Japan (351 Resorts)
Republic of Korea (22 Resorts)
New Zealand (25 Resorts)
Australia (11 Resorts)
Sknowed Blog | Snow Forecasts, Ski Maps & Resort Updates
Japanese Onsen (Hot Springs): Etiquette, Temperatures, Tattoos, Rotenburo Explained
What is an Onsen? An onsen is a naturally occurring hot spring. The characters used for onsen are 温泉. 温, read “on” means warm or hot. 泉, read “sen” means hot spring. Onsen and Ski Resorts Onsen are typically enjoyed more in the winter months than hot summer months. Therefore, ski resorts tend to have onsen (or do onsen have ski resorts? Haha). In fact, of the 335 ski resorts we have in our database for Japan, 22 of them already have the word onsen in their name. Of course, you don’t have to have the word onsen in the resort name to...
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Snow Forecast in Japan: Your Ultimate Guide to Planning the Perfect Ski Trip
Japan is well known for its world-class powder snow, drawing skiers and snowboarders from Asia and across the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner, staying updated with the latest snow forecast in Japan is essential for planning an unforgettable trip. This guide provides real-time insights, expert tips, and everything you need to know about snow forecasts in Japan’s top ski regions. Why Snow Forecasts Matter for Skiers and Snowboarders Accurate snow forecasts help skiers and snowboarders plan their trips around optimal conditions. Fresh powder days are a dream for advanced riders, while stable weather is ideal for families and...
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Niseko in Japanese: Exploring the Meaning of Japan’s Most Popular Skiing Destination
What Does “Niseko” Mean in Japanese? Many people have asked me, “What does ‘Niseko‘ mean in Japanese?” so I decided to tap a few words together to explain. Japanese people write the word Niseko (ニセコ) in katakana (not hiragana or kanji), a script often used for foreign or indigenous names. They mainly use hiragana or kanji for words that originated in Japanese. Interestingly, Niseko doesn’t come from standard Japanese; it comes from the Ainu language, spoken by Hokkaido’s indigenous people. In Ainu, Niseko likely means something like “a river that winds through the mountains” or “a sheer cliff by a river.”...
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Sknowed Updates
Below is a list of updated to sknowed.com in reverse chronological order. Times are in GMT. DateActionCommentsFri Jun 06 23:26:42 2025ADDEDCheck if the URL hash is already set by MapboxFri Jun 06 06:32:02 2025ADDED Routes now accept HEAD verbMon Jun 02 07:53:37 2025FIXEDFixed display of Set New View buttonSun Jun 01 13:54:51 2025FIXEDRemoved datatables and css from home controllerSun Jun 01 11:45:25 2025ADDEDAdd a new sitemap for www.sknowed.comSun Jun 01 03:32:22 2025FIXEDfixed getResortName() was called without idSun Jun 01 02:23:51 2025FIXEDFixed location of wordpress styling for individual resortSun Jun 01 02:18:31 2025ADDEDAdded wordpress styles to sknowed_controller. Sat May 31...
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When is Snow Season in Japan: A Complete Guide
Japan is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts, renowned for its pristine powder snow, scenic landscapes, and world-class ski resorts. In fact, Japan has about 450 resorts. The snow season in Japan is a magical time, attracting skiers, snowboarders, and snow lovers from across the globe. Here’s everything you need to know about Japan’s snow season, including when it starts and ends, how much snow to expect, where it falls the most, where is the most snow, the lest snow and what to consider when planning a winter adventure. So, when is the snow season in Japan? When is the...
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The Global Forecast System (GFS)
Sknowed.com uses data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) to create its 16 days forecasts. So what is GFS and how well does it predict weather? The Global Forecast System (GFS) is a numerical weather prediction model developed and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. It provides weather forecasts and climate analysis on a global scale. Here’s an overview of its key features and how it works: Core Features Global Coverage: The GFS model provides weather forecasts for the entire planet, making it a critical tool for global meteorological analysis. High Resolution: Horizontal Resolution: The GFS operates...
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Sknowed is in Beta Trials
Sknowed.com is in beta trials and launched its 16-day snow forecast for almost all ski resorts in Japan on Nov 15, 2024. This is a companion to our other website www.freshsnow.jp. While sknowed.com originally concentrated on ski resorts in Japan, it now focuses on Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan. Freshsnow.jp will eventually be phased out as sknowed.com takes over all of its data and functionality. Sknowed.com currently provides base and mid mountain forecasts. Sknowed.com uses the Global Forecast System (GFS) which is a National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) weather forecast model. Aviators are often using...
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What is Night Skiing?
Night skiing is a popular winter activity where skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes after dark. Many ski resorts have lights installed on their trails, allowing for an extended skiing experience beyond daylight hours. Here are some key points about night skiing: Lighting: Floodlights or other artificial lighting typically illuminate trails. This helps improve visibility and creates a unique atmosphere compared to daytime skiing. Hours: Night skiing usually starts in the late afternoon or early evening and continues until late at night. Specific hours vary by resort. Crowds: It can be less crowded than daytime skiing, offering a more relaxed and often...
Read MoreSki Resort Jobs / Positions, Average Wages, Benefits, Language and Visa Requirements
Japan is renowned for its incredible ski resorts, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Working at a ski resort in Japan is a unique opportunity to experience the country’s famous powder snow, immerse yourself in its culture, and earn money. Here’s a detailed look at the various positions available, top resorts, average wages, job availability, and language requirements. Job Positions at Japanese Ski Resorts Ski/Snowboard Instructors: These positions are filled by experienced skiers and snowboarders with relevant certifications. Instructors are responsible for teaching guests of all ages and skill levels. Lift Operators: Lifties ensure that ski lifts run smoothly, assisting...
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