Top 10 Ski and Snowboard Destinations From Hong Kong
Whether you are looking for a new adventure close to home in Asia or want to combine a trip back to your homeland in Europe, USA or Canada with the ultimate ski break, CK Ski has put together their top skiing and snowboarding destinations to try this winter season, for all skiing abilities.
Niseko, Japan
Credit: Kage, Niseko United
Japan is renowned for reliable deep, fluffy, powder snow. And in Hokkaido, you can access some of Japan’s most celebrated ski resorts, including Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri Ski Area. You can experience tree skiing and night skiing in all areas except Hanazono, until 9pm. Or why not head to Rusutsu resort for a day trip, about 30 minutes from Niseko.
Slopes: 325-1210m
Good for: Ski and snowboarding powder-lovers seeking long action-packed days with deep powder.
Why not try: The Warren Smith Ski Academy, founded in Verbier, runs an eight-day Powder Ski Camp in Niseko, 13-22 February 2014. It’s designed to build and develop skills and confidence in all types of terrain, with an emphasis on powder. Where better to improve your powder skiing!
Travel: Fly direct to Sapporo via Hong Kong in four hours with Cathay Pacific, or fly via Tokyo to Sapporo.
Where to stay: Try the Green Leaf in Niseko Village – take part in the Onsen experience; a complex of hot baths, showers and communal volcanic thermal pools. Costs from around HK$1200 per night.
Season dates: December – early April 2014
Yongpyong Resort, South Korea
Great for all levels, Yongpyong is the largest of the South Korean resorts – with 31 slopes and 15 lifts, it offers a variety of skiing for all levels. There is also a snow park (Dragon Park), enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders. Skiing in South Korea does not offer the lively entertainment and après-ski activities associated with European resorts, however with direct flights from Hong Kong, it is a great short-haul option for your annual ski fix.
Slopes: 750-1470m
Good for: Beginners should try the Mega Green (700m long), a wide, 12-degree. Intermediates should give the Rainbow Paradise slope a try – at 5,600m long, it is the longest slope in resort.
Why not: Stay in Seoul before or after your ski trip and experience NANTA, a theatrical cooking show
Travel: Fly to Seoul direct from Hong Kong, then transfer to resort in two hours.
Where to stay: The Dragon Hotel is centrally located, offering a good choice of rooms. Book online or contact Flight Centre HK to book your trip.
Season dates: End November – April 2014
Yabuli, China
Although China’s ski resorts are fairly new to most people, Yabuli is a good family-friendly choice for skiing, reasonably close to home. The infrastructure is somewhat limited but skiers looking for a long weekend’s ski break or a week’s holiday with the children close to Hong Kong, will find Sun Mountain Yabuli a good option.
Slopes: 200-1374m
Good for: Families keen to ski in the surroundings of the national park in Heilongjiang province. You can hire skis, clothing and goggles too in the resort – ideal for first-timers.
Why not try: Take the toboggan run from top to bottom.
Travel: Fly to Harbin via Shanghai and Yabuli is approximately 200km, a 2.5-hour drive from the airport. There are also direct trains from Beijing and Harbin.
Where to stay: The Club Med Yabuli resort is a good family-friendly option with leisure activities, half-board and lessons included. Costs from around HK$14,000pp for four nights, during low season
Season dates: Mid November 2013– mid March 2014
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