Skiing in Asia
Where to ski and snowboard in Asia, from Japan's legendary powder to resorts in China, South Korea and India.
Skiing came late to Asia, but the continent now has hundreds of resorts, and Japan in particular has become one of the world’s great winter-sports destinations. Its northern mountains catch phenomenal quantities of dry, light powder, drawing snow-seekers from across the globe to slopes served by fast lifts, steaming hot springs and superb food.
Beyond Japan you can ski in South Korea, China, India and even Central Asia, at resorts that range from polished and modern to wonderfully offbeat. The season generally runs from December to March. These are the resorts worth strapping in for.
Asia's Best Ski Resorts#
Hakuba Valley, Japan With its accessibility and sheer number of decent pistes, Hakuba is one of the best ski resorts in Japan, and Asia for that matter. There are 200 runs across 10 resorts here culminating in over 30kms of skiing, while après-ski and accommodation are also excellent. Hakuba Valley is easy to get to from Tokyo by Bullet Train (Shinkansen) and also has good road access.
Shiga Kogen, Japan Also located on Japan’s main island of Honshu and close to Nagano, Shiga Kogen is a huge collection of ski resorts that are linked by a common lift system. There are actually more than 20 ski resorts here, with Yakebitaiyama being one of the best and Ichinose offering ski-in, ski-out hotels. A popular side attraction is the Japanese snow monkeys at Jigokudani hot springs.
Niseko, Japan Located on Hokkaido Island, Niseko is a very popular ski resort, especially with Australians, who come for its huge range of runs, the reliable snow and the excellent facilities. Deep powder, tough pistes and great snowboarding are the plusses of Niseko, while its relative remoteness often requires a separate flight and is its main minus.
Yong Pyong, South Korea Yong Pyong is South Korea’s best ski resort and the first resort to be established in the country. It has dozens of quality pistes that are best suited to intermediate and expert skiers and snowboarders and also boasts night skiing and cross-country skiing. Yong Pyong is located in Kangwon-do and has good access.
Yabuli, China China’s Yabuli ski resort has the best skiing in all of China with the best facilities and most reliable snow. Yabuli is located in Shangzhi City and features a near four-kilometer long downhill as its main piste. Getting here is made easy by the regular trains to Harbin, from where buses run to the resort.
Auli, India Situated in the Garhwal hills of Uttar Pradesh within earshot of the Himalayan Mountains, Auli goes over Mana, Nanda Devi, and Kame mountains and is one of the most popular ski resorts in India. Auli suits all levels from beginners to advanced level and has almost perfect snow. Ski festivals towards the end of the season are a popular byproduct of Auli.
Tien-Shan, Uzbekistan Not far from the capital of Uzbekistan (Tashkent), Tien-Shan ski resort, situated in the Ugam, Pskem and Chatkal ranges at 2,500m to 4,200m, features pistes up to 10kms in length. The overriding factors of Uzbekistan’s top ski resort are perfect snow, good weather and inexpensive prices.
Appi Kogen, Japan Appi Kogen has dozens of good pistes which mainly appeal to intermediate skiers. Much of the skiing is quite low altitude meaning snow reliability often leads to a short ski season although access is easier. Appi Kogen also boasts a state-of-the-art lift system, good facilities and a busy après-ski.
Hakusan Ichirino Another of Japan’s myriad ski resorts, Hakusan Ichirino is popular due to its relative proximity to Tokyo and comes with 13 pistes and a good lift system. The other main draw is that Hakusan offers excellent night skiing and the après-ski is pretty good to boot. Bullet trains run to Kanazawa from where buses run to the resort.
Iwappara, Japan This popular resort is good for beginner skiers and snowboarders with its shallow slopes and in particular its wide open main run. Iwappara was one of the first resorts to appear in the popular town of Yuzawa and also features magnificent vistas of Tanigawa-dake and the surrounding valley.
Nozawa Onsen, Japan A historic hot-spring village in Nagano that combines excellent tree-lined skiing with authentic Japanese charm. After a day on the powder-filled slopes, soak in the town’s free public onsen baths. Its atmospheric lantern-lit streets and traditional inns make it a favourite.
Gulmarg, India High in the Kashmir Himalaya, Gulmarg is Asia’s premier off-piste and heli-skiing destination, served by one of the world’s highest gondolas. Vast open bowls and reliable deep powder draw expert skiers chasing untracked lines. It remains a wild, adventurous alternative to Japan.