Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

So… what’s skiing Hakuba Valley really like? 🇯🇵⛷️

After flying 14 hours to Japan, we decided to start this trip properly — with a couple of days exploring Tokyo before heading into the mountains. And honestly, it set the tone for one of the most memorable ski trips we’ve ever done.

From incredible street food at Tsukiji Market, to temples in Asakusa, vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa, and the chaos of Shibuya Crossing — Tokyo delivered.

Then it was time for the main event…

✈️ Getting There

We flew with Japan Airlines — and it was genuinely one of the best long-haul flights I’ve taken. Great food, spotless planes, and next-level service throughout.

For parking at the airport, check out 👉 APH Parking: https://www.aph.com/

And if you're travelling, I’d highly recommend an eSIM — we used 👉 Holafly (unlimited data): https://holafly.sjv.io/LKWN20

🚄 From Tokyo to Hakuba

Getting to Hakuba Valley is surprisingly easy:
Bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Nagano
Then a short bus transfer into the valley
In under 4 hours, you’re in the mountains.

⛷️ Skiing Hakuba Valley

Hakuba isn’t just one resort — it’s an entire valley made up of 10 different ski areas, all connected by the Hakuba Valley lift pass.

👉 Learn more about the resorts here:
https://www.inthesnow.com/hakuba-valley/

Across the valley you’ll find:
~120 ski runs
~90 lifts
~Terrain for every level from pow and tree skiing to wide open greens and blues to your hearts content

Each resort has its own personality — from beginner-friendly slopes to deep powder and tree skiing.

🏔️ Where We Skied

Over the week we explored:

Cortina & Norikura – deep powder, tree skiing, quieter vibe

Happo-One – Olympic runs, big vertical, incredible views

Hakuba 47 & Goryu – varied terrain + night skiing

Iwatake – some of the best views in the valley

We even hit a couple of proper powder days — the kind Japan is famous for ❄️

🏨 Where We Stayed

Hotel Green Plaza (Cortina) – ski-in ski-out, right on the slopes
https://greenplazahakuba.com-hotel.info/

Mominoki Hotel (Happo) – great location + onsen
https://hakubamominoki.com-hotel.info/

Hotel Keisui (Iwatake area)
https://www.keisui.jp/english/

🍜 Why Japan Is Different

Skiing in Japan isn’t just about the snow (although the powder is unreal).
It’s:
Incredible food (ramen, gyoza, wagyu…)
A completely different ski culture
Immaculate cleanliness everywhere
Friendly, welcoming people
Onsens after skiing (game changer)

❄️ So… is Hakuba worth it?

Absolutely.

You’re not skiing one mega-resort like in Europe — you’re exploring an entire valley, choosing different ski areas each day depending on conditions.

And that’s what makes it so special.

If you’ve been thinking about skiing

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The Whiteout Podcast – Season 5, Episode 89 (March 27)

This week on The Whiteout Podcast, Dom and Rob return with a late season special as the European ski season heads into its final stretch.

Brought to you in partnership with our headline sponsor Crystal Ski Holidays
https://www.crystalski.co.uk/

We look at what’s happening across the Alps, from excellent spring skiing conditions in places like Kitzbühel and Lech, to why late March and April can be one of the best times to ski. Think quieter slopes, longer days, more sun and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Rob is heading to the Jungfrau region to explore Wengen and Grindelwald and attend the opening of the new Schilthorn cable car, while Dom shares updates from recent and upcoming North America trips.

We also break down current snow conditions across Europe, with a strong base still holding at altitude heading into Easter.

NEWS & EVENTS

Our weekly round up of what’s happening in the mountains, including major spring festivals and events.

We also hear from our charity partner Snowcamp
https://www.snowcamp.org.uk/

Events featured:

Snowbombing, Mayrhofen (6–11 April)
https://snowbombing.com/

Zermatt Unplugged (7–11 April)
https://zermatt.swiss/en

Ischgl Spring Festival
https://www.ischgl.com/

Norway spring events
https://www.skistar.com/

Skarverennet race (18 April)
https://skarverennet.no/en/

GEAR – WITH ELLIS BRIGHAM
https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

This week we focus on spring ski touring, why late season is a great time to get into it, and what kit matters most.

From breathable shells to layering and temperature control, we cover how to stay comfortable, plus highlight end of season deals of up to 40% off.

DESTINATION GUIDE – SPRING SKIING

Where to ski now and how to make the most of late season conditions:

France leading for high altitude reliability
Switzerland best higher up
Italy strong in Cervinia
Austria more variable but still good
Norway offering colder, late season options

Key takeaway: go high, ski early and follow the spring snow cycle.

Thanks for listening. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and watch the full video on YouTube by searching The Whiteout Podcast.

See you on the mountain.

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

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Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Welcome back to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to in association with Crystal Ski Holidays.

News

French resorts invest €555m
French ski areas invested €555 million in infrastructure in 2025, around 50% above the ten-year average https://www.domaines-skiables.fr/

Winter Paralympics - Neil Simpson and guide Rob Poth won Team GB’s first medal of the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, taking silver in the alpine combined

Audi FIS Alpine World Cup - Upcoming races include: Courchevel – men’s downhill & super-G, Åre - Hafjell & Kvitfjell (March 21–25)

Charlotte Bankes wins in Türkiye
British snowboard cross star Charlotte Bankes secured her 27th World Cup victory in Erzurum

Crystal Ski adds new Oslo flights
A new Birmingham–Oslo route launches for winter 2026/27, improving access to resorts like Geilo,Norefjell,Gausta and Beitostølen

Epic Pass discounts for Gen Z
Vail Resorts is offering 20% discounts for skiers aged 13–30, with passes starting around $869 https://www.epicpass.com/

Snow & Weather Outlook

Alps - 20–50cm possible in western sectors before sunnier spring conditions return.

Norway - Colder and stable with light snow and temperatures down to -17°C overnight.

North America - Storm cycles hitting Cascades,Sierra Nevada and BC’s Powder Highway with strong snowfall potential in Revelstoke,Fernie and Kicking Horse.

Gear of the Week With Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

Spyder Dare Ski Trousers - £329 → £164
Stretch EXO-Shield waterproof fabric and PrimaLoft insulation.

Arc’teryx Therme Down GORE-TEX Parka - £800 → £560
Waterproof GORE-TEX shell with 750 fill down insulation

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie - £260 → £182
800 fill RDS down with recycled NetPlus nylon shell

La Sportiva TX5 GTX Boots - £210 → £168
GORE-TEX protection with Vibram Megagrip sole.

Destination Guide - Baqueira Beret – Spanish Pyrenees - https://www.baqueira.es/

One of Spain’s premier ski areas, known for reliable snow, varied terrain and traditional mountain villages.

How to get there, Terrain for beginners,intermediates and off-piste, Accommodation options, Food and local culture, Costs vs Alpine resorts, Family appeal and après ski

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review + WIN!

Apple Podcasts – scroll to Ratings & Reviews and tap Write a Review.
Spotify – rate the show using the star rating.

Then email us and we’ll send you a free sk

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

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inthesnow.com
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Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

The human side of Crystal — insight, passion, expertise and the decisions customers don’t usually see.

This Episode was recorded around four core questions:

• What are your hidden gems?
• What do you wish more customers knew?
• Where’s the best value without compromise?
• What shouldn’t customers miss this winter?

2. Hidden gems – Crystal team favourites

Crystal colleagues share the resorts they genuinely love and return to. Resorts offering: Better value, Fewer crowds, Access to big ski areas, More character and authenticity

• Brides-les-Bains – Three Valleys access with spa-town value and calm evenings
• Châtel – Authentic Savoyard village with tree-lined skiing and family appeal
• Montalbert – Quiet, charming base with easy access to La Plagne
• Vaujany – Peaceful village with fast links into Alpe d’Huez terrain
• Leogang – Small, quiet base plugged into a huge Austrian ski area
• Galtür – Traditional Tyrolean charm with access to the wider Silvretta area
• Serfaus–Fiss–Ladis – One of Austria’s strongest family ski regions
• Folgarida – Relaxed base with access to the Campiglio ski area
• Santa Cristina (Val Gardena) – Authentic village in the heart of Dolomiti Superski
• Pila – Quiet, family-friendly skiing with easy access and good snow reliability

Key message:

• These resorts often deliver big-area skiing without the big-area stress

3. Satellite resorts – the smart choices Crystal loves

What a satellite resort is: Just outside headline resorts, Same lift system, same terrain.

Why Crystal advisers recommend them:

• Better prices
• Shorter queues
• Easier availability
• More relaxed atmosphere
• Crystal insight:
  • “People book the name, but miss the value next door”

4. Best value without compromise

Andorra consistently rated highly by Crystal staff

Why: Extensive terrain, Modern lift systems, Excellent ski schools, Good food and après, Straightforward logistics - It’s smart, smooth, high-quality skiing

5. What Crystal wishes more customers knew

Don’t dismiss lower-altitude resorts:

• Often closer to airports
• Better value
• Great for families
• Well-linked to major ski domains
• Example:
  • Morzine base → Avoriaz → Portes du Soleil access
• Reassurance:
  • Crystal’s Snow Promise
  • Customer-first approach if conditions aren’t right

6. Expert knowledge – rapid-fire insights

Things Crystal advisers want skiers to hear more often:

• “Book earlier than you think.”
• “Satellite resorts are game-changing.”
• “Transfers matter more than people realise.”
• “Don’t rule out lesser-known resorts.”
• “Ask us questions — that’s what we’re here for.”

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Winter Olympics Special - sponsored by Crystal Ski Holidays

In this week’s special Winter Olympics episode, we’ve got an absolute cracker.

We’re joined by TNT Sports presenter and former Olympian Charlie Guest, who shares what she loved most about the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, what it was really like being there on the ground, and which British athletes we should be watching as the next generation builds momentum. From historic breakthroughs to near misses, she gives us her expert take on the future of Team GB on snow and ice.

We also sit down with the one and only Eddie the Eagle Edwards. Eddie talks candidly about what it really takes to become an Olympic ski jumper, how different the pathway looks today compared to his era, and why he doesn’t actually follow the sport as closely anymore. As always, he brings honesty, perspective and a few laughs along the way.

And of course, we dive into the stories that made these Games unforgettable. From 52 year old Austrian snowboarders defying age, to political controversy on the slopes, broken Olympic medals, funky skeleton helmets being banned, weather chaos, viral suit reveals, backflips in figure skating, and even a rogue wolfdog called Nazgul interrupting cross country racing. Yes, really.

We touch on Team GB’s historic snowboard cross gold, the big winners and heartbreak stories, and the bizarre off piste drama that included public confessions and that ski jumping controversy everyone was talking about.

It’s insight, opinion, drama and plenty of weird and wonderful Olympic moments — so let’s get stuck in.

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
TikTok@inthesnowmag
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facebook.com/inthesnow


To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Thanks to Crystal Ski Holidays for sponsoring this episode of The Whiteout Ski Podcast and for the great advice int he Ski Transfers Feature!

News Round Up

UK Leads European Ski Travel

UK confirmed as largest source market for European ski travel

Nearly one third of total winter ski season capacity

1.5 million seats scheduled Dec 2025 to March 2026demic?

Kazakhstan’s Mega Ski Expansion

Plan to link multiple ski areas in Ile Alatau mountains

26 new cable cars planned

Over 200 km of slopes by 2029

YogiSki Festival Returns

Les Menuires & St Martin de Belleville - 10 to 16 April 2026

Snow & Weather

Alps - Strong mid season snowpack, Austria and Switzerland seeing powder refreshes, Freeze thaw cycles in parts of France, Avalanche risk elevated across many regions. Two week outlook shows continued top ups at altitude

North America - Healthy snowpack across Rockies and Canada, Revelstoke, Fernie, Jackson Hole seeing strong snowfall potential, Blizzard conditions in US Northeast,

Gear Focus – Spring Skiing with Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports

Spring skiing means slush, sunshine and variable snow — so adaptability is key.

Jackets Featured\

Arc'teryx Rush Jacket

The North Face Descendit Jacket

Salomon Brilliant 2.0 Jacket

Picture Seen Jacket

Key themes:

• Breathable waterproof shells
• Pit zips and ventilation
• Minimal insulation
• DWR coatings

Pants

Salomon Brilliant Pant

Salomon Edge Pant

Focus on:

• Ventilation zips
• Articulated fit
• Lightweight insulation

Accessories

Smartwool Snowpocalypse Socks

Atomic Four Amid Pro Helmet

Destination Guide – Revelstoke

This week’s destination focus is Revelstoke, British Columbia.

Known for: Huge vertical, Deep snow, Advanced and expert terrain, Big mountain feel

Discussion around:

• Who it suits
• What makes it different from other Canadian resorts
• Snow reliability
• Travel logistics

Fundraiser link:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rob-stewart-ski-press

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Beyond The Basics with Crystal Ski Holidays : when skiing becomes a bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime trip

1. Why long-haul ski trips matter

• Long-haul = milestone trips, not everyday skiing
• Destinations that deliver experiences Europe simply can’t replicate
• Bigger landscapes, more wilderness, different cultures and atmosphere
• Trips people talk about for years afterwards
• Opportunity to weave in Dom & Rob’s personal bucket-list experiences

2. The long-haul planning mindset

Long-haul trips benefit from early planning. Crystal booking window now up to 18 months Early booking gives best choice.

• For Winter 26, low-deposit options help guests commit earlier

3. Destination spotlight: Whistler, Canada

• North America’s largest ski area
• Huge variety: bowls, glaciers, tree runs, cruisers
• Excellent ski-in / ski-out convenience, especially Blackcomb
• Heli-skiing access is a major differentiator
• Lively village with huge choice of dining and après
• Transfer as part of the experience:
  • Sea-to-Sky Highway from Vancouver
  • Coastal views, waterfalls, Olympic legacy
• Accommodation highlight:
  • Fairmont Chateau Whistler
  • Fairmont Gold = premium “hotel-within-a-hotel” experience

4. Destination spotlight: Banff

• A real Canadian mountain town, not purpose-built
• Historic high street, authentic atmosphere, relaxed après
• One base, three ski areas:
  • Sunshine Village
  • Lake Louise
  • Mt Norquay
• “Trifecta” appeal: ski all three in one trip
• Transfers through National Parks feel like scenic excursions
• Wildlife sightings often part of the journey
• Lake Louise: true bucket-list ski moment
• Flexible base for multi-mountain skiing

5. Destination spotlight: Tremblant

• European-style pedestrian village in Canada
• Excellent ski-in / ski-out access
• Great for families and mixed-ability groups
• Unique extras: casino, lively village atmosphere
• Easy access:
  • Around 90 minutes from Montréal
  • Option to combine city + ski

6. What long-haul skiing offers beyond Europe

• Scale: bigger mountains, wider landscapes
• Atmosphere: more space, less rush
• Service: standout hospitality in North American resorts
• Experience-first travel: Wildlife - National parks - Scenic transfers

7. Who long-haul skiing is perfect for

• Special birthdays and celebrations
• Honeymoons
• Multi-generational trips
• “Big one” holidays you plan in advance
• Position as attainable with planning, not extravagant

9. What’s next

• Episode 4: behind the scenes with the Crystal Ski

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

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inthesnow.com
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To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Intro + Sponsor

Dom welcomes listeners to The White Out Podcast in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays, joined by co-host Rob Stewart (Ski Press). Rob throws to Crystal for the sponsor message. Back from the ad, quick welcome and tease: Olympics, news, weather, Crystal feature, gear and destination interview.

Olympics 2026: GB Reality Check

Key theme: not a medal-table pod, but what counts as a good GB result. Milano-Cortina runs 6–22 Feb 2026.

GB’s strongest medal potential is in snowboard slopestyle/big air, snowboard cross, and freeski halfpipe/park. Highlight the main names: Mia Brookes (real podium/medal chance), Charlotte Bankes (top medal route), Zoe Atkin (podium possible), plus Txema Mazet-Brown, Kirsty Muir, and Gus Kenworthy as strong finals/top-10 prospects.

In alpine, success is measured differently: clean runs, second runs, top-20/top-15 results. Mention Dave Ryding, Laurie Taylor, and Billy Major.

Cross-Country + Biathlon

Cross-country in Tesero: Andrew Musgrave, James Clugnet, Joe Davies, Anna Pryce. Targets are PBs and strong finishes.
Biathlon in Antholz: Jacques Jefferies and Shawna Pendry, focus on clean shooting and experience.

Crystal Feature: Ski Train Holidays

Crystal’s ski train option is a fun alternative to flying: relaxed travel, café onboard, generous luggage and ski carriage. Routes from London via Paris or Lille to Tarentaise resorts. Mention booking from July and flag a deal example.

Gear (Ellis Brigham)

SIGB ski test recap: favourite skis, standout brands, and early 25/26 trends.

Relevant Links

Crystal Ski Train Holidays
https://www.crystalski.co.uk/holiday-types/ski-train-holidays/

Milano Cortina 2026
https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026

Revelstoke Mountain Resort
https://www.revelstokemountainresort.com/

Ellie Soutter Foundation
https://theelliesoutter.foundation/

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
TikTok@inthesnowmag
youtube.com/inthesnowmag
facebook.com/inthesnow


To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com