Guests
Press & Media
Japan Ski Experience has been based in Japan’s ski resorts since 2007. Our team lives and works year-round in Niseko and Hakuba, and we hold nearly two decades of proprietary booking data across Niseko, Hakuba, Furano and Rusutsu.
We provide journalists and researchers with data, background and on-the-ground comment for stories about skiing and winter tourism in Japan.
- Named quotes, usually same-day during snowfall or news events
- 15+ seasons of proprietary booking data, 2011–present
- Reply within 1 business day (JST)
Media Contact
We respond within one business day (Japan Standard Time). For urgent requests during breaking weather or news events, mark your subject line URGENT.
What We Can Help With
Data, background and comment for stories about skiing and winter tourism in Japan.
Booking & demand data
Resort market share, booking lead times, sell-out timing, nationality mix, season length trends. Dataset covers 2011–present.
On-the-ground comment
Named quotes from our directors and resort managers in Niseko and Hakuba, usually same-day during major snowfall or news events.
Fact-checking
Resort details, village names, lift access, season dates, transport. If a detail about Japan’s ski resorts needs verifying, ask.
Imagery
High-resolution photography of the resorts, villages and accommodation, shot by our in-house team and updated throughout each season. Recent, season-accurate images available on request with credit. Where timing allows we can shoot specific requests on location in Niseko and Hakuba.
Key Facts: Japan's Main International Ski Resorts
Niseko
Hokkaido
- Four interlinked resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, Annupuri) on one pass, on Mt Annupuri (1,308 m)
- Average annual snowfall around 14–15 metres at village level
- Season: late November to early May
- Record 2.2 million winter visitors in 2024–25, exceeding the pre-pandemic record of 2.1 million (2018–19)
- Nearest airport: New Chitose (Sapporo), roughly 2–2.5 hours by road
Hakuba Valley
Nagano
- Ten resorts across the valley on a single pass; venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics
- Largest lift-served vertical in Japan (Happo-One, 1,071 m)
- Average annual snowfall around 11 metres at upper elevations
- Season: late November to early May depending on resort
- Record 1.7 million winter visitors in 2024–25, up 12% year on year
- Access: around 90 minutes Tokyo–Nagano by shinkansen, then approximately one hour by road
Furano
Hokkaido
- Two connected ski areas (Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone)
- Colder inland climate producing consistently dry snow; average annual snowfall around 9 metres
- Season: late November to early May
- Nearest airport: Asahikawa (approx. 1 hour) or New Chitose (approx. 2.5 hours)
Rusutsu
Hokkaido
- Hokkaido’s largest single ski resort by course count: 37 courses across three mountains
- Average annual snowfall around 13 metres
- Season: late November to early April
- Around 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport; 30 minutes from Niseko
Our Booking Data
15+ seasons of international guest bookings across all four resorts. Published findings include Hakuba overtaking Niseko in booking share for the first time in 2025–26 (58% vs 42% of our accommodation bookings).
We can prepare specific data for editorial use, with attribution to Japan Ski Experience.
Email us directly at media@japanskiexperience.com for media requests.
- Booking lead times by resort and property type
- Sell-out timing for peak weeks
- Nationality mix and stay length trends
Available for Comment
Lindsay Colbert
Managing Director
An avid skier, Lindsay spent 5 fantastic seasons skiing resorts across Japan, both on the mainland and in Hokkaido, before founding Japan Ski Experience in 2007. Lindsay’s main focus is improving client experiences year on year to take JSE from strength to strength.
Alister Buckingham
Marketing Manager
Based in Niseko since 2009, Alister is a marketing expert with extensive knowledge of the industry and a strategic approach shaped by years of experience and a Masters Degree in Marketing. Alister is also an award winning photographer with a passion for snowboarding.
Sarah Mulholland
Hakuba Area Manager
Having spent 21 winters skiing in Hakuba, Sarah is passionate about deep powder and Japanese culture. With vast local knowledge and experience of Hakuba accommodation, Sarah joined JSE in 2012 and manages Hakuba accommodation bookings.
Justine Anbeek
Director / Business Manager
Justine moved to Niigata in 2004 and joined the JSE team in 2011. As Japan Ski Experience’s business manager Justine’s client focused approach ensures all accommodation bookings translate into seamless stays.
Ben Thorpe
Director / Hokkaido Area Manager
Following 19 winters in Japan, starting in Niigata and with the most recent 14 years spent in Niseko where he has become a local family man, few can rival Ben’s knowledge of the area. Ben manages Niseko bookings and wider Hokkaido operations.
About Japan Ski Experience
Founded in Niseko in 2007 by Lindsay Colbert and Ben Thorpe, Japan Ski Experience is an award-winning accommodation booking platform for Japan’s leading winter destinations, offering more than 5,800 stays across Niseko, Hakuba, Furano and Rusutsu. Recent recognition includes World’s Best Ski Travel Agent to Japan (World Ski Awards 2025) and Accommodation Specialist of the Year 2025 – Hokkaido (Travel & Hospitality Awards).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use your data or statistics in my article?
Yes. Data and figures we publish or provide can be used freely in editorial with attribution to Japan Ski Experience. For anything not already published, email us and we’ll prepare what you need.
How should I credit Japan Ski Experience?
“Japan Ski Experience” with a link to japanskiexperience.com where the format allows. For data, “according to Japan Ski Experience booking data” or similar.
How quickly can you respond or provide a quote?
Within one business day (Japan Standard Time) as standard. During major snowfall or breaking news we can usually provide same-day comment; mark your subject line URGENT.
Can you provide photography for my article?
Yes. We have recent, high-resolution photography of the resorts, villages and accommodation, updated throughout each season, available free for editorial use with credit. Where timing allows, we can also shoot specific requests on location in Niseko and Hakuba.
Is there a cost for data, images or comment?
No. We provide these free for editorial use with attribution.
Can you fact-check details about Japan's ski resorts?
Yes. Village names, lift access, season dates, transport, resort details. Send what you have and we’ll confirm or correct it.
Can you arrange interviews or press visits?
Email us with your outlet, angle and timing. We can arrange interviews with the team listed above, and can advise on press visits to the resorts.
Do you comment on individual hotels or operators?
We’re happy to provide factual information about resorts and accommodation types. We don’t provide critical commentary on individual businesses.
Do you work with travel writers or bloggers?
Yes. We’re happy to work with journalists, travel writers and content creators covering Japan ski travel. Our team has first-hand knowledge of all four resorts and can assist with background information, imagery and on-the-ground insights.
Working on a story about skiing in Japan?
Email us directly at media@japanskiexperience.com and we’ll come back within one business day (JST)