Sledging at Centleisure-Maiko

Maiko is one of those resorts that doesn't seem to get lots of mentions but if you talk to anyone who has been there you tend to hear nothing but praise.

It is definitely aimed at families and has a great range of terrain that is ideal for beginners and intermediates, with long, cruisy runs. They work hard at providing interesting features for the younger ones with plenty of sculpted wave runs and some little jumps to get the little ones interested. There is also a decent terrain park there for those looking for a challenge.

They also have a sledging run (with sledges available to rent) that spans the length of an entire lift and is a big hit with the youngsters. They offer banana boat rides if you are looking for something different to do.

It can be a bit of a confusing resort on your first visit as it has two areas linked by a connecting horizontal lift. From the top of the gondola side you can see the top lift of Iwappara resort just a few hundred meters away. Many people have wondered why it isn't linked to create one of the region's larger areas. Apparently the land between the two lifts is owned by a third resort who do not like the idea of Maiko and Iwappara joining forces.

If you haven't been you should definitely put this one on the list. Great runs, ski-in, ski-out accommodation and very child friendly.

Tenjin Banked Slalom - 3&4 March 2012

The FIS Freestyle World Cup in Naeba won't be the only exciting racing going on  in Snow Country this winter. The Tenjin Banked Slalom event will be another one that attracts some big names and will be a thrilling one to watch.

Groups of boarders are set off at the same time and battle down a meandering course (that is usually one of the off piste runs at Tenjin) that has been carefully sculpted down one of the gullies. It is fast-paced and super-competitive with plenty of spills. Check out their gallery page for some videos of the event.

There is also an after party at Canyons Alpine Lodge so you can party with the riders who go equally hard at night.

FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in Naeba 2012

One of the biggest events to hit Snow Country this winter will be the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in Naeba on Saturday February 18th and Sunday February 19th. Some of the world's best mogul skiers, including some impressive homegrown talent will be battling it out for rankings and medals.

Saturday is the Men's Moguls and Sunday sees the Men's and Women's Dual Moguls, both of which will be great spectacles. It is not often you get to see such high class athletes strut their stuff and it is always impressive.

If you are up for the weekend there is also the after party held at the ever popular Asagai Resthouse which is proving to be the place to be seen this year.

Minami Uonuma Snow Festival - Feb 11 & 12

February is a busy time in Snow Country. It is mid-winter and there are plenty of festivals and events to keep you amused. We've covered the Tokamachi Snow Festival. It is the biggest in the area but there are plenty more around, with almost every town in the region having some kind of snow festival at some point in the winter.

Saturday February 11th and Sunday February 12th it is the turn of Muikamachi to hold their Snow Festival which has been running for over 60 years.

It takes place this year on the road down from Muikamachi Station and will feature all the staples of a Snow Country Festival - great local foods, snow sculptures, fireworks and music. Saturday it runs from midday to 9pm and on Sunday from 10 - 3.

If you are in the area it will make for a great trip to get a taste of local culture.

International Snowball Fight in Koide - Feb 12 2012

Yukigassen is the Japanese word for an organised snowball fight and there is a giant one in Koide every year. This is the 24th International Snowball Competition in Koide and with all the snow this year it promises to be a good one.

These snowball fights happen all over the country with most towns in snowy parts having their own association. It is a "capture the flag" type battle with teams of 5. The court is marked out and has barriers to hide behind as you try to snipe off the opposition, with judges calling the hits. The snowballs are made in giant presses and left in strategic places on the court. There are some English rules here.

It's great fun to play and frenetic & fast-paced to watch so promises to be a great weekend. It takes place in the impressively named Snow Coliseum.

Bumper year for snow

The snow this year has been phenomenal. It looked as if it would be a late start to the season but then come mid-December the snow started to fall and pretty much didn't stop. Blue skies have been few and far between and the heavy snowfalls have hit the news as record amounts fall. It is easy to see why this area earned the name "Snow Country" and the mind boggles at what life must have been like back in the day with out all our modern conveniences. Even with giant snowplough, snow blowers and heat mats daily life can be a bit of a struggle in a big snow winter.

Cold drink anyone? If you can get to the vending machine...

Kamakura - Japanese Igloos

Living in the snow you soon learn how to make yourself a shelter of some kind and the kamakura is the Japanese version of the igloo.

Many of the festivals you go to will feature kamakura in one way or another and some of them are dedicated solely to these constructions. With a hollowed out inside, once you get a fire going they can get quite cosy, especially as you are sitting in there enjoying some warming winter soup or some hot sake.

Naeba Ski Resort currently have a Kamakura Festival in progress until the end of the month. You can have a crack at making your own or just spend some time chilling out (literally) in one of these shelters.