Winter Wonderlands In Asia
Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is glistening, and everywhere you look there’s a beautiful sight! It’s time to escape the godforsaken weather and head to an exhilarating Winter Wonderland. The best part is, you don’t have to travel too far from home nor burn a hole in your wallet.
Here are 10 amazing ski resorts in Asia that are sure to keep both your heart and wallet happy. Forget spending a bomb on holiday in the Swiss Alps – the slopes in Asia can be equally amazing if you give them a chance!
1. Shiga Kogen, Japan
Shiga Kogen is one splendid place for Winter sports lovers. Made up of 19 inter-connected ski resorts and 80 exciting ski trails, Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s largest ski areas. The stunning views of the mountainous terrain and the soft, white powder make skiing and snowboarding here an amazing experience.
For more information on rates and facilities, click here.
Where To Stay
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel
Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel is located in Yakebitaiyama, the largest of the 19 resorts. It’s a super convenient ski-in, ski-out resort that has direct access to the ski-lift. There are 15 ski trails in Yakebitaiyama itself, and you can access them easily by just hopping onto the ski lift outside your hotel.
Price: From ¥9 504 (SGD 104) per night
Website: http://www.princehotels.com/en/shiga/
2. Naeba Ski Resort, Japan
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The peak of Mt Naeba Source
Naeba Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Japan due to its close proximity to Tokyo. This vast ski resort is home to 45 ski trails for all levels. There are slopes up to 32° for the thrill-seeking pros, and there are also gentler slopes at the bottom for kids and beginners. If you’re ever in Tokyo city during Winter, be sure to head down to Naeba for some time on the slopes!
For more information on rates and facilities, click here.
Where To Stay
Naeba Prince Hotel
The ski resort is run by Prince Hotel, so this is where to stay if you want the most direct and convenient access to the slopes! The hotel boasts 20 restaurants, convenience stores, and hot spring baths to soak in after all that adrenaline rush on the slopes.
Book a stay at Naeba Prince Hotel.
Price: From ¥12 358 (SGD 134) per night
Website: http://www.princehotels.com/en/naeba/
3. Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, Japan
This resort is on the east side of the grand Mt Annupuri and boasts 25 ski trails and 10 chair lifts. It’s known for its amazing soft powder that makes skiing and snowboarding as smooth and enjoyable as ever, and if you adore the hustle and bustle of a quaint ski town, the ski resort is connected to Hirafu Village.
Visit Grand Hirafu’s website for information on rates and facilities.
Where To Stay
Alpen Ridge
Alpen Ridge is a great ski-in, ski-out apartment hotel at the base of the slopes. It’s conveniently located beside the Ace Family Chairlift and boasts a ski school, ski rental service and personal ski lockers. The rooms are super modern and cosy, and there’s even a nice cafe where you can grab a cup of coffee and relax.
Price: From SGD 185 per night
Website: http://alpenridge.com/
4. Kiroro Ski Resort
Kiroro Ski Resort is a heavy snowfall area – the base is about 5m thick every season! It’s super family-friendly, boasting 21 ski trails suited for all levels, ski lessons available for all ages, and a snow park specially for children to play and roll around. It’s one of the lesser known ski resorts in Hokkaido, but that just means less crowds and more space to revel in the blanket of white powder.
For more information on rates and facilities, click here.
Where To Stay
Hotel Piano
The whimsical Hotel Piano is one of the two luxurious choices of accommodation in Kiroro Ski Resort. Hotel Piano was formerly owned by Yamaha, and its beautiful lobby has a grand piano that plays by itself. The slopes are only a short shuttle service away, and this fancy place boasts restaurants, onsens, spas, swimming pools and an entertainment complex.
Price: From ¥17 400 (SGD 189) per night
Website: http://www.kiroro.co.jp/en/lodging/piano-hotel.aspx
5. Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort
The best place that combines both smooth powdery slopes and traditional onsen hot springs would be Zao Onsen Ski Resort. This amazing ski area is also famous for its ‘Ice Monsters’ (Juhyo), which are the snow covered fir trees that look like uniquely shaped sculptures. Skiing through a terrain like this will take your breath away.
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Visit SnowJapan’s website for details on ticketing and facilities.
Where To Stay
Zao Kokusai Hotel
Zao Kokusai Hotel boasts many indoor wooden hot spring onsens, and a gorgeous outdoor onsen that’ll make you feel like one with nature. The hotel is also located just beside the ski lift, and you can even get discounted prices on the ski lift tickets from the reception.
Price: From ¥14 040 (SGD 153) per night
Website: http://www.zao-kokusaihotel.jp/en/
6. Yabuli International Ski Resort, Harbin, China
Yabuli Ski Resort is one of the biggest and best ski resorts in China. The snow is neither too hard nor too soft, making it perfect for skiing and snowboarding. There’s the competitive area for the ski pros,the leisure skiing section for amateurs like you and me, and there’s even a huge slide from the top of the snowy mountain all the way down!
If there’s anyone in the family who doesn’t fancy winter sports, there’s always Harbin’s gorgeous ice sculptures for them to admire.
Price: From 150 Yuan (SGD 33) for 2 hour access to the slopes.
For more information on rates and facilities, click here.
7. The Royal Village, Auli Resort, Uttarakhand, India
You need to pinch yourself to believe the beauty of this landscape. This cluster of bright yellow cottages make up The Royal Village, Auli Resort at the base of the awe-inspiring Himalayas.
During Winter Season, Auli becomes a skiing haven. The Auli Chair Lift is just a 5 minute walk from the resort, and you’ll be able to have a ball of a time on the snow-covered slopes of the Himalayas with ease. There are slopes catering to both professionals and beginners, so everyone can have a good time!
Price: From 3 000 Rupees (SGD 63) per night per cottage.
Website: http://auliresort.com/
8. Hotel Highlands Park, Gulmarg, Kashmir
The State of Jammu and Kashmir has faced much turbulence, but there’s so much beauty that it shouldn’t stop you from visiting. I’ve had friends who’ve holidayed there and loved it! There are many places which are relatively safe, but do keep yourself updated on local news.
Hotel Highlands Park is a quaint ski resort located in the heart of Gulmarg, one of the most adventurous ski areas in India. This terrain is not for beginners, though, so be sure you’re skilled before booking a holiday here. The Gulmarg Gondola is just minutes from the front porch. It’s one of the world’s highest ski lifts, taking you to the highest ski point in the Himalayas at 13 780 feet. Thrill-seeking ski pros, you know where to go on your next holiday!
Price: From 9 500 Rupees (SGD 198) per night
Website: http://www.lehladakhhotels.com/
9. Yongpyong Ski Resort, Korea
Yongpyong Ski Resort is the largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea, and also served as a filming location for romantic K-drama series Winter Sonata.
Its history of excellence goes way back, having hosted several World Cup Ski Competitions, the Winter Asian Games and the Winter Olympics. The resort boasts 31 slopes suited for all different levels, 15 ski lifts, a 15km cross country trail and a Snow Sledge Park, so you can be sure that the whole family will have a ball of a time!
For more details, visit Yongpyong’s website.
Where To Stay
Yongpyong Hostel
YongPyong Youth Hostel is located right in the center of Yongpyong and offers stunning views of the entire terrain. This Swiss-style youth hostel has direct access to the slopes, and even has free shuttle service to Yangyang Airport.
Price: From ￦11 000 (SGD 14) per night
Website: http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/
10. Muju Deogyusan Resort, Korea
Hyangjeokbong Peak Source
Just look at this magical sight. I can almost imagine Winter fairies hiding amongst the snow-powdered pine leaves, and sprites rolling playfully beneath the blanket of white.
Deogyusan Resort is located in Mt Deogyusan National Park, and possesses a landscape that’s truly fantastical. There’s an abundance of things to do here: skiing, horse-riding, shopping, soaking in outdoor hot springs, and taking a hike up to one of the many temples.
For Winter sports lovers, there are 34 slopes suited for all levels and a ski lift that can hold 13 000 people at once. Professionals will have a thrilling time zipping down the Silk Road and Raiders slopes, while beginners can have a go at this sport on the gentler Eastern and Western slopes.
For more information on facilities and ticketing, visit Deogyusan Resort’s website.
Where To Stay
Kookmin Hotel
Kookmin Hotel is located in Deogyusan Resort, and is ideal for group gatherings and Winter sports lovers looking for a budget holiday.
Price: From ￦80,000 (SGD 96) per night
Website: http://www.mdysresort.com/english/
Ski-Lovers Paradise
If you’ve grown weary of the sweltering heat in your country, these charming ski resorts are just waiting to be graced by your presence. So pack your warm coats and Winter knits, book your ticket, and you’ll be on your way to snow-powdered paradise in no time!
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