--- title: "Dan and Andy Solo: The Aussie Visionaries Behind Madarao’s Snowball Japan" date: 2025-08-31T00:00:00+09:00 author: Chris Pickering canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/dan-and-andy-solo-the-aussie-visionaries-behind-madaraos-snowball-japan" section: News --- [Featured Listings](https://uchijapan.com/news/listings)# Dan and Andy Solo: The Aussie Visionaries Behind Madarao’s Snowball Japan Aug 31, 2025 - [ ](mailto:?subject=Dan%20and%20Andy%20Solo%3A%20The%20Aussie%20Visionaries%20Behind%20Madarao%E2%80%99s%20Snowball%20Japan%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fdan-and-andy-solo-the-aussie-visionaries-behind-madaraos-snowball-japan "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fdan-and-andy-solo-the-aussie-visionaries-behind-madaraos-snowball-japan&title=Dan%20and%20Andy%20Solo%3A%20The%20Aussie%20Visionaries%20Behind%20Madarao%E2%80%99s%20Snowball%20Japan&description=Aussie%20brothers%20Dan%20%26%20Andy%20Solo%20revitalized%20Madarao%20with%20Snowball%20Chalet%2C%20Snowman%20Apartments%20%26%20Shiki%E2%80%94blending%20community%2C%20design%20%26%20ski%20lifestyle.&caption=Uchi) ![Shiki Tangram1](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/properties/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/220340/ShikiTangram1.jpg)Dan and Andy Solo, originally from Bondi, Sydney, have become key figures in the revitalization of Madarao and the broader Northern Nagano ski region. Their journey is one of passion, resilience, and a deep love for Japan’s legendary snow. ## From Dream to Reality ![Dan Andy Solo](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/DanAndySolo.jpg) Dan first discovered snowboarding in Japan in 1997, sparking a shared dream with Andy to one day own and operate a ski lodge. The pair gained valuable experience managing lodges in Niseko in the early 2000s, but life’s twists put their ambitions on hold. Years later, with their son Akira turning 14, the dream was reignited. In 2016, Andy stumbled across a run-down chalet in Madarao hidden among online listings, while Dan was coincidentally exploring the same area. A chance knock on the door sealed their fate—the purchase was agreed then and there in what would later become the Snowball Chalet lounge. Fittingly, they closed the deal on Christmas Eve, as heavy snowfall blanketed the resort. After extensive renovations, Snowball Chalet opened the following winter. From the start, it was more than just accommodation: it became a welcoming, communal space designed with warmth and care, centered around delivering exceptional guest experiences. ![Shiki Tangram9](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/properties/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/220332/ShikiTangram9.jpg) The beauty of Madarao ## Navigating Challenges Running a rural ski business in Japan is not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic tested them severely—Dan was stranded in Madarao during a record snowfall season, while Andy remained in Australia under border restrictions. Their ability to adapt drew on Dan’s diverse background as a software engineer, digital project manager, and former paramedic. Together, they weathered both literal and figurative storms, staying true to their ethos of community support and heartfelt hospitality ## Expanding Their Vision ![Madarao Solo1](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/properties/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/MadaraoSolo1.jpg) Who can't fall in love with this view? Building on the success of Snowball Chalet, Dan and Andy developed **Snowman Apartments**, which they continue to manage for the new owners. Snowman blends Western comforts with Japanese design, offering self-contained, family-friendly apartments complete with kitchens, laundry facilities, a fireplace, a record collection, and even a deck bathtub with panoramic views of the Shiga Mountain Range. Its convenient location near the mountain and local amenities makes it an ideal home-away-from-home for visiting skiers. Their influence in Madarao expanded further with **Shiki at Tangram**, a three-stage ski accommodation project. Stages 1 and 2 are complete, with the final stage—offering either a four-bedroom home or two two-bedroom townhouses—expected to be finished by 2026. Staying true to their hallmark style, the design and interiors reflect their love of Japanese aesthetics, with views stretching over Tangram resort and its 18-hole golf course. [Prices for the townhouses begin at ¥80 million](https://uchijapan.com/properties/shiki-at-tangram). ![Shiki Header](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/properties/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Shiki-Header.jpg) Stairway to heaven in Shiki at Tangram ## A Legacy in the Making From their beginnings in Bondi to becoming key contributors to Madarao’s modern ski scene, Dan and Andy Solo have shown what vision, determination, and community spirit can achieve. With each project, they’ve not only created memorable places to stay but also helped cement Madarao as one of Japan’s rising resort destinations. [ Click now to view Shiki at Tangram! ](https://uchijapan.com/properties/shiki-at-tangram)