From Dream to Reality: Owning Your Own Ski Lodge in Japan Pt.1 with Dan Solo / Snowball Japan

Snow Country Stories Japan

In Episode 34 of the podcast we head to Madarao Mountain Resort in Nagano to speak with Dan Solo of Snowball Japan. Originally from Australia, Dan and his wife Andy first travelled to Japan more than 20 years ago and fell in love with life in the snow country. They set themselves to one day run their own ski lodge, a dream that came to fruition when they opened Snowball Chalet in Madarao, followed soon after by Snowman Apartments. Since that time, Dan and Andy have taken on more properties in Madarao, the connected resort of Tangram Ski Circus, and nearby Shiga Kogen – Japan’s largest ski resort.

Dan and I discuss just how he turned his dream into reality, the concept and design behind each of his properties, Madarao and other ski resorts accessible from the properties along with his suggestions of what to look for if you’re looking for a ski resort to start your own business in Japan. Our chat is wide-ranging and longer than usual, so to avoid editing and cutting out some really engaging parts of the conversation, this episode is split into two. The second half of the interview will be available for download in a week’s time.

For more information, visit the Snowball Japan website and you can also find them on Instagram and Facebook by searching Snowball Chalet at Madarao Mountain. The episode page of the Snow Country Stories Japan website has images, links and a map showing you where in the snow country we are.

Snow Country Stories Japan is a bi-weekly podcast about life and travel in Japan's legendary 'yukiguni'. For more information about the show and your host, visit our website - www.snowcountrystories.com - and make sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

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1. Episode Introduction (00:00:00)

2. How Dan's Love for Japan Began (00:03:16)

3. Dan's Journey From Australia Back to Japan (00:09:58)

4. Decision to Choose Madarao & Why He Rates the Resort (00:12:13)

5. How Two Australians Could Start a Business in Japan (00:22:38)

6. Acquiring a Proprety & Openning for the First Season (00:28:52)

7. Snowball Chalet: A Home Away from Home (00:32:11)

8. Snowman Apartments: Self-contained, Considered Comfort (00:36:03)

9. Dan's Dirty Little Secret (00:42:22)

10. Episode Close (00:47:05)