Looking for an out of this world skiing experience? Tackle some of the world’s most amazing ski routes, across snow-covered peaks and through exhilarating runs. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway at the best ski fields of the Southern Hemisphere or planning ahead for a jaunt up north, read on to find out more about 10 of the best ski destinations in the Asia Pacific region.
Thredbo Resort, Australia
Season: June to early October
Thredbo is a popular ski resort in New South Wales and has some of the most advanced runs in Australia. Located in the Snowy Mountains, Thredbo Alpine Village also caters to beginners and hosts a range of fun ski events throughout the season. In addition to having the steepest slopes in the country, Thredbo boasts some of the longest pistes. Thredbo is around a 5 hour drive from Sydney and accessible from Canberra Airport.
Perisher, Australia
Season: June to early October
Perisher is the largest ski resort in the Southern Hemisphere. Situated in New South Wales, expect plenty of entertainment and after-hours options in addition to four ski areas. Perisher Valley has terrain suited to first time skiers and advanced skiing enthusiasts, with some great spots for snowboarding, too. Beginners and families should head to Smiggin Holes for gentle slopes and easy runs.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Season: June to October
Take on the same slopes as professional skiers and Olympic athletes in the extreme sports capital of New Zealand. Queenstown offers four ski fields, ranging from beginner to advanced. Head to The Remarkables for family-friendly fun and freestyle snow play. Enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Southern Alps and a variety of apres ski options, from indulgent spas to paragliding and jet boating.
Seoul, South Korea
Season: early December to March
Seoul has a number of extraordinary options for skiing, many of which are accessible by bus. Located in South Korea, skiing is relatively new to the area, with the first resort opening in 1975. Take a trip to the world-famous High 1 Resort which offers 18 slopes, ranging from beginner to advanced, and fun off-piste entertainment, including a casino. Seasoned skiers can also check out the country’s longest run on the 6.1 kilometre Silk Road Slope at Muju Deogyusan, or take a two-hour bus ride to Phoenix Park, the chosen location for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games.
Nozawaonsen Snow Resort, Japan
Season: December to early April
Situated near Nagano, this resort offers far more than its 50 kilometres of slopes and historic ties to skiing. Nozawa Onsen has a total ski slope area of 297 hectares that extends to the top of Mt. Kenashi. The resort is seated on a thermal hotspot, meaning you can warm up in one of the hot spring (onsen) pools at the public bathhouses in town after enjoying some of the best snow in Japan.
Niseko Village, Japan
Season: December to April
Located near a dormant volcano, Mt. Yotei, the spectacular Niseko resort is filled with natural, dry powder snow. Hailed as one of the best skiing locations in Asia, Niseko is famous for its four interlinked ski resorts and sweeping tree runs. The resort hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and is easily accessed from the Japanese city of Sapporo.
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Season: June to October
Lake Wanaka is a jumping off point for a number of excellent skiing options, many of which offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding scenery. The beautiful ski areas neighbouring the lake offer something for all abilities with parks, powder stashes and challenging peaks, as well as New Zealand’s only cross country ski route. Check out Treble Cone, which World Ski Awards named New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort in 2014, or head to Cardrona Alpine Resort for world class terrain.
Mt Ruapehu, New Zealand
Season: June to October
Mt Ruapehu can be found in the North Island of New Zealand. Made up of two ski areas; Whakapapa and Turoa, the resort is popular with tourists and is easily accessible from major cities like Wellington. The fields are great for skiers of all abilities and boast the highest ski lifts in the country. If the volcano looks familiar as you arrive, that’s because it took on the role of Mount Doom in the iconic Lord of the Rings Trilogy!
Shiga Kogen, Japan
Season: December to early April
Located in Joshinetsu National Park, near Tokyo, Shiga Kogen is one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts. With over 607 hectares of land and over 80 kilometres of ski trails, there’s something for all ability levels, from the beginner to the advanced skier. The ski area is made up of 21 connected ski resorts, with more than 50 lifts, gondolas and ropeways making it easy to explore.
Gulmarg, India
Season: mid-December to mid-May, peaking in February and March
Advanced skiers and thrill seekers will enjoy taking on the world’s highest gondola in Gulmarg and skiing the legendary snow-covered terrain. Situated in the Himalayas, the route is filled with steep drops, sparkling dry powder and remarkable heights. Kashmir skiing is for confident, advanced off-piste skiers only, but it’ll be an experience you’ll be hard pressed to top.
Ready to set out on your own ski adventure in the Asia Pacific region? Find cheap flights to destinations across the globe, great hotels and travel insurance for you with Webjet.
