The Winter I never Left
Women on Edge began with a simple idea: create the kind of women’s ski holiday in Japan that combines great skiing, amazing food, hot onsens and genuine friendships. But the story starts long before that, with one winter in Niseko back in 2016.
where It Began
People often ask me how I ended up in Japan. The short answer is that I came for one winter and somehow never left.
When I first arrived in Niseko, I wasn’t a ski instructor. My first jobs were in hospitality, working in a shabu shabu restaurant before moving into fine dining. I worked alongside some incredibly passionate chefs creating French-Japanese and Italian-Japanese cuisine, and it was there that my love of food really began.
What really made me stay, though, was the people.
My Family
Through the hospitality industry I became immersed in local Japanese life rather than just passing through as a seasonal worker. My manager, Shizuka, took me under her wing and over time became like family. Through her and many others, I built friendships and connections that made Japan feel like home.
I was constantly blown away by the kindness, generosity and attention to detail that seemed to be part of everyday life. Whether it was a meal shared after work, being invited to local events or simply the way people looked after one another, I experienced a level of hospitality that left a lasting impression on me.
Looking back, that experience shaped Women on Edge just as much as skiing did. When I organise a trip today, I want guests to experience more than just great skiing. I want them to experience the warmth, hospitality and little moments that made me fall in love with Japan all those years ago.
But while I loved hospitality, my background had always been in sport and the outdoors. I studied Sports Therapy at university and spent years working at outdoor activity camps for children. Every day I’d look up at the ski instructors on the mountain and think, “I want to do that.”
So I made the Jump
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. In fact, I failed my first NZSIA Level 1 ski instructor exam.
That was a humbling experience.
I could ski confidently all over the mountain, but I quickly realised there was a difference between getting down the hill and understanding how skiing actually worked. Looking back, that failure was probably the best thing that could have happened to me because it sparked an obsession with learning.
Why I fell in Love
Skiing has a funny way of teaching you lessons. Sometimes you learn a new skill, only to realise you need to rethink it completely at the next level. It can be frustrating, confusing and occasionally make you question everything you thought you knew. Then suddenly, something clicks.
Those little lightbulb moments became addictive.
Eleven seasons later, I’m still learning and still chasing those breakthroughs. They’re also the reason I love teaching. Seeing someone suddenly understand a concept or unlock a new skill is just as satisfying for me as making a breakthrough myself.
The Inspiration
Over the years I worked winters back-to-back between Japan and Australia. During my time at Mount Hotham I was introduced to women’s ski camps, and I absolutely loved them. We’d spend the week working on different skills, supporting each other, building confidence and gradually unlocking new parts of the mountain together.
But what really stood out wasn’t just the skiing.
There was a ski instructor named Kate, who was in her sixties and an inspiration to everyone around her. She made sure the women spent time together off the mountain too. There were dinners, social activities and plenty of laughs. The skiing was important, but the friendships and shared experiences were what made the week special.
The Penny Dropped
That was my first real “aha” moment.
Later, while coaching women’s programs in Thredbo, I realised I wanted to create something that combined both elements: quality ski coaching and a genuinely enjoyable holiday experience.
Back in Japan, I had the flexibility to build something of my own.
What if I could create a ski experience that reflected everything I love?
'A week where you work hard on the mountain and treat yourself well afterwards.'
Great Skiing
Amazing Food
Onsens
Good Company
That idea became Women on Edge.
It’s not just a ski camp and it’s not just a holiday. It’s what I like to call a ski-treat. A chance to improve your skiing, experience Japan, enjoy incredible food and create friendships with other women who share your love of adventure.
Great skiing gets people to Japan. The hospitality, food, friendships and experiences are what make them want to come back.
Today, Women on Edge offers small-group women’s ski holidays in Japan, combining professional ski coaching, Japanese culture, onsens and unforgettable food experiences in Niseko and beyond.
Eleven winter seasons after arriving in Japan, I’m still learning, still teaching and still discovering new things to love about this country.
Women on Edge is simply my way of sharing those things with others.
And it all started with one winter in 2016.
Thankyou For Reading.