A lesson in viral marketing

I must say, when a client tells me that they want to create a viral campaign, my first reaction is to cringe. Viral marketing is an incredibly risky proposition, and for every hit there tends to be 99 misses.

Snow Report June 23rd 2011 - Filmed today at Falls Creek

Hi I'm Samara Tanton and welcome to 150 years of skiing and the daily snow report brought to you by Snow Australia.

Continual snow falls over the last few days have seen over 35cm in the latest storm cycle here at Falls Creek with 8cm falling overnight. 4 lifts are running with more set to open for the weekend including the terrain park.

Looking around the resorts:

Charlotte Pass has had 5cm of snowfall over the last 24 hours to add to a solid base.

Perisher received a further 5cm with 11 lifts running, including the terrain park.

Mt Selwyn copped a whopping 20cm over the past day and has 4 lifts running to show for it.

Thredbo received a solid dusting of 5cm and is currently operating 7 lifts plus terrain park.

Hotham received 4cm over the last 24 hours, has 5 lifts running and the terrain park is open for business.

Lake Mountain has a solid base and all trails are open for business.

Mt Baw Baw had a 1cm dusting and has 3 lifts running.

Mt Buller also copped a 1cm dusting in the last 24 hours to add to its solid base, they're currently running 6 lifts and the terrain park is open.

Don't forget to join our Snow Australia Club for some great prizes and promotions, like-us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to the website as we have loads of great packages on offer.

A small relief effort in Japan after the Tsunami

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This is a small relief effort for the survivors of Japan's 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake that triggered massive tsunamis destroying much of the coast of northern Honshu.

Two Australian's living in Niseko Hokkaido loaded a van and drove to the most affected areas to deliver food, water and basic supplies. The rest of the nation was crippled by fuel shortages and aid was subsequently stalled. ;

This is a small relief effort.

Japan Snow Report - The Daily Flake 3 March 2011 FINAL REPORT

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It's our final snow report for the season but make sure you check in with us tomorrow because we'll be posting a wrap up of the season. And it has been an awesome one!

These reports are updated everyday so make sure you keep watching!

These reports are filed from Niseko, a ski resort on Japan's north Island, Hokkaido. These days, the resort is famous for its incredible and seemingly endless powder days.

The Daily Flake is available for viewing on a range of key snow and travel related websites, so it's easier to find than an Izakaya in Tokyo. ;

Mt Hotham in Victoria Australia - Skiing and Boarding

http://www.mthotham.com.au At Hotham you have 320 hectares of awesome terrain and snow to enjoy serviced by 13 lifts. With the summit at 1861m Hotham gains the best natural snowfalls in Victoria. Take your pick from tree runs, natural half-pipes, gullies, bowls, intermediate cruisers, powder pockets and the extreme zone. Head up the hill and experience the Powder Capital of Australia!

Japan Snow Report - 23rd Feb 2011

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There's a change in the air! Winds have picked up and clouds were crossing the sky in Niseko today. Temperatures were still quite mild but the good news is that snow is on the way!

Japan Snow Report - 21st Feb 2010

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We are back in Niseko and it's good to be home! Looks like we'll have blue sky for the next few days and then snowfalls on Thursday.

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - The Tour de Flake wrap up with Luke Kneller

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We've had an awesome time during The Tour de Flake but unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Luke Kneller wraps up some of the trip highlights for us. Check it out!

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - 15th Feb 2011 SPECIAL REPORT FROM APPI

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Stop two of the Tour de Flake! We have had a great time in Appi, which is located on Japan's main island - Honshu. Next stop, Alts!

Japan Snow Report 9th Feb 2011

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A clear and calm day in Niseko! Perfect for hiking into the back bowls or the up the peak. If you took the proper safety precautions of course! The groomed runs were also in pristine condition. Temperatures were around -11 degrees on the mountain today.

Japan Snow Report - 7th Feb 2011

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It started snowing last night and continued throughout today, heavily at times! The cover of fresh was quite thin this morning off-piste, however conditions improved as the snow kept falling. Snowfalls are forecast to continue this week!

Niseko 6th Feb 2011 SUNDAY SPECIAL

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Check out some of the best footage we shot last week, plus a two day forecast! It was fine and partly cloudy sky today, but snow is on the way for Niseko, we'll let you know when the flakes start to fall. Keep watching!

Japan Snow Report - 3rd February 2011 HIKING THE PEAK

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What do you do on a stunning blue sky day in Niseko? Hike the peak! The Mt. Annupuri Peak sits at 1308m above sea level and offers incredible riding opportunities for advanced skiers and boarders who are experienced in the backcountry. Check out today's...

Japan Snow Report - 2nd Feb 2011

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We woke up to around 10cm of fresh snow this morning and then the sun came out! There are literally football fields full of powder out there at present in Niseko, and it looks like we'll be exploring it all under blue sky this week. Today winds were next to non existent and temperatures were down to -10 degrees.

Japan Snow Report - 1st Feb 2011

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Another brilliant day in this wintry, powdery paradise called Niseko! 45cm fell last night and we saw light falls along with intermittent sunshine during the day. Winds were strong up high and temperatures were down to -14 degrees.

Japan Snow Report - 31st Jan 2011

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There are two activities taking up everyone's time in Niseko at present...riding and digging! It hasn't stopped snowing since Friday afternoon, bringing us up to 2 metres of snow around the lower slopes. It was one of the deepest days of the season so far out there, with the drifts in amongst the trees sitting at waist deep or higher. Winds were moderate to strong and temperatures were down to -12 degrees.

Japan Snow Report - Weekly Wrap 29th Jan 2011

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Up until Friday afternoon we hadn't had a lot of snowfall this week in Niseko, so we had to make our fun somewhere on-piste! Check out this weekly wrap including some terrain park footage from Hanazono and Grand Hirafu. Up to 40cm of snow fell on Friday night and today conditions were deep and dry. Snowfalls should continue into Monday!

Japan Snow Report - 27th Jan 2011

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A spectacular sunny day! You could see for miles and miles. Temperatures managed to stay down around -10 degrees up high and winds were light. We should be back to snowy conditions by tomorrow afternoon!

Japan Snow Report - 28th Jan 2011

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Good news! Just as we started uploading today's report, snow started to fall heavily here in Niseko. It was overcast and the light was very flat out there today. Temperatures were down to -10 degrees and there was next to no wind.

NIGHT SKIING SPECIAL in Niseko Japan

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Today started out overcast and ended up bluebird! No new snow so it was a day for the piste and park. Winds were light and temps were down to minus 10 degrees. Still looking good for snowfalls over the weekend! Check out our special report today featuring all that night time in Niseko has to offer!

Japan Snow Report - 25th Jan 2011

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No new snow last night! So it was the first day in over three weeks that we've had no freshies to shred. So instead we hit the Hanazono Terrain Park. Winds were light and temperatures were down to -10 at the top. Heavier falls forecast for Friday!

Japan Snow Report - 24th Jan 2011

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A gorgeous blue sky day in Niseko! Perfect for exploring the mountain and checking out our resident volcano, Mt Yotei. Only a dusting last night so conditions were a bit lumpy and bumpy, but it was still worth putting in the turns. Light to moderate snowfalls and cold temperatures are forecast for Niseko this week.

Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 23 Jan 2011

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Light snowfalls on and off during the day along with virtually no wind. Only a dusting of snow overnight so you had to put in some work to find fresh turns but it was worth the effort! Snowfalls forecast this week with the possibility of heavier falls on Monday evening. Check out today's special Sunday report including the best footage we shot last week plus a two day forecast. Enjoy!

Japan Snow Report - 22th Jan 2011

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It's been a week of non stop snowfall in Niseko! Strong winds and low visibility have also been a feature but that hasn't stopped skiers and boarders enjoying the amazing snow cover. We may see heavier snowfalls again on Sunday.

Japan Snow Report - 20th Jan 2011

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A real mixed bag today! Winds were strong this morning so some lifts were on hold and the higher ones were running at slow speeds. Then the wind dropped slightly and the sun came out! But no matter what the conditions you can still have a great day in Niseko, check out today's report for some tips on skiing and riding when it's windy.

Japan Snow Report - 19th Jan 2011

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5cm of snow on the ground this morning - just enough to cover our tracks from yesterday. Some of the more popular runs were pretty bumpy, but there were still plenty of fresh lines to be found around the resort. Consistent snowfalls are forecast from now until at least the weekend!

How to Tackle Steep Decents on a Mountain Bike from Manly Dam.

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We are using our standard methodology -- attitude, speed/line and actions.
Our attitude will determine the speed and line we take; and those combined will determine the actions we need make to execute the maneuver.

You need to study the terrain to ascertain the line you will take and to ensure in this situation has a good finishing area to roll out.

If it's your first time, then I suggest a slower speed through the maneuver, which is how I will tackle this.

Japan Snow Report - 18th Jan 2011

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30cm of fresh snow on the ground and the winds had died down - a vast improvement on yesterday! The forecast is for snow to continue this week with heavier falls scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The powder-fest continues!

Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 16 Jan 2011

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We woke up to 30cm of fresh snow this morning and slightly warmer temperatures. A mild minus 8 degrees C out on the mountain today! Winds had picked up and visibility was quite low, but it was awesome riding out there anyway. Today's video is a Sunday Special including a two day forecast and some of the best footage from last week. Enjoy!

Japan Snow Report - 14th Jan 2010

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Today was virtually a carbon copy of yesterday....just colder! Temperatures were down to minus 17 degrees C and they are expected to drop further this evening. Snow is forecast across over the next couple of days so it's another white weekend in Niseko!

Kamonohashi the Mountain Warrior of Niseko

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Kamonohashi is a very brave and talented Tasmanian platypus; these distinct mammals are unique to Australia.At a very young age, after learning about the warriors of Japan, Kamonohashi decided that this was his path and the way to fulfill his dream of becoming a guardian of nature. After saying goodbye to his family in Australia, Kamo took the long journey to Japan to begin his martial arts study and training.Years of dedication and preparation made him a fine example of a great warrior. On completion of his studies; Kamo was presented with a magic staff in recognition of his excellence and his future responsibility of protecting nature. He was sent to Niseko to oversee the mountains, the animals and the children that play there. This is how he came to love the beautiful white winters and develop his skills to become an amazing skier and snowboarder.

Japan Snow Report - Weekly Wrap 15th January 2011

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What a day! 30cm of fresh snow overnight and the Anupurri back bowls were literally overflowing with powder. It's the perfect end to a very cold and snowy week in Niseko. Check out our weekly wrap, including some of the best footage from the last few days. Enjoy!

Japan Snow Report - 13th Dec 2011

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Just another day in paradise! We woke up to blue sky and 30cm of fresh snow on the ground in Hirafu. The sunshine didn't last long but the light dry powder stayed around alllllll day long. Still very cold here in Niseko and it's set to get even colder. More snow on the way too!

Japan Snow Report -12th Jan 2011

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Another minus 14 degree day in Niseko! But those who braved the cold and sniffed out some fresh were rewarded with deep dry stashes. Moderate to heavy falls on the way for Wednesday night, check in with us tomorrow to find out how much has fallen!

Japan Snow Report - 11th Jan 2011

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Another day of playing in the powder! 20cm fell overnight in Niseko and then we had light - moderate snowfalls during the day. The snowdepth at the top of Grand Hirafu is now 300cm! Moderate snowfalls forecast for tomorrow and more freeeeeeezing cold temperatures on the way. ;

Japan Snow Report - 10th January 2011

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Trust us! We did see the sun today! For about five minutes....Still fantastic skiing and boarding conditions with 20cm of fresh to play with in Niseko. Three backcountry gates are open but it's still a good idea to head out there with caution. More snow on the way!

Japan Snow Report - 7th Jan 2011

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It just keeps getting better! Another 50cm (at least!) fell in Niseko on Thursday night. Today was still windy and low visibility but if you were in the trees down low you could go go go! Further snowfalls are on the forecast for Niseko so it's don't pack those powder skis or board away just yet!

Japan Snow Report - 6th Jan 2011

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Woah! An incredible powder day in Niseko. Waist to face deep powder as far as you could see....and ski! Further snowfalls are forecast over the next week - great news!

Japan Snow Report - 5th Jan 2011

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A crazy weather day in Niseko! It started out foggy, then the wind picked up and snow started to fall! Snowfalls are forecast to get heavier over the coming days and we should see it continue allllll week.

Japan Snow Report - 4th Jan 2011

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Another great day of riding in Niseko! 10cm of dry, light powder fell overnight and the runs in the trees were lots of fun. Watch today's report for your chance to WIN a trip to Japan, plus a pair of skis or a board, plus outerwear!

Japan Snow Report - 3rd of Jan 2011

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Surprisingly good conditions in Niseko today! 10 cm fell last night and it really freshened up the cover. Tomorrow should be clear and then snowfalls forecast from Wednesday!

Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 2 Jan 2011

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WELCOME TO 2011! We hope you enjoy this compilation of the best shots of last week, including a two day forecast. Just some very light snowfalls at Niseko over the last 48 hours. Tune in tomorrow for a full snow report!