresort.com/

Ishiuchi

https://ishiuchi.or.jp/winter/

Kagura/Naeba and Prince Hotel

https://www.princehotels.com/en/ski/kagura/

Lotte Arai

https://www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort/en

Connect

Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

@snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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Email: snacksandsuitcasespodcast@gmail.com

Subscribe, rate and share with a fellow travel loving friend!

AND... Don't forget your onsen etiquette!