Nagano has more to offer than snow

The Japanese resort of Nagano is a popular winter destination for skiers and snowboarders but local tourism officials are urging visitors to explore beyond the snowfields and resorts for a better understanding and appreciation of the region and its culture.

The popular destination, about 250km north-west of capital Tokyo, is split into six distinct regions with each having their own characteristics, from the historic sites to the ancient walking trails and natural beauty.

“Despite the surge of holidaying Australians each northern winter, Nagano is truly an all-year-round destination, and we can break new records by urging visitors to stay longer or return after winter during the autumn, spring or summer seasons,” says Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.

“There is so much to see and learn across the prefecture’s regions, whether it be at the dinner table or on a trek along one of the ancient routes.

“Historic sites and breath-taking scenery go hand-in-hand wherever you explore.”

So popular is Nagano with Australians that recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Aussie market maintaining its spot at No.2 behind Japan’s near neighbours Taiwan for time spent in the prefecture.

Statistics for 2025 (until the end of August) show Australians spending 143,860 bed nights during the period, an increase of more than 28,000 on the previous record-breaking year’s figures and ahead of the People’s Republic of China in third position.



Apart from onsens and large ski resorts, northern Nagano is renowned for its snow monkeys and the iconic Zenkoji Temple.

In Central Nagano, beyond the castle town of Matsumoto, you'll find the wasabi-growing district of Azumino, the Hakuba Valley and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Each region offers a slice of the "real Japan".    

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

Rosewood expands into the luxury snow space

The Rosewood Hotel Group - which operates several of New Zealand's leading luxury resorts - has opened its first ski resort.

The group this month officially launched opened Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin in France. It has 51 rooms and suites in various configurations. 

The new alpine retreat marks Rosewood’s entry into a new travel sector, although it also operates the legendary Hôtel de Crillon in Paris among other luxury destinations.

The US-founded group, Hong Kong-owned, currently operates 38 hotels in 23 countries/regions and has 21 hotels slated for future development. It manages Kauri Cliffs, Matakauri Lodge and Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand.

This debut follows seven openings in 2025, including Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills.

Sonia Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Rosewood Hotel Group, said: “Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin, our first ski resort, is a milestone that reflects our long‑term commitment to thoughtfully expanding our global portfolio and entry in new, experience-driven sectors.”

Situated in the village of Courchevel 1850, the resort also offers luxury accommodations, dining concepts, wellness experiences, and direct ski‑in/ski‑out access.

Anticipated openings over the next year include Rosewood AMAALA, an ultra‑luxury retreat on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, Rosewood Blue Palace and Rosewood Residence Crete, the first property in Greece.

Rosewood is a Hong Kong–based multi-national hotel management group. 

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts was founded in 1979 and is now incorporated in the British Virgin Islands. 

Nagano offers a different slice of Japan

While popular Japanese destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo are trying to cut down on tourism numbers, others are lifting their promotional efforts to draw more visitors.

The lovely Nagano region is campaigning to draw more Australians off the beaten track to explore its traditional villages while taking in the mountain views.

A popular northern winter escape for Aussie skiers and snowboarders, Nagano is also showcasing other attractions that are a feature of the area all year round, including trekking and cycling .

The alpine region - about 250km north-west of Tokyo - wants to appeal to visitors interested in its traditions, culture and cuisine.

Visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the high-profile attractions which include Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where snow monkeys bathe in the springs.

“Unlike the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, we are looking at attracting travellers to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of Japan,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.

“We aim to unearth a side of Nagano that will appeal and surprise Australians looking for an escape from the typical tourist crowds and in search of a special experience.

“In doing so, we are focusing on the alpine area’s traditional villages and the spectacular rural settings that surround them.”

One such example is the Nakasendo, a 534km ancient trail that connects Kyoto with Tokyo. Built during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was one of the longest but safest routes to travel along between the old and new capitals.

It was one of five major roads established at the time, but unlike others that have succumbed to modern development, much of the Nakasendo in the Nagano Prefecture has remained untouched.

Parts of the road that people travelled along hundreds of years ago, as well as the towns in which they stayed during the long journeys, can still be seen today.

“Magome, Tsumago and Narai are the most well-preserved and popular towns to visit,” said Wong.

“Visitors can walk among these ancient settlements and along the old roads that connected them, and you will experience a slice of Japan’s history that many of today’s guests miss."

Recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Australian market at number two behind Japan’s neighbours Taiwan for time spent in Nagano.

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

Ski set get premium Champagne experiences

Champagne is always a popular drink with the ski set, so a new collaboration between Champagne House Pommery and Thredbo Resort, Australia’s premier year-round alpine destination, makes sense.

Located in the heart of Australia’s highest mountain range, Thredbo’s European-style village and  experiences create the perfect backdrop to enjoying a bottle or two of bubbles.

As the resort officially opens for the winter season, guests can indulge in Champagne Pommery cuvées at various venues across the resort.

The Thredbo Long Lunch presented by Pommery kicked things off with over 200 guests enjoying Pommery from sabred magnums, served through a bespoke ice sculpture luge.

Very fancy.

A series of Kareela Supper Club events presented by Pommery will run throughout winter.

Guests will be transported across the mountain via a gondola and snowcat under the stars on Saturday nights, before arriving at the Kareela Hutte restaurant. From the deck, diners will enjoy the Flare Run and Fireworks Show from mountain top while imbibing.

“We are thrilled to partner with the beautiful Thredbo Resort," said Inge Fransen, CEO of Vranken-Pommery Australia.

"In our history, we have always aligned with industry players who share our commitment to creating premium experiences and considering the environment as our greatest source of inspiration.

"As the home to Australia’s premier year-round alpine destination, Thredbo’s first-hand offering for its guests and its dedication to preserving and protecting its environment makes the partnership a perfect match.”

Founded in 1836, the Champagne house has a rich heritage. The Champagne Pommery estate features 18kms of art galleries hollowed out into the chalk cellars that house over 20 million bottles of Champagne.

See www.champagnepommery.com and www.thredbo.com.au.

On the right track: London to the Alps

So you will be in London this northern winter, but fancy a few days skiing in the Alps?

Eurostar Group has announced details of the brand-new Eurostar Snow train service leaving from London to the Alps via Lille Europe.

With fares starting from £99, ski and snowboard enthusiasts can head to the pistes by making a connection in Lille before continuing their journey on a Eurostar continental train.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased via Eurostar.com.

The new service offers customers a sustainable alternative to flying - and now crowded airports - with more stops in the Alps than ever before. Eurostar Snow will take travellers to top ski resorts including Chambéry, Albertville, Moutiers and Aime-La Plagne, before arriving in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, its final destination.

Departing from London from December 16, Eurostar Snow will run for eight weekends throughout the ski season. Leaving on Saturday mornings, the train will arrive at the slopes in perfect time for après-ski.

Francois Le Doze, Chief Commercial Officer, Eurostar Group: “We're proud to offer our customers a sustainable travel option to the Alps by launching our first connecting service as Eurostar Group. 

"With a quick and easy connection, competitive pricing and five stops to choose from, passengers can enjoy a seamless experience with us from the city of London to the snow-capped mountains of France.”

Passengers benefit from a generous luggage allowance offering each traveller two suitcases, one piece of hand luggage and skis or snowboard at no extra cost.

Canada takes winter fun very seriously

If you want to experience a serious winter then Canada is a good place to start with its several months of bone-numbing cold weather, world-class skiing, a lively après-ski scene and and some of nature’s most impressive light shows from the Northern Lights.

Think sled dog trips, polar bears, ice hockey matches and amazing icebergs off Newfoundland and Labrador.

British Columbia alone is home to 13 major ski resorts including the iconic Whistler Blackcomb (below), which is considered North America’s premier mountain resort, and where you'll hear plenty of Australian accents from staff.

From Vancouver to the Rocky Mountains, Canadian Tourism promises ski resorts with wide-open runs, deep snow, and friendly residents.

A number of resorts in British Columbia boast ‘ski-in ski-out’ villages, including Sun Peaks, Silver Star Mountain Resort, and Big White Ski Resort.

And there are plenty of parties where the locals speak your language.

In Alberta, SkiBig3 offers a single lift ticket providing direct lift access at all three resorts: Banff Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay.

Lake Louise (top image) is one of the most scenic ski resorts in North America, with spectacular scenery and the Sightseeing Gondola.

In eastern Canada, Quebec’s Mont Tremblant is a popular destination for locals.

Only one problem: its is hard to find a good coffee in Canada, no matter what the season. Fortunately, the wines, beers and spirits are very good.   

# Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney, and direct to and from Brisbane four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights are available throughout Canada from all major cities, in addition to the VIA Rail train service.

See www.keepexploring.com.au

Add a wine tasting experience to your Victorian ski adventure

With the ski season already underway, powder hounds are planning their road trips to the Victorian ski resorts.

With some of Australia’s best wineries just a stone’s throw from Mt Hotham, Mt Buller and Falls Creek, a wine tasting side tip could well be on the cards, the team from Ultimate Winery Experiences recommends.

Here are two ideal side trips:

Prosecco Brunch at Brown Brothers

Stop in at Brown Brothers in Milawa, less than two hours from Mt Buller, Falls Creek and Mt Hotham, where you can chill out in your very own private Prosecco Lounge. Taste your way through the Brown Brothers’ Prosecco range (below) as you indulge in a gourmet spread of freshly baked sweets and pastries, local Milawa cheeses, house-made delicacies, terrines and seasonal fruits. Book your Prosecco Brunch here.

Address: 239 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Road, Milawa, Victoria



Pizzini Overnight Food and Wine Escape

Just half an hour from Brown Brothers, Pizzini Wines’ beautiful King Valley cellar door offers a northern Italian wine immersion with a tutored tasting and the chance to discover why Italian wine varietals shine with food as you savour an Italian-style grazing platter.

Continue on to the Pizzini-owned Mountain View Hotel nearby and then spend an afternoon taking in the local attractions, such as Powers Lookout and an abundance of breweries. In the evening, you’ll be treated to a four-course dinner with matched wines created by Joel Pizzini in the fine dining lounge of the hotel. Book your Pizzini Overnight Food and Wine Escape here.

Distance from Mt Buller: 90 minutes. Distance from Mt Hotham and Falls Creek: 2 hours 20 mins

Address: 175 King Valley Road, Whitfield, Victoria