Splendid Slopes: Winter Sports Around Asia
It is never too early to start to think about your winter holiday and while Asia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter sports it certainly should be high on the list. The continent is blessed with a variety of ski and snowboard destinations to rival the hotspots in Europe or North America. From Japan’s legendary powder to the unexplored slopes of Kyrgyzstan, here are a few of the best ways to hit the pistes.
SPLENDID SLOPES: WINTER SPORTS AROUND ASIA
It is never too early to start to think about your winter holiday and while Asia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winter sports it certainly should be high on the list. The continent is blessed with a variety of ski and snowboard destinations to rival the hotspots in Europe or North America. From Japan’s legendary powder to the unexplored slopes of Kyrgyzstan, here are a few of the best ways to hit the pistes.
NEW SKI FRONTIERS IN KYRGYZSTAN
Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan's emerging ski destinations, including Bishkek, Karakol, and Bashy Valley, offer unique experiences for adventurous travelers. Karakol, situated near the eastern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, features diverse terrain and backcountry skiing opportunities. At 7,546 feet to 11,155 feet above sea level, Karakol’s terrain provides a wide range of slopes for experienced skiers. The Karakol ski base was built during the Soviet era when it was used to train Olympic athletes; today, the ski season runs from December to March and offers 12.5 miles of runs, with opportunities for off-piste skiing. Bishkek, the capital city, serves as a gateway to nearby ski resorts and cultural attractions, providing a blend of urban convenience and outdoor adventure. Close by, the Chon-Kemin Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a rewarding and challenging winter ski adventure. Standing 6,562 feet to 11,483 feet above sea level, the area is abundant with stunning slopes and conifer forests, all of which are overwhelmingly gorgeous when covered in a tranquil blanket of snow. Bashy Valley, nestled in the rugged Tian Shan mountains, offers pristine slopes and untouched powder, perfect for off-piste skiing and exploration.
Suggested itinerary: Skiing the Backcountry in Karakol
KOREA’S COOL COMBINATION
Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre
South Korea boasts impressive ski resorts, with top destinations like Yongpyong and Alpensia. Yongpyong, host of the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, offering a variety of slopes and facilities for skiers and snowboarders. Alpensia, nestled in the Taebaek Mountains, provides scenic views and family-friendly amenities. With its modern infrastructure and diverse terrain, South Korea's ski resorts offer thrilling experiences for winter sports enthusiasts, coupled with warm hospitality and cultural immersion. In addition, a winter getaway in the country can feature several uniquely Korean destinations, such as theme parks, ice-skating in front of City Hall, and a day spent in Spavis, an outdoor hot spring ideal for winter relaxation.
Suggested itinerary: Korean Winter Sports
CHINA HITS HEADY HEIGHTS
Zhangjiakou, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics
China's ski scene is rapidly growing. Wintersports lovers can take on miles of Olympic skiing throughout the gorgeous slopes of Zhangjiakou, a site of the 2022 Winter Olympics hosted by China. Indeed, China's ski resorts promise exciting winter sports experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes. Off-piste, booming Beijing boasts a variety of beautiful, historic and traditional opportunities for adventure. Explore the majestic architecture and ancient cultural influences that have long made this one of the greatest cities in the world. After, travel to Zhangjiakou and immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of China’s most magnificent mountains.
Suggested itinerary: Cities, Slopes and Serenity
PEAK PERFORMANCE IN KAZAKHSTAN
Shymbulak
Kazakhstan has a stunning array of natural wonders, from majestic mountains to expansive salt pans, breathtaking lakes, winding gorges, and lush forests, making it a standout destination in Central Asia. The country's snow-capped peaks offer an ideal playground for cold weather enthusiasts, with numerous top-notch ski resorts dotting the landscape. Among them, Shymbulak stands out as Central Asia's most modern ski destination, also known as Chimbulak. Located in the Almaty region, it offers 20 kilometers of slopes catering to skiers of all skill levels, complemented by 8 efficient lifts for easy transportation. Situated at elevations ranging from 2,260 to 3,180 meters above sea level, this winter sports haven provides an exhilarating experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range, making Almaty an ideal base for a diverse range of outdoor pursuits.
PERFECT POWDER IN JAPAN
Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
Japan is by far Asia’s most renowned winter sports destination; a fact reflected in its array of incredible spots for powder. Hokkaido remains a largely unspoiled landscape of enigmatic peaks, forests, and coastlines where emerald summers ease into brilliant white winter months. Known for the supreme quality of its snow, the northernmost island hosts popular resorts like Rusutsu and Furano, attracting skiers from around the globe. On Honshu, Nagano, which staked the 1998 Winter Olympics, offers iconic resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, providing diverse terrain and top-notch facilities. A nearby highlight is Jigokudani Monkey Park, inhabited by Japanese macaques who live in the forests of the Jigokudani Valley, gathering around the hot springs to escape the winter cold. Tohoku, a hidden gem in the far north of Honshu, offers uncrowded slopes and authentic Japanese charm. Tohoku also offers typically Japanese draws, including onsen and the famed snow monsters of Zao Onsen ski resort. The snow monsters, or juhyo, appear each winter after the forest of pine trees become covered in snow and ice, making an impressive phalanx of creatures best observed at twilight.
Suggested itinerary: Winter Fun and Powder Chasing Through Tohoku
#TAKEMETOREMOTELANDS
AS FEATURED IN
The Wall Street Journal • Town & Country • Departures • Travel + Leisure • Forbes • Condé Nast Traveler • BusinessWeek • National Geographic Traveler • Palm Beach Post • Chicago Tribune • Financial Times • BBC • Fox Business News • The New York Times
REMOTE LANDS, INC.
120 East 56th Street, Suite 1600 PH, New York, NY 10022 USAPhone: +1.212.518.1618
Email: [email protected]
REMOTE LANDS (THAILAND) CO., LTD
9/F Mahatun Plaza, 888/94-95 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330 ThailandPhone: +66.2651.5401
Email: [email protected] Copyright © 2024 REMOTE LANDS, INC.
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
|