Trade the 40-degree heatwaves for -10-degree powder. Here is how to maximize your annual leave around Australia Day.
The Ultimate Seasonal Swap While the rest of Australia is melting in a February heatwave, Japanese ski resorts are hitting their peak. The Reality: January and February are the "Golden Months" for Japan. It’s when the Siberian winds are at their strongest and the snow is at its deepest. For Australians, this is the perfect time to burn some annual leave. --- 1. The "Australia Day" Hack Australia Day (January 26th) usually falls in the middle of a massive snow dump in Hokkaido. The Move: Take the week off around the public holiday. You get a "free" day of leave and arrive in Japan when the "base" is fully established and every run is open. The Crowd: Be warned—every other Aussie has the same idea.
Niseko Hirafu will feel like a suburb of Melbourne on January 26th. 2. The "Back to School" Window If you don't have kids, wait until early February. Why? The Australian school holidays end in late January. The families head home, the crowds thin out slightly, but the snow is still dumping. This is the "Sweet Spot" for serious skiers. 3. The Physical Contrast Going from 35°C in Sydney to -15°C in Niseko is a shock to the system.
Yuki's Advice: Don't underestimate the cold. Your "winter gear" from home is probably not enough. Invest in a proper down mid-layer. You will feel the chill much more because your body isn't acclimated. --- Swap the beach for the birch trees. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a 42-degree forecast for home while you are clicking into your skis in a blizzard. Check our Live Cams to rub it in—send a screenshot of the snow to your sweaty friends back home.