Top 10 ski resorts to check out this winter

Looking to carve through deep powder in Japan or catch some serious air in China? Here's your guide to Asia's best downhill adventures.

Appi Kogen, Tohoku, Japan

Appi Kogen, or simply 'Appi' to the locals, boasts 282 hectares of ski terrain and 21 trails with an average run length of 2 kilometers, the longest in Japan. Even during peak season, many of these trails remain uncrowded and covered in fresh powder. Experienced skiers can challenge themselves on the ungroomed, steep slopes of Mount Nishi Mori, while beginners and families can enjoy the gentle 5.5-kilometer Yamabato run.

In addition to skiing, Appi Kogen offers plenty of off-piste activities, including an on-site dairy farm producing ice cream and cheeses, as well as snowmobile and sledding courses. For families, the Spongebob Kids Park offers mini ski areas perfect for little ones just starting out.

Getting there: From Tokyo, take the JR East Shinkansen to Morioka. From Morioka station, transfer to the ‘Hanawa’ train bound for Appi Kogen station. A free shuttle bus is available from Appi Kogen station to the resort.

Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

Carve through the powder at Niseko. Image courtesy of Shinichi Haramizu/Creative Commons/Flickr

Thanks to frequent winter storms from Siberia, the Niseko resort area is one of the snowiest in the world. It also offers vibrant nightlife, making it a top ski destination for Australians, and the most popular in Japan for them.

Locals and visitors alike rave about skiing through chest-deep, dry powder with no resistance. Niseko is also renowned for its off-piste runs and night skiing.

Niseko boasts four interconnected ski resorts, offering a combined 2,191 acres of terrain, all accessible with a single ski pass.

Niseko Hirafu, the largest of the four resorts, features a small village at its base, complete with two fun parks, snowmobile courses, onsens, and massage services.

Getting there: JR trains connect Niseko with Otaru, Sapporo, Hakodate, and New Chitose Airport. Alternatively, visitors can drive or take a bus from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.

Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido, Japan

Rusutsu shines brightly at night. Image courtesy of tensaibuta/Creative Commons/Flickr

Located just a short distance from Sapporo, Rusutsu ski resort offers some of Japan's driest and deepest powder. With 37 courses spanning 42 kilometers across three mountains, its tree runs through silver birch forests are a major highlight.

For those seeking a break from the slopes, Rusutsu has a variety of activities such as dog sledding, horseback riding, snow rafting, and snowmobiling. Young children can enjoy riding on inflatable 'snow trains' on the ice or participate in cooking and handicraft workshops indoors.

Getting there: Rusutsu Resort is a 90-minute drive from Sapporo, New Chitose Airport, Tomakomai, and Muroran.

MORE: 12 of the largest ski areas around the world

Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea

Visit PyeongChang before the 2018 Winter Olympics. Image courtesy of Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Seoul has been developing ski resorts for years in preparation for its bid to host the Winter Olympics. In 2018, the Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang will be the venue for the Winter Games.

Alpensia Resort, completed in 2009, spans 4.9 square kilometers of terrain. Its sports park features cross-country and biathlon courses, along with two international-standard ski jump slopes.

The 160-meter tall ski jump tower offers stunning views of Daegwallyeong from the top, accessible by monorail for 2,000 won. The resort is also conveniently located near Odaesan National Park and Samyang Ranch.

Getting there: Alpensia Resort is about a -hour drive from Incheon International Airport.

Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea

A general view of the Yongpyong Alpine Centre ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games.

A view of the Yongpyong Alpine Centre ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Image courtesy of Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Yongpyong Ski Resort, the oldest in South Korea, remains one of the most popular. It’s known not only for excellent skiing but also as the filming location for Winter Sonata, one of the nation’s most beloved TV dramas.

Yongpyong spans 1,620 hectares of ski terrain with 31 groomed slopes, totaling 25 kilometers. The longest run, the 5.6-kilometer Rainbow Paradise, is accessible via a 3.7-kilometer gondola from the base. Fresh powder is a common find at Yongpyong, making it a favorite for skiers and snowboarders alike.

Beyond skiing, Yongpyong offers Winter Sonata tours for soap opera enthusiasts and a water park complete with hot springs.

Yongpyong has hosted several international events, including the 1999 Asian Winter Olympics, and will once again be a major venue for the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Getting there: Yongpyong is a 2.5-hour drive from Seoul. For directions, click here. Alternatively, resort shuttle buses run daily from Seoul and Hwenggye, Gangnung.

Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, South Korea

Surrounded by stunning white pines, Jisan Forest Resort is an ideal skiing destination. Image courtesy of Paul/Creative Commons/Flickr

Located just a 40-minute drive from Seoul, Jisan Forest Resort offers city dwellers a quick escape to the snow. While its terrain may not challenge expert skiers, its 10 slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. The longest run is 1.5 kilometers, designed for intermediate-level skiers.

Jisan Forest Resort features two slopes that remain open late, from December 23 to February 12, allowing skiers to enjoy the night until midnight.

Just a short distance from the Hanteo Pony Farm, where kids can enjoy horseback riding and crop planting, Jisan Forest Resort also offers condo accommodations for those looking to stay overnight.

Getting there: Jisan Forest Resort is a 40-minute drive from Gangnam, located south of Seoul. Alternatively, buses from Incheon International Airport take about 90 minutes to reach the resort.

MORE: Pyeongchang and South Korea’s ski culture

Gulmarg, Kashmir

While visiting Gulmarg won’t immediately give you wings, it is considered one of South Asia's top ski destinations. Image courtesy of TAUSEEF MUSTAFA/AFP/AFP/Getty Images

In the 19th century, Gulmarg served as a hill station for British colonials seeking relief from the summer heat. Today, it’s a world-class ski resort known for its fresh, light powder from the Himalayas, attracting skiers eager to avoid the crowds and queues of the Alps.

The highlight of the resort is the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest ski lift in the world, reaching a staggering 3,979 meters. From the top station, skiers can challenge themselves on thrilling runs with the majestic Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain on Earth, as their backdrop.

Though the region occasionally faces disruptions due to insurgency, resulting in months-long security lockdowns, it hasn’t stopped the 400,000 adventurous skiers who rode the Gondola last year.

Getting there: Gulmarg is located 35 miles from Srinagar, the state capital. Visitors can take a taxi from Srinagar airport, which takes around two hours to reach Gulmarg.

Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Mongolia, China

At Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, daily snowfalls ensure the slopes are consistently covered in deep, powdery snow.

While much of the resort is used by the Chinese national ski team for training, it also offers gentler slopes open to the public.

With 10 kilometers of non-professional alpine and cross-country trails, the resort spans 5.5 square kilometers. Set along the Inner Mongolian border, it is surrounded by pristine forests and towering mountains.

Getting there: Fly from Beijing to Ulanhot, then take a bus or train from Ulanhot airport to Alshan Alpine Resort.

The breathtaking slopes of Yabuli. Image courtesy of Ski China/Creative Commons/Flickr

Yabuli Ski Resort is China’s largest ski area, with roughly 30 kilometers of ski slopes. While it serves as the main training hub for the Chinese national ski teams, it also caters to thrill-seekers with a variety of exciting runs.

Yabuli features 18 slopes of varying difficulty. The 3-kilometer A1, known as the 'Trail to Happiness,' is China’s longest intermediate run. For those seeking a challenge, the 2.7-kilometer A5, or 'Road for Brave,' offers a thrilling ride.

Kids will love zooming down the 2.2-kilometer sled slide – the longest in Asia – which twists and turns 48 times.

Yabuli is also home to Club Med’s first resort in China, which opened its doors to the public on November 27, 2010.

Getting there: Fly to Harbin from Beijing or Mudanjiang, and then take a train or resort shuttle bus to Yabuli. Alternatively, catch an overnight train from Beijing directly to Yabuli.

MORE: 9 ski resorts you can fly into

Nanshan Ski Village, Beijing

Nanshan spans 150,000 hectares and features 21 trails. Image courtesy of Chen Zhao/Creative Commons/Flickr

Nanshan Ski Village is just a 30-minute drive from Beijing, offering a quick escape from the hustle of the capital. With 150,000 hectares of terrain and 21 trails, it caters to all levels, though the mogul field at the summit provides a challenge for advanced skiers.

The resort primarily uses artificial snow, and the instructors are friendly and fluent in English.

Getting there: From Beijing, take the JingCheng Expressway, exit at Mi Yun (Exit 16), and follow the signs to Nanshan Ski Village. The drive should take about 35 minutes.

Tiffany Lam has produced and scripted current affairs documentaries and written features for Dinogo Travel.

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