Asia offers some brilliant options for families looking for an introduction to skiing, or just a play in the snow. Here's where to ski in Asia with the kids
Snow bunnies taking on the slopes in Niseko, Japan
China
A proliferation of new resorts since the 2022 Winter Olympics and plenty of snow mean winter holidays in China are becoming increasingly popular with the local population. However, skiing in China remains relatively undiscovered by non-natives.
The country offers several hundred ski resorts, which, if you’re used to skiing in Europe and North America, are comparatively small. However, they tend to be well-suited to families and beginners and there are usually plenty of off-slope snow activities, such as snowmobiling, ice skating and sledging.
But while there might be plenty of powder, bear in mind that conditions can be harsh with daytime temperatures plunging to as low as minus 20 degrees.
Arguably the best and certainly the largest resort in China, Yabuli Ski Resort on Yabuli Sun Mountain is in Heilongjiang province in the far northeast of the country. Its Alpine ski piste is one of the longest in Asia and, coupled with good snowfall, makes Yabuli one of the most popular ski resorts in the country. It also boasts one of the world’s longest toboggan runs and also offers ice skating. The all-inclusive, family-friendly Club Med Yabuli is at the heart of the ski scene here.
South Korea
The best time to ski in South Korea is between November and February. There are around 20 ski resorts in the country, although maybe only a dozen ‘main’ ski resorts.
While not hugely attractive for advanced skiers, South Korea is ideal for families and beginners. The terrain at South Korean resorts is usually quite small and the mountains gentle. All terrain is below the treeline and artificial snow is routinely used to pump up powder levels. The main ski resorts will offer English language ski lessons. Like Japan, night skiing is very popular, although there is no real apres-ski scene as is common in Europe.
On the downside, South Korea receives nowhere near the levels of snow as, say, Japan, and conditions can be harsh with bitterly cold daytime temperatures. However, on the plus side many resorts are resorts easily accessible as a day trip from Seoul if you don’t want to dig-in for a holiday devoted entirely to skiing.
If you’re looking for natural powder, the resort with the highest snowfall is Yongpyong, which receives around 2.5m of snow per season. Yongpyong is the country’s most popular ski destination with 28 slopes covering around 25 kms and conditions for beginners through to advanced level.
Gangwon-do in the north of Korea has arguably the best ski resorts, which are located in the Taebaek Mountains, and receives a reasonable amount of snow.
Gyeonggi-do ski resorts are easy to reach from Seoul but as such can get crowded in peak season. Check out Bears Town for wide, gentle, beginner-friendly slopes, plus it’s easy to reach on a day-trip from the capital.
Japan
Japan is the undisputed king of ski destinations in the region. Boasting some of the best and deepest powder in the world, the country benefits from unique climatic conditions making for a long and snowy winter season. The powder starts falling from November and resorts generally open from December and run through to April. Many resorts average up to 15m of snow each season. Resorts are particularly busy over Christmas and Chinese New Year in late January/early February, which also coincides with the Australian long holidays. For more chances of blue skies and slightly warmer temperatures, March is a good time to go.
One of the most popular ski areas in Japan is Hakuba. A bullet train or private transfer can be taken from Tokyo to Hakuba Station. The ski area has heaps of family-friendly resorts, kids’ ski areas and ski schools. Off-slope activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Also from Tokyo, try Yuzawa Town ski resorts in the Japanese Alps. Catch a 90-minute Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Yuzawa for around 20 resorts accessible by public transport and with well-groomed runs from beginner level, plus snow play areas for kids.
And Japan’s largest ski area, Shiga Kogen, with 19 resorts, is also a bullet train ride from Tokyo (to Nagano Station).
The island of Hokkaido boasts some of the best powder in the country. The most renowned resorts on Hokkaido are arguably Niseko and Hirafu. Niseko Village Ski Resort is a well-established ski area with heaps of accommodation, ski schools and restaurants. Alternatively try nearby Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area or Niseko Grand Hirafu. The Niseko area is around a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New Chitose airport, check for transfer arrangements when you book.
Kiroro is another popular ski area in Hokkaido, with what is said to be the best powder in the world. There are 22 slopes for all levels plus plenty of backcountry to explore. There’s a fun snow park for kids and Club Med have recently opened two all-inclusive resorts (read our review here).
Or head to Tomamu Ski Resort which is also an hour from New Chitose airport and also boasts a Club Med resort.
United Arab Emirates
It may not be blessed with a ski-friendly climate or topogrophy but that hasn’t stopped Dubai from dipping a ski boot into the winter sports arena.
Ski Dubai is the largest indoor ski ‘resort’ in the world, with a 22,500 sqm ski area located inside a shopping mall.
The 85m ski slope is served by two ski lifts and there are easy beginner runs as well as an advanced run which is billed as the world’s first indoor ‘black’ run.
The air temperature is maintained at around minus three degrees, which means well-groomed artificial snow stays firm and dry and with no ice patches.
A big attraction of Ski Dubai is the fun snow park aimed at kids and non-skiers. A Polar Express Pass includes all the activities in the snow park, plus a penguin encounter and equipment hire. The Snow Park activities include a luge run, a donut carousel ride, a rope climbing wall, snowball rolling and snow tubing. There’s also a March of the Penguins display at certain times of the day.
Re-fuel at the on-piste cafe serving snacks and light meals. And there’s a handy ski wear shop at the bottom of the slopes.
The terrain is limited but the resort makes for a fun day out, especially for kids who want to experience ‘snow’ for the first time. Ski Dubai is an easy taxi or train ride from the centre of Dubai at Mall of the Emirates.
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