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Your Winter Getaway in Asia: The Best Ski Resorts and Ice Festivals

Winter Season: Nami Island, Korea

This winter season, don’t hide away indoors. Instead, discover snowcapped mountains, lush hillsides and charming chalets throughout Asia. Ditch the cabin fever and opt to explore some of Asia’s best ski resorts for a winter wonderland getaway. We’ve put together this list of four picturesque ski slopes, so make like a ski bunny and hop to one today!

Here are our top 4 picks for Asia’s best ski resorts:

1. Seoul, Korea: Vivaldi Park

Winter Season: Vivaldi Ski Park, Korea
Best Ski Resorts in Asia: Vivaldi Ski Park, Korea

Beginner skiers should head to Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park, for a first-time ski lessons for all ages. Choose to go skiing or snowboarding on Mt. Daemyung. Guests can rent all the equipment they need and spend as much time as they’d like conquering the slopes.

2. Hokkaido, Japan: The Asahidake Ropeway 

For the skilled and serious skiers, head to the Asahidake Ropeway, in Hokkaido, Japan. Featuring some of the lightest and driest snowfall in the country, it’s perfect for the seasonal athletes who like a challenge.

Winter Season: Asahidake Ropeway, Japan
Best Ski Resorts in Asia: Asahidake Ropeway, Japan

Hop on the gondola lift, the Asahidake Ropeway, and jump from more than 400 meters! The resort has an expansive terrain that goes deep and steep; it’s advisable to ski with a guide, because the terrain can get very dangerous on low visibility days. While the Asahidake Ropeway isn’t the ideal family activity (especially if you’re traveling with small children or elderly), it’s located at the Daisetsuzan National Park, which is full of other scenic sights worth exploring.

3. Gangwon, Korea: Ice Fishing on Nami Island

Maybe skiing isn’t really your thing, but how else can you make the most of Korea’s winter season? Make your way to Nami Island in Gangwon, South Korea, located on the outskirts of Seoul. At this half moon-shaped island, tourists can try their hand at ice fishing on a frozen river.

Winter Season: Sledding at Nami Island, Korea
Best Ski Resorts in Asia: Nami Island, Korea

Stand over a solid frozen river and place bait in one of the many man-made holes. Cast a line and try to catch as many mountain trout as you can!  Challenge yourself by catching one with your bare hands. After a successful haul, you can either release your fish or grill and eat them on the spot for an additional fee.

4. Numata City, Japan: Tambara Ski Park 

Just two hours away from Tokyo, Tambara Ski Park in Numata City is a family-friendly ski resort full of great outdoor activities. Take ski and snowboard lessons, slide down beginner-friendly slopes, or experience Tambara Snow Land’s moving ‘snow escalator’ as a relaxing way to take in the surrounding views.

Winter Season: Tambara Ski Park, Japan
Best Ski Resorts in Asia: Tambara Ski Park, Japan

Kids will enjoy ‘snow striders’ that allow them to bike on powdery snow and they fun carnival games, on-site. When the day is down, warm up over an all-you-can-eat snow crab and seafood buffet.

Whether traveling with friends, family or even solo, Asia has exciting and challenging ski resorts to suit all skill levels. So forget about hibernating this winter season and book your passes to one of Asia’s best ski resorts.

Looking for more winter getaway ideas?

Check out more ideas for winter activities in Korea or find out what the top ski resorts are in Gangwon-Do and Gyeonggi-Do.

 

 

 

 

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