Travel

New Zealand is an Island Nation located on the southwest corner of the Pacific Rim.  It boasts some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the world. The country is comprised of a network of islands. The two major islands are the North and South Islands separated by Cook Strait. The remaining islands surround the North and South Islands spreading over a considerable expanse of ocean. New Zealand's unique climate and topography means it can offer visitors any range of experiences from sub-tropical through to the most extreme of alpine adventures.

During the winter months the 24 ski areas and 12 heli-ski operators offer some of the best alpine experiences anywhere on the planet. The ski and snowboard season lasts from early June through to early October. New Zealand provides a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding areas varying from the Resort experience offered by Queenstown and Wanaka through to the "Backpacker" experience offered by the Club owned and operated ski areas in the Canterbury region.

The North Island's only major skiable mountain is Mt. Ruapehu, with two fields operating: one on its Northern face the other on its Southern face.  Ski Experiences in NZ are vast and varied and range from the easy to the extreme with something to suit everyone in between... Enjoy your time here and tell a friend!

Ski U.S.A.

Vast, endless mountain ranges that stretch the length of New Zealand and that's just the Rockies and Colorado! Then there are the hundreds of other ski resorts and ranges that litter the American landscape.

You've heard those stories about how good skiing is there and wondered what it was all really about?  Ski Holidays to USA offer a very different experience to what we are used to in New Zealand. That will come as no surprise to the thousands of Kiwis who travel to Ski USA regularly. But for first-time American skiers, it is always a pleasant surprise to find a totally dedicated ski resort built for skiers and boarders, right on the mountain.

The snow is guaranteed and falls regularly. The resulting light and dry powder is world-renowned and Mountain closures due to lack of snow or bad weather is virtually unheard of. There are plenty of blue sky days: Vail, Copper and Aspen Mountains in Colorado gets 300 blue sky days per year and around 8 metres of light and dry snow to go with it!
The ski areas are big, HUGE even. Runs are varied, and long - some up to 11kms. Lifts and gondolas are comfortable and fast. Queues, especially during the week, are non-existent and you'll often find yourself cruising down perfectly manicured pistes or gladed trails with no one in sight. There's plenty of terrain to keep everyone from the absolute beginner right on up to the adrenaline junkie amused, enthralled and exhilarated for the entire time you're there.

Snow.co has partnered with the experts in ski holidays to bring you the easiest way direct to the U.S.A. Talk to them - they've skied there and can help with everything you need including visa's, transfers, all flights, accommodation to suit every budget and much, much more.

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Ski Canada

No other country has been compared to NZ more often than Canada - the terrain, the beauty, the friendly and welcoming attitude of its people. But, I can speak from experience when I say that there is a marked difference in their ski fields.

The ‘Ski in Ski Out' Resorts of Sun Peaks, Big White and Silver Star of British Columbia are just a few of the many examples. With their villages and towns nestled at the bottom of the slopes, where the lifts and gondolas rise up from right outside your door. You can ski from your accommodation to the lifts in the morning, and back to your door at the end of the day or just stop off in between for a cuppa.

There's always plenty to do at the end of a fun day on the slopes - try dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, zip lining or snow tubing. Enjoy the local cuisine - At most resorts there's a full range of bars, restaurants, shopping and accommodation to boot - Whistler's got 93 bars and restaurants, and over 200 shops! Or just relax in a soothing hot tub back at your accommodation.

The ski schools are world class, and it's a great place to learn, or improve your skills. Children are well catered for, from fun ski lessons to adventure programmes with lots of family oriented apres ski activities and fun to be had, and at most Canadian Ski Resorts, kids stay and ski for free!  Then there's the cost. It's cheaper than you'd expect. Especially if you take advantage of the Earlybird Specials and book your trips around the end of the NZ season.

Snow.co and Dive Fish Snow Travel have partnered to bring you some of the best Ski Packages to Canada available, so check them out and act fast if you want to take advantage of the Early Bird Booking specials.

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Ski Japan

The land of the rising sun and the settling snow - now internationally renowned as a ski destination, Japan is quickly becoming a major destination for travelling Kiwi skiers.

Hokkaido lies directly on the snow highway of the Siberian Desert storms as they race across the Sea of Japan and slam into Hokkaido's high peaks, dumping a staggering 14 metres of the coldest, driest and fluffiest powder snow imaginable across Mts Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano.

But skiing in Japan has so much more to offer the International skier and rider than just legendary snow. It also offers a unique chance to explore the history of Japan's ancient and modern cultures, combined with all the marvels and fascination of the Orient. The Japanese people are warm and friendly and love to introduce visitors to the mystical charm and beauty of their country and their customs, making your ski holiday exciting and fun, both on and off the slopes. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine or modern European food served in a Japanese style, or soak your tired muscles in an onsen - traditional Japanese bathhouse.

Don't panic if you don't speak a word of Japanese; it's not a problem. In the ski towns of Hokkaido and Hukuba, English is widely spoken as a second language, and the ski hosts and ski instructors are usually English, or English speaking. Even if the locals don't speak perfect English, they more than make up for it with their enthusiastic desire to share their slice of skiers' heaven with visitors.

It's important to book with people you can trust, especially in foreign countries where English is not a first language. Snow.co trust and recommends Dive Fish Snow Travel as they have personally checked out the various Ski Resorts and accommodation options, from ski-in ski-out locations, affordable family owned bed and breakfast ski lodges to modern European condos with great views and the latest in Japanese gadgetry. They will also book your airfares, and ensure you are met at airports and transferred to your accommodation by an English speaking ski guide who will also sort your lift passes, take you to a supermarket for a weekly shop, help you with local tours, history, sightseeing and any other needs you may have.

Free Ski Japan