Top 10 Ski Destinations In Asia

1. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, Japan

One of the best winter sports locations in Japan, Nozawa Onsen Snow Park and Ski Resort is renowned for its snow quality and history. The slopes offer 100% natural powder snow and skiing continues into early May each year. There are several slopes and courses available, perfect for experts, beginners, and families. The ski slope area covers 297 hectares (733.9 acres) at an altitude of 1,085 m (3,559.7 ft).

Accommodation and attractions are available in the village, with its shops and dining options, while visitors can warm up with a soak in the famous hot springs (or onsen) in the local public bathhouses.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

Address: Mt. Kenashi, Japan

Website: Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort

2. Gulmart Ski Resort, India

For anyone looking for a ski experience away from the crowds, with miles of unmarked powder, the Gulmart Ski Resort in the Himalayan Mountains in Kashmir, India, is the place to be. While there are some groomed ski runs and one bowl, known as Gondola Bowl, skiers can head off-piste, with 17 bowls of endless powder for the adventure of a lifetime. Skiers are, however, warned that the area is not patrolled, so they are skiing at their own risk. It is recommended that visitors ski accompanied by a guide.

Gulmart Ski Resort

Address: Himalaya, Kashmir, India

Website: Gulmart Ski Resort

3. Elysian Gangchon Resort, Seoul, South Korea

Just an hour’s drive from downtown Seoul, the Elysian Gangchon Resort has facilities for all levels of skiers. The 10 slopes offer a range to suit anything from beginners to intermediate skiers to those with advanced skills, all with breathtaking vistas over the surrounding resort. The resort itself nestles in a valley with ski lifts to the slopes. Snowsled options are also available to visitors.

Elysian Gangchon Resort

Address: 688 Bukhangangbyeon-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: Elysian Gangchon Resort

4. Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, Japan

Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu has three times won an award as the best ski resort in Japan in the World Ski Awards. The vast resort, located in Kutchan, Hokkaidō, is famous for high-quality powder snow and is popular with Japanese and international snowboarders and skiers. The slopes stretch from Niseko Annupuri’s summit right down to the base. There are a total of 30 ski trails available, as well as 15 ski lifts, with something to suit everyone from beginners to expert skiers. The resort also offers the popular Japanese onsen – or hot springs – for relaxation after a day out on the slopes.

Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu, Japan

Address: 044-0081 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan

Website: Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu

5. Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang, China

This is the largest, and arguably best, ski resort in China, located 75 miles (120.7 km) from Shangzhi City in Heilongjiang Province. The high mountains and excellent snow offer great skiing, ranging from competitive to leisure sport, with the best time to visit being from November to March. The competitive skiing area is at an altitude of 1,374 m (4,507.8 ft) and is perfect for professional skiers. Leisure skiers enjoy a safe area at 1,000 m (3,280.84 ft). There is also a slide available for tourists to ski right from the top of the mountain.

Yabuli Ski Resort

Address: Shangzhi, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

Website: Yabuli Ski Resort

6. Shiga Kogen, Japan

Located in Nagano, Japan, this ski resort stretches from a height of 1,340 m (4,396.3 ft) up to 2,307 m (7,568.89 ft), offering ski areas, 68 lifts and gondolas, accessed by a shuttle bus service. The area consists of 19 ski resorts, interlinked by the slopes and lift system. This offers the opportunity to explore the villages on a snowboard or skis. Excellent snow can be enjoyed from November through to the end of May each year. The various slopes offer conditions suitable for anyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

Shiga Kogen, Japan

Address: 381-0401 Nagano-ken Shimotakaigun Yamanouchimachi Ooaza Hirao 7148(Hasuike) ShigaKogen Sogo Kaikan98

Website: Shiga Kogen

7. Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea

Located in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea, the ski resort offers six slopes to both skiers and snowboarders. Some runs are up to 1.4 km (0.86 mi) in length and give an opportunity for beginners and advanced skiers to have a great experience. The resort offers a Sports Park with a ski museum, ski jump tower, and cross country access, while the village has a range of shops selling popular brands and dining establishments.

Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang

Address: Pyeongchang, South Korea

Website: Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang

8. Nanshan Ski Resort, Miyun County, China

The Nanshan Ski Resort is located in Miyun County, 80 km (49.7 mi) from in Beijing, China. The resort has one of the biggest ski areas in the area surrounding Beijing. The ski resort has 21 trails, suitable for everything from beginners to expert skiers, as well as an off piste tree run and a toboggan run. Beginners will find a snowboard and ski school in the village offering programs for those just beginning to ski, or wishing to enhance their skills.

Nanshan Ski Resort

Address: 1 Shengshuitou Central St, Miyun Qu, Beijing Shi, China

Website: Nanshan Ski Resort

9. Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Mongolia, China

Situated in the town of Alshan in Inner Mongolia, the Alshan Ski Resort is considered to be the second-best of its kind in China, only surpassed by Yabuli Ski Resort (details above). Due to its northern position, the area receives plenty of snow in the winter months. The slopes are also a venue for cross-country, or Nordic skiing. The area is split into two sections – one for professional skiers and the other for beginners. The resort also has a restaurant and bar and facilities to rent ski equipment.

Alshan Alpine Ski Resort

Address: Inner Mongolia, China

Website: Alshan Alpine Ski Resort

10. Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, South Korea

The Jisan Forest Resort in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea offers a ski resort, perfect for both skiing and snowboarding, with 8 km (4.97 mi) of powdery slopes. There are 5 lifts taking skiers up to between 100 to 304 m (328 ft to 997.3 ft) in altitude. The slopes are suitable for beginners, intermediate, and expert skiers. Night skiing is also available.

Jisan Forest Resort

Address: 267 Jisan-ro, Majang-myeon, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Website: Jisan Forest Resort

Head to the snow in Asia this year

With the choice of ski locations in India, Japan, China, and South Korea, skiers are guaranteed to have a great winter vacation.