Beyond Niseko: Japan’s Secret Ski Resorts
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As one of the few Asian countries with a long history of skiing, the slopes of Japan have options for both families and adrenaline junkies.
Ski resorts have been experiencing a powdery renaissance in northern China, South Korea, and India in recent years, and with the sport on the rise all over Asia, there are more opportunities than ever to slalom the slopes of the East.
Japan, unlike its neighbors, has a relatively long tradition of winter sports, reaching back to 1911 when Major Theodor von Lerch of the Austrian Army first introduced skiing to the nation, and that spirit is very much alive in the town of Niseko on the Russia-adjacent Hokkaido Island. Skiers hoping to get off-piste and away from the crowds in Japan can easily hit up Furano, the family-friendly Kiroro, or go heliskiing at the Rusutsu volcano.
For those who like a little adventure in their powder, Kyrgyzstan’s Karakol is delightfully isolated but still manages to provide a level of service commensurate with Western resorts – an exciting area with wooden cathedrals and distinct cultural appeal. Travelers will find alpine bowls and even glacier skiing in Kashmir’s Gulmarg, which features the highest ski lift in the world, the Gulmarg Gondola, at 13,054 feet above sea-level.
From beginners to Olympic-level pros, the diverse slopes of Asia are a chance to get off the beaten track and on-piste.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
As one of the few Asian countries with a long history of skiing, the slopes of Japan have options for both families and adrenaline junkies.
After landing in Kyrgyzstan, skiers might be tempted by the proximity of Bishkek, but there is much to compliment the slopes of Karakol, including a level of resort-style service that won’t be available elsewhere.
Avid skier or snowboarder who loves traveling the world, there’s never been a better time to plan a skiing trip in South Korea
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