Niseko, Japan

Undeniably the grand dame of Asia’s ski resorts, Niseko is up there with Aspen and Courchevel, a winter playground for Asia’s finest. Located 100km southwest of Sapporo on Japan’s northernmost Hokkaido island, Niseko actually encompasses five different resorts and countless luxury lodges, the largest of which is Grand Hirafu. Apart from boasting 47km of groomed runs, Niseko is famous for higher-than-average levels of exceptionally powdery snow unique to the region, which is known to be a dream to ski on. From long, meandering slopes to off-piste skiing, Niseko has terrain for every level of difficulty. Meanwhile, apres-ski activities such as bathing in onsen and dining at gourmet restaurants round up a first-class experience.

Ski season: Late November – early May
Number of runs: 61
Number of lifts: 58
Total length of groomed terrain: 47km

Shiga Kogen, Japan

Easily accessible from Tokyo via a 2.5-hour bullet train ride, Shiga Kogen is located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano prefecture on the main island of Honshu. Having gained international recognition following its hosting of the slalom events during the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Shiga Kogen is comprised of 19 individual ski resorts that have banded together to create the second largest ski area in Japan. This is a boon for skiers, as a single lift ticket provides access to over 600 hectares of terrain, meaning that you could ski a different run for two whole days without repeating. Despite its size, Shiga Kogen’s apres-ski culture is relatively subdued, although world-famous attractions such as the Jigokudani Monkey Park – whose primates have become the subject of national adoration for their bathing tendencies – more than make up for this.

Ski season: December – May
Number of runs: 84
Number of lifts: 52
Longest run: 6km

Kiroro, Japan

Despite being relatively unknown outside of Japan, this ski resort is a treasure trove for those looking for a no-frills resort experience. Located just outside of Sapporo, this ski resort offers some of the highest snowfalls in Hokkaido thanks to its proximity to the Sea of Japan. With its 22 runs split evenly between beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, Kiroro also has four gates that provide access to off-piste skiing for those seeking untouched powder. While there is no traditional village to speak of, the resort features two luxury hotels, including the ski-out Sheraton hotel. Nightlife here is sedate although your usual bag of Japanese activities, such as hot springs, karaoke and high-end cuisine, is available.

Ski season: Late November – early May
Number of runs: 22
Number of lifts: 9
Longest run: 4km

Yongpyong, South Korea

The site of the most recent Winter Olympics in 2018, Yongpyong benefits from world-class skiing infrastructure and can be reached from Seoul via high-speed train in 1.5 hours. As South Korea’s largest and most established ski resort, this ski resort caters to all levels of expertise: its exceptionally wide runs are perfect for beginners to get their footing while terrain parks and slalom courses used during the Olympics will satisfy the experts. Off the slopes, visitors are blessed with an abundance of places to eat Korean barbeque, drink soju, sing karaoke and relax in a jjimjilbang spa house. A five-star hotel rated as the best in the country accommodates those willing to splash out, while plenty of more affordable options for accommodation are scattered around the resort.

Ski season: Mid November – early April
Number of runs: 31
Number of lifts: 15
Total length of groomed terrain: 29km

Daemyung Vivaldi Park, South Korea

Controversially named Korea’s best ski resort in 2017 at the World Ski Awards, the smaller Daemyung Vivaldi Park is a David against the Goliaths of the region. Just a 90-minute shuttle bus ride from Seoul, this is also the most visited ski resort in the country, and its highly sophisticated lift and gondola reflects this. Best for beginners and intermediates thanks to its gentle gradients, freestyle skiers may want to avoid this resort due to its lack of halfpipes and a terrain park. However, Vivaldi is certainly rare for its opening times, from 8.30am to a bleary 5am, making it perfect for night owls. Due to its proximity to Seoul, many skiers prefer to do day trips from the capital, which makes it viable to tack this resort to the end of a standard sightseeing trip.

Ski season: December – March
Number of runs: 12
Number of lifts: 9
Longest run: 1.6km

Editor

Gavin Yeung

Credit

Header photo by Arnaud de Rosnay/Conde Nast via Getty Images