Sno’n’Ski Holidays’ first 2020 Mega Famil to Japan has ended on Saturday 29th February in Hakuba.
After experiencing the best of the Tohoku Region and Nagano Prefecture with four nights in each, the group of 30 agents from across Australia make a stop to the snow monkeys on their return to Tokyo to head home.
Beginning in Shizukuishi, the agents were amazed with the choices of runs and the lack of lift lines at this beautiful resort. Flight Centre Consultant Alannah Silva said, “While staying at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel make sure to take advantage of the incredible onsen during your stay. Especially good to soothe muscles after a day on the slopes.”
“There are just so many runs to enjoy while here, make sure to try the night skiing, cat skiing and spend a day at Amihari Onsen Ski Resort or Iwate Kogen Snow Park to make the most of the whole region,” said Ms Silva.
After a traditional lunch of the regions iconic dish wanko-soba the agents headed for Appi Kogen Ski Resort, their second stop of the adventure.
“Appi was excellent, there were plenty of English-speaking instructors for anyone who had lessons, an excellent kids park and great runs for the more advanced people in the group”, said Nicole Bentley from Helloworld Travel.
“In terms of the terrain, Appi is a ski-in ski-out paradise and offers a really great split for all levels of skier. If you are travelling with children, they cater really well for families and have plenty of dining options to suit everyone. ”
Next, the group travelled by bullet train from Morioka to Nagano, which is a fun experience for anyone who hasn’t been on a bullet train before. Even with a large group the process was easy.
Pocket Travel Owner Claire Robertson-Holliday said, “Shiga Kogen was a winter wonderland, skiing through pine trees covered with snow was a magical experience. Japan’s reputation of powder snow lived up to it’s name in Shiga Kogen.“
The final stop of this 8-night itinerary was well known Hakuba in the Nagano Prefecture. Being the most well-known resort of the trip, agents were still pleasantly surprised by how much they learnt from visiting Hakuba. Flight Centre Team Leader Paula Albers said, “Hakuba was so different to what I expected, it reminded me of Banff in Canada with lots of quaint buildings and a real village feeling.“
Overall, Sno’n’Ski’s 2020 Mega Famil was a mega success with 30 of Australia’s top-selling ski and snow travel agents experiencing four of Honshu’s ski destinations, lesser known resorts Shizukuishi, Appi and Shiga Kogen as well as Hakuba.
Sno’n’Ski General Manager, Daniel Walker, said their annual Mega Famil will return in 2021. The official details of where agents will be heading is yet to be released.
“Each year we see more interest from agents, and we want to make sure we are maximising the first-hand experience of our top sellers to help them continue to develop their passion for selling snow holidays” said Mr Walker.
“The famil’s format allows attendees to completely immerse themselves in the intricate layers of each destination,” he concluded.
To check out this year’s Mega Famil highlight reel, search the Instagram hashtag #snonskimega2020.
Sno’n’Ski is currently promoting several unbeatable Japan ski packages, including a seven-night stay and ski deal from just $686 per person, based on twin share. Call 1300 766 754 or email info@snonski.com.au to find out more.
