Frequently Asked Questions
About Snow Creatures
What is Snow Creatures?
Snow Creatures is an independent mountain culture publication for people who plan their year around winter. We cover the towns, the characters, the travel and the gear, with resort guides and stories from Japan, Canada, the US, the Alps, South America, Australia and New Zealand.
Who’s behind it?
A small, independent team of skiers and snowboarders, plus a growing network of writers, photographers and creators who live and work in mountain towns.
Which mountains do you cover?
We follow the snow, so there’s no off-season here. From June to October that mostly means Australia, New Zealand and South America, and from around November it’s Japan, North America and Europe.
How do you decide what to cover?
We write about places and gear we think are worth your time and money. Every fact is checked against official sources, like resort reports, weather agencies and the brands themselves, before anything goes live.
Is any of your content sponsored?
Sometimes. We work with resorts, hotels and brands we’d happily recommend anyway, and any paid or gifted content is clearly labelled as a partnership.
Do you earn money from the links in your stories?
Some links are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission if you book or buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Snow Creatures independent, and it never decides what we recommend.
How up to date are your guides?
Pass prices, lift networks and season dates change every year, and we update our guides when they do. Before you book, check the resort’s own site for the latest. If you spot something that’s changed, let us know and we’ll fix it.
The Newsletter
How often does the newsletter go out, and what’s in it?
Every week. Each send brings you the stories worth reading, conditions and trip planning notes, and the gear we think is worth your money. It’s also where our monthly giveaways land. Subscribe here.
Giveaways and Trips
How do the giveaways work?
We run monthly giveaways for the Snow Creatures community. Each one has its own terms and conditions, which set out who can enter, how the winner is chosen and when entries close, so check those before you jump in.
Does Snow Creatures run ski trips?
Not yet, but they’re coming. We’re building trips the way we’d want to travel ourselves, with good snow, local knowledge and time in town as well as on the hill, rather than a package with our logo on it. Newsletter subscribers will be the first to know when they open.
Planning a Snow Trip
When is the best time to ski Japan?
For the most reliable powder, aim for mid-January to mid-February, when Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps are usually at their snowiest. Late January tends to be the sweet spot once Australian summer holidays wrap up. Check the date of the Lunar New Year before you book, because it falls in late January or February and brings its own rush. Choosing your first Japan trip? Start with Niseko vs Hakuba.
Should I get the Ikon Pass or the Epic Pass?
Start with where you ski in winter here. The Epic Australia Pass gives you unlimited days at Perisher, Falls Creek and Hotham, then access to dozens of resorts overseas in the following northern winter, including Whistler Blackcomb, Hakuba Valley and Rusutsu. The Ikon Pass covers Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt in New Zealand, and Niseko United in Japan, though most of those come with a set number of days rather than unlimited access. Line-ups change every season, so check the current list before you buy.
How far ahead should I buy a season pass?
As early as you can commit. Both the Epic Australia Pass and the Ikon Pass are cheapest in their first sale window, and the price goes up in steps as the season gets closer.
When does the Australian ski season start?
The season traditionally opens on the King’s Birthday long weekend in New South Wales and Victoria, in early June. Opening weekend often leans on snowmaking, so if you’re only going once, we’d aim for July or August.
When does the New Zealand ski season start?
The big South Island ski areas usually target mid-June, and Queenstown’s mountains run into early October. Openings can slip when early snow is thin, so keep an early-season trip flexible.
Does travel insurance cover skiing and snowboarding?
Often not by default. Smartraveller warns that most travel insurance policies don’t include sports and adventure activities, so skiing and snowboarding usually need an add-on or a policy built for snow trips. Read the PDS for how the insurer defines off-piste and terrain park riding, and check that mountain rescue is covered.
I’m new to the snow. Where should I start?
Pick a mountain with good beginner terrain close to the lifts, and book a lesson for your first morning. Our guide to the best ski resorts for beginners in Australia and New Zealand compares the options.
Work With Us
I’m a creator. How do I join the Creator Program?
Apply through our Creator Program form. We work with skiers, snowboarders, photographers and mountain-town locals, and we get in touch when a brief suits your mountain and your style.
Can I write for Snow Creatures?
Yes. We publish written features, photography and visual work from people who live the mountain life. Send a pitch through our Write for Snow Creatures page with the story, why it matters and a link to your work.
I’m a resort, hotel or brand. How do we work together?
We partner with tourism boards, resorts, hotels, tour operators and outdoor brands on sponsored features, social campaigns, creator content and newsletter placements. Head to Media partnerships or email hello@snowcreatures.com.au.
