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Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Associated Press
Wayfairer Travel Launches New Skiing and Culture Tour in Japan's Lesser-Known Mountain Regions
New itinerary offers a blend of winter sports, traditional ryokan stays, and onsen experiences in off-the-beaten-track Japan. AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, August 18, 2025 / / -- Wayfairer Travel has introduced a new 10-day itinerary titled the Japan Skiing & Luxury Culture Tour, designed to highlight lesser-known ski regions in Japan's Tōhoku area. This adventure is available for winter departures from December through March, aligning with Japan's peak ski season, and is open for bookings now. The trip begins in Tokyo and moves north to Iwate Prefecture, an area known among locals for its abundant snowfall, reliable powder snow, and peaceful, uncrowded slopes. Guests spend several days in this region, with access to premium ski resorts and opportunities to unwind in traditional ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) accommodations featuring onsen (natural hot springs) and local delicacies served in multi-course meals. The tour continues to Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque village recognized for its snow-covered streets, wooden facades, and historic bathhouses. Along the way, travelers participate in cultural activities such as regional dining, visits to artisan workshops, and time soaking up the surrounding landscapes. The new Skiing & Luxury Culture Tour complements Wayfairer's broader Japan portfolio, which includes the 15-day Food & Art Cultural Tour of Japan. With a few more days on this tour, participants will experience culinary workshops, sake tastings, and visits to art destinations. Wayfairer offers travelers an in-depth exploration of Japan's creative and gastronomic traditions. Wayfairer arranges all transport, accommodation, and guided experiences, emphasizing working with local partners and minimizing environmental impact. This new offering is part of Wayfairer's curated collection of Japan itineraries and reflects a growing interest in winter travel that prioritizes cultural connection and natural landscapes. About the Company Wayfairer Travel specializes in luxury, tailor-made journeys that foster authentic connections with local cultures and natural landscapes. Committed to responsible tourism, Wayfairer partners with local communities and conservation initiatives to ensure its trips have a positive impact. Rose Dorgan Wayfairer Travel [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Landslides Affect Tourists in Olympic Curling City
With the 2026 Olympic Winter Games now less than 180 days away, Cortina d'Ampezzo finds itself between a rock and a hard place.
Daily Mail
12-08-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mail
An $89 Kmart chair just changed millions of Aussie parents' lives
Aussie parents who regularly spend their weekends shivering on the sidelines at their children's winter sports have been snapping up a game-changing item from Kmart Australia. The budget retailer has recently released an item that's essentially a hybrid between a classic collapsible outdoor camping chair and an electric blanket. The Kmart Heatpack Chair, $89, offers the comfort and convenience of a portable folding chair, but with the added warmth of in-built heating technology. The popular buy sold out a few times and remains hard to find in-store. It is currently listed as 'out of stock' or 'low stock' at a number of Sydney Kmart stores. Perth mum Marika Harvison is among the lucky ones who managed to get hold of the heated Kmart chair, praising it as a game-changer for parents of kids who play outdoor winter sports. 'All these mothers and fathers out there that watch their kids play sport... in the cold, Kmart have just released a Heatpack Chair,' Marika said in her TikTok video. The WA mum posted a 58-second clip that showcased the chair set up and ready to use. The only catch? As Marika noted, you need to supply your own power bank in order to use the chair's heating function. (Although she noted that a lot of people already 'have one laying around the house'.) To heat the chair, the mum explained, you simply plug a charged portable power bank into the cord affixed to the chair. It can then be neatly stored in a pocket attached to the side of the chair. 'Press the button [on the side of the chair] for three seconds, and away she goes. Heats up,' Marika explained. According to the online product description, the chair is 'heated with three-speed intelligent temperature control'. Even without the heating functionality, the parent noted that the chair itself had a number of quality features. 'The chair is quite padded [and] it's got a cup holder,' Marika said. The foldable chair weighs approximately 5kg and comes with a drawstring storage bag to carry it in. This means it can be easily slung and carried hands-free over the shoulder - a necessity for parents who are likely to be juggling a ball, muddy boots and a sausage sizzle sandwich. '[I]t's so easy to pop back in the bag,' Marika added. The chair comes in a Charcoal colour, and its dimensions are 86.5cm height, 100cm width and 65.5cm diameter. It has a maximum weight capacity of 130kg. The outdoor item is made from a mix of oxford fabric with polyethylene (PE) coating, iron, polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and graphene heating cloth. The video shared to the @marikaharvison8 account amassed over 384,000 views in just one day. It also attracted hundreds of excited replies from fellow sideline parents. One asked Marika how long the chair stayed heated while using the power bank, to which she replied that it easily lasted for a 'full footy game'. When another person asked 'how warm' it was to sit in, Marika confirmed it was 'so good'. One commenter who had managed to get hold of the Kmart heated chair confirmed earlier in the sports season also said it had 'been amazing'. 'I use it at footy every Saturday,' they wrote. Others lamented that they only wish they'd known about the heated outdoor chair earlier on for the winter 2025 sports season. 'I froze my butt off every Friday night for 11 weeks. Would have loved this,' read one reply. The heated chair hasn't just caught the eye of parents, but also outdoorsy types who regularly go camping. 'I was looking for a new camp chair,' read one camper's excited reply. Even without the heating function, another reply added that this was a great camping furniture find. 'Finding a comfy camp chair with a max weight rating over 100kg for under $100 is a win for me alone,' a woman replied. However, a few commenters expressed concern over the safety of the portable chair's in-built heating feature. 'I love the idea but it does NOT sound safe at all,' read one response. The Kmart website product listing for the chair contains a 'caution' message about using the chair. 'Do not use the heating function when the chair is wet or damaged,' the message reads. 'Follow usage instructions carefully.'
Forbes
02-08-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Women Driving A New Era In U.S. Ski & Snowboard
With a history steeped in excellence and Olympic achievement, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has long been synonymous with winter sports success. But behind the podiums and highlight reels is a powerful story of transformation, one driven by bold leadership, forward-thinking partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to the athletes who risk it all on snow and ice. At the center of this evolution is a team of women, both in the boardroom and on the slopes, driving the organization forward. At the helm is Sophie Goldschmidt, the President and CEO, a veteran of global sports who is building a future-focused vision rooted in athlete support, equity, and expanded visibility. Helping bring that vision to life is Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport, who brings a rare combination of athletic and executive experience. A former U.S. Alpine Ski Team member, Patty raced for Dartmouth College, where she was a three-time All-American and won the NCAA Skiing Championship in 1988. Trisha Worthington, Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer, provides the vital financial support behind the scenes. With decades of experience in Olympic fundraising, she has been instrumental in ensuring athletes receive the resources necessary to excel. From 1995 to 2007, she led fundraising initiatives that launched the $60 million Legacy Fund, and after founding the Park City Community Foundation, she returned in 2014 to continue driving support for the team. Among the athletes are some of winter sport's biggest names. Mikaela Shiffrin, the most successful alpine skier in World Cup history and widely considered one of the greatest alpine skiers of all time. Jessie Diggins, the most accomplished cross-country skier in U.S. history, with three Olympic medals, seven World Championship medals, and three overall World Cup titles. And Brenna Huckaby, a trailblazing para snowboarder who won gold at both the 2018 and 2022 Winter Paralympics, was the first Paralympian featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, and recently won the 2024 ESPY for Best Athlete with a Disability. U.S. Ski & Snowboard Center Athlete Support Before stepping into her role as Chief of Sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Anouk Patty carved her path on the slopes as a U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete in the late '80s and early '90s and an NCAA champion at Dartmouth College. After more than two decades in corporate leadership, she returned to the sports world with a mission: to ensure athletes have a voice in the system she once navigated. 'When I was an athlete, we didn't have a say in decisions. Now, I make sure they do,' she says. Her lived experience builds trust with athletes and shapes a leadership approach rooted in inclusion and balance. Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington has spent 21 years with the organization across two tenures. After helping launch and grow the Park City Community Foundation, she returned to U.S. Ski & Snowboard in 2014 to lead philanthropic strategy. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded donor engagement and increased support for athlete programs, training, and well-being. Goldschmidt describes the organization's approach as 'one of the most well-rounded athlete support systems I've seen across sports organizations.' On the sport side, Goldschmidt says, 'We fund everything—training, coaching, medical care, rehab, strength and conditioning, travel, lodging. It's all tailored to each sport and athlete, but these basics are foundational.' Off the snow, 'We offer comprehensive insurance and sports medicine, mental health initiatives like sports psychology and wellness care, plus career and education guidance through our Athlete Career & Education program.' This ACE program includes 'tuition support, internships, life coaching, and mentoring—pairing athletes with former competitors and generous donors.' 'We think of these supports as spokes on a wheel,' Goldschmidt says, 'each one adding value both to the athlete and the organization. It's a constantly evolving program, and we're committed to adding new elements as athletes' needs change.' U.S. Ski & Snowboard Ready For Milano Cortina 2026 As the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 begins, three of U.S. Ski & Snowboard's most accomplished athletes, Mikaela Shiffrin, Brenna Huckaby, and Jessie Diggins are preparing not only to compete but also to amplify the visibility and impact of their sports. Jessie Diggins, three-time World Cup Champion and the most decorated American cross-country skier, eagerly anticipates what she hopes will be her fourth Olympic Games with both excitement and gratitude. 'One of the things I'm most looking forward to is having my friends, family, and husband there,' she shares. 'The last Games were under strict COVID protocols, and we couldn't have anyone with us. So this time, I'm thrilled to share the experience.' More than 50 people, including her high school coach and even her grandma, who's been training just to cheer her on in person, plan to be there. While winning more medals remains a goal, Diggins sees the Games as a celebration of her long journey: 'It's a chance to share this journey with the people who've supported me the whole way.' For para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby, the 2026 Games represent both personal ambition and a larger mission. 'I'd love to medal in both of my events,' she says. 'That's the dream. But more than that, I want to give myself the best possible chance, put everything into training, preparation, and mindset. If I cross the finish line knowing I did that, I'll be proud, no matter the result.' Beyond her own competition, Huckaby embodies the spirit of advocacy for disability representation and equity in sports. 'There are generally two kinds of people: those who know what the Paralympics are, and those who've maybe heard of them but don't really understand them,' she explains. The Paralympic movement, she notes, is still young and evolving. 'Throughout my career, I've faced barriers to equality and fair competition. At some point, you have to decide: accept it as 'just the way it is,' or challenge it. I chose to challenge it.' Huckaby's fight to compete in 2022 was about more than medals, it was about visibility, equity, and changing the narrative for future generations. 'I do think we've made progress,' Huckaby says, 'but there will be more roadblocks. Whether it's me or someone else, the fight will continue, and I'm excited to see that change.' World No. 1 alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin looks ahead toward her fourth Olympic Games with a fresh and personal view of what success means. Reflecting on her enduring motivation, she shares, 'I get asked a lot: 'What are you still doing this for?' Not in a negative way, more like, 'What's still motivating you?' I don't operate based on chasing one big goal like a medal. Of course, results, Olympic medals, World Cup globes, records, they inspire me. But there's another layer of motivation: the joy of training, of making better turns, of seeing improvement year after year. That hasn't changed.' Building Visibility For US Ski & Snowboard Athletes For the athletes, Milano Cortina 2026 is not just about medals, it's about visibility, inclusion, and inspiring the next generation. Mikaela Shiffrin reflects candidly on the ongoing challenge of visibility for women and snow sport athletes. She acknowledges, 'Honestly, I don't think women or really any snow sport athletes get the visibility we've earned, especially on the global stage.' Complicated broadcast rights and fragmented streaming platforms make it difficult for fans to access competitions. 'If people can't watch, it's hard to build a fan base or tell athlete stories,' she explains. Yet Shiffrin remains hopeful, noting that 'there's work being done behind the scenes with FIS and others to simplify broadcasting, but it's a multi-year process. Hopefully in the next 5 to 10 years, we'll see progress.' In the U.S., visibility has improved thanks to partnerships such as the creation of the Stifel Snow Show on NBC, which provides regular exposure for winter sports throughout the season. Shiffrin credits Stifel's support for her 'Moving Right Along' YouTube series, offering fans behind-the-scenes access to her injury and comeback, team moments, and mental health challenges. This season, she plans to expand the series with a podcast-style format to highlight other athletes' stories. 'That kind of support makes a real difference,' she says. She emphasizes the importance of storytelling beyond just race results: 'The Olympics will always draw big attention, but if people already know who we are and what we've gone through, it adds so much more meaning.' Building on this focus on storytelling, US Ski & Snowboard partnered with TOGETHXR to launch a mini-docuseries called 'The Drop In' highlighting up-and-coming women snowboard athletes. Goldschmidt explains that the collaboration offers 'behind-the-scenes access and storytelling that goes beyond competition results.' TOGETHXR helps the organization share real-time moments, amplify big results, and tell stories throughout the season. Goldschmidt adds, 'Our goal is to be a year‑round content engine, not just during winter. We want these stories to reach broader audiences via platforms that align with Team USA and the next generation of fans.' Fueling Team USA's Future Through Philanthropy US Ski & Snowboard operates without government funding, making philanthropy essential, it accounts for about one-third of the organization's revenue. Chief Revenue and Philanthropic Officer Trisha Worthington highlights philanthropy's critical role in fueling Team USA's athletic programs. 'Supporting the Olympic mission demands significant resources,' she explains. 'We'll spend an extra $2 million this year just to get our 10 teams to the Games, covering flights, lodging, meals, everything.' Since Sophie Goldschmidt joined as President and CEO, corporate sponsorship revenue has nearly tripled, but Worthington stresses, 'Philanthropy remains critical.' Stability comes from a deeply engaged board of trustees, long-term donor relationships, and a fundraising team with many members serving over ten years. Guided by Goldschmidt's bold vision, US Ski & Snowboard focuses on three key priorities: advancing athletic and operational excellence by professionalizing systems and resources; increasing athlete visibility to build personal brands and commercial opportunities; and ensuring financial sustainability by growing sponsorships and philanthropy for efficient reinvestment. 'Our athletes are among the best in the world—brave, innovative, and fearless,' Goldschmidt says. 'In my experience across sports like tennis, golf, and surfing, I've rarely seen athletes push limits like this.' She adds, 'Donations directly fuel Team USA. Investing in us means investing in American snow sports and the next generation of athletes.' Vision And Heart Driving U.S. Ski & Snowboard Forward Goldschmidt sets the tone as Milano Cortina 2026 fast approaches. 'Team USA will make up over 60% of the winter team, and the eyes of the world will be on us,' she says. But the focus isn't on chasing medals. 'We focus on consistent performance across World Cups and seasons. The athletes who rise to the top at the end of the season are the ones who deliver at the Olympics.' Goldschmidt highlights the unique camaraderie within snow sports. 'Team USA isn't a team people love to root against, we're often everyone's second favorite team. Athletes support each other across disciplines, and there's camaraderie at every event.' She sees the Olympics as a moment to showcase that spirit even more. Anouk Patty, echoes this mindset. 'While we're not fixating on specific medal targets daily, we're focused on culture and preparation. The Winter Olympics is in Italy, one of the most stunning places on Earth. To be there, surrounded by our athletes and staff, all aligned under one goal, is incredibly powerful. I can't wait.' For Trisha Worthington, the Games carry a personal meaning. 'Like Anouk, I'm thrilled the Games are back in Europe. But for me, it's also about the relationships. I've watched many of these athletes grow up. To see them on the Olympic stage feels like watching my own kids compete. It's emotional and deeply rewarding.'
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Kariman Abuljadayel becomes Al-Nassr's first cross-country skier
JEDDAH: Saudi Olympian Kariman Abuljadayel has made history once again, this time by becoming the first cross-country skier to join Al-Nassr Club, the first Saudi sports club to officially add a winter sport to its roster. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The pioneering athlete signed a contract on Wednesday, marking a new chapter in her sporting journey and a bold step for winter sports in the Kingdom. 'This truly feels like a new chapter for me as well,' Abuljadayel told Arab News. 'I first tried cross-country skiing back in 2019 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as a form of endurance training during winter — not knowing that a few years down the road it would become my main sport.' From representing Saudi Arabia as the Kingdom's first female sprinter at the Rio 2016 Olympics to co-founding the Saudi Rowing Federation, Abuljadayel is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Her move to Al-Nassr continues that legacy. 'I've learned what it takes to help build a new sport from the ground up in the Kingdom,' she said. 'This time, it's cross-country skiing, and I'm excited not only by the sport itself but also by the incredible culture around it. My hope is to inspire more women in Saudi Arabia to get involved, and to ensure that this journey is inclusive — welcoming para-athletes and creating opportunities for everyone to be part of this pioneering movement.' Abuljadayel famously competed in the 100m at Rio 2016, finishing seventh in her heat. That same year she raced in the 60m at the World Athletics Championships in Portland, USA. Afterward, she pivoted to rowing and was selected to represent the Saudi national team. Now focused on cross-country skiing, Abuljadayel acknowledged the challenges of training for a winter sport in a desert climate — but sees opportunity rather than limitation. 'Al-Nassr Club is making history as the first in Saudi Arabia to add a winter sport and I'm honored to lead the way. Living in Riyadh, I want to show people that you don't need year-round snow to pursue this sport,' she said. 'Most professional skiers train on roller skis during the summer, which closely replicate skiing on snow.' She pointed to Riyadh's Sport Boulevard project, a major new development featuring car-free paths for sports and outdoor activities, as an ideal venue for roller-ski training. 'You can often find me training there. Every time, people stop to ask what sport I'm doing, which shows just how much curiosity and excitement there is. I truly believe Riyadh has huge potential to become a real training hub for cross-country skiing.' Abuljadayel now hopes to grow the sport through local events, workshops and community training sessions. 'I want to raise awareness, spark interest and inspire more people to discover this unique sport — and to see that it's possible right here at home,' she said. Looking ahead, Abuljadayel has her sights firmly set on the Olympic Games. 'This is such an exciting time to be part of cross-country skiing and winter sports in Saudi Arabia, especially with the Asian Winter Games coming to Trojena, NEOM, in 2029,' she said. 'By representing Saudi Arabia in winter sports, I also get to highlight the incredible diversity of my country's landscape — deserts, seas, mountains, and yes, even snow. Not many countries can say that, and it's something I'm truly proud to share through this journey.'
