From ski holidays in Japan to affordable ski resorts in China, there are a lot of opportunities for families to take a fabulous ski holiday in Asia with kids in tow. While there are a few popular hubs for snow skiing in Asia such as the oh-so-fabulous Niseko, there are plenty of other options around the region that don’t get as much attention. Little Steps has rounded up a list of easy to access snow skiing playgrounds in Asia for families from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, and beyond – looking to practice their skills. From budget and cheap skiing options in Asia for families to the best ski resorts in Japan, we have you covered. See you on the slopes!
Thousands of skiing families flock to Niseko over Christmas, New Year, and CNY, all in search of the famous powder snow that the resort has become known for worldwide. Be sure to check out their Spring skiing options which are where families typically get the best deals on ski holidays. Book a chalet, hit the slopes, relax with the family in an onsen, and repeat...this snowy playground is fun! What's more, Niseko is home to incredible restaurants making it a dining hub for foodies big and small. Be sure to book restaurants in advance here especially at peak times.
When to go? December – early April *Also amazing during the summer for non-ski mountain fun!
How to get there? Niseko is close Japan ski resort for families traveling from Hong Kong, Singapore, and other cities in Asia. Fly direct to Sapporo or via Tokyo to Sapporo. Cathay Pacific offers direct flights from Hong Kong. Take a car or bus to Niseko.
Niseko With Kids, Click here for the Little Steps Guide To Niseko
Niseko Accommodation Guide For Families, Click here
Top Family-Friendly Restaurants In Niseko, Click here
When to go? December – early April
How to get there? Hakuba is 44km west of Nagano and can be reached easily via Tokyo (The Tokyo Narita Airport is the main gateway airport for Hakuba), but also from the Nagoya and Kansai areas. Families will need to plan to take a flight to Tokyo (Narita), then a bullet train to Nagano, then a taxi or shuttle to your hotel. Be sure to book the shuttle/taxi in advance.
Hakuba, http://www.hakubatourism.jp/
Guide To Skiing In Hakuba, Click here
Top Hotels + Chalets In Hakuba, Click here
Beidahu operates on two mountains and the valley in between and offers the highest operating vertical in the country, terrain park, ski lessons for kids, and tons of cross-country trails. The Club Med here is getting lots of great reviews from families. They offer all-inclusive packages for families including room, food and beverage, a kids club, fitness classes, group ski lessons, your ski pass, and plane ticket too. There are 22 runs in total with the focus mainly on beginner and intermediate runs. Note, they have an age limitation at 2 years and up so if you have babies, it's not going to be right for you.
When to go? Late November - Early March
How to get there? Direct flights to Changchun from Hong Kong and then a 2-hour drive. If you are traveling from Singapore, you have a bit longer to travel. It is a 15-hour flight from Singapore to Changchun, with a layover in Shanghai, and a 2 1/2-hour car ride to the resort.
Club Med Beidahu, https://www.clubmed.com.hk/r/Beidahu/y. Note, they have an age limitation at 2 years and above.
When to go? December – end of April
How to get there? Fly to Tokyo Narita or Hanesa. Take Narita Express to Tokyo Main Station then the Shinkansen bullet train directly to Yazawa.
While this local ski haven is most popular with the Japanese, it is a fantastic place for a unique cultural ski adventure with the family. Tokoku is one of the oldest ski resorts in Japan and is made up of six prefectures (Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima). Very little English is spoken here and it is considered off-the-beaten-track. If you are looking for a real Japanese ski trip - this might tick all the boxes.
When to go? December – early April
How to get there? Fly direct into Narita International Airport then go to Tohoku Shinkansen or Joetsu Shinkansen lines from JR Tokyo Station. This bullet train will take between 1.5-3.5 hours in total.
Where to stay? Zao Kukusao Hotel, Zao Onsen Ski Resort
When to go? End of November - April
How to get there? Fly to Seoul and travel by car 2 hours from the airport.
Yongpyong Resort, www.yongpyong.co.kr
Club Med's Yabuli is located in China’s northeast in the heart of a national park. Mums and Dads can kick back with spa treatments by L'OCCITANE as kids 2 and older exhaust themselves in the kid’s club. With ski passes, lessons, f&b, and accommodation included, it’s your passport to a stress-free family holiday! Be sure to hit spring season for a not-so-cold trip.
When to go? Mid-November – mid-March
How to get there? Fly to Harbin via Shanghai and Yabuli is around 2.5-hour drive from the airport.
Club Med Yabuli, Heilongjiang, China, https://www.clubmed.com.hk/r/Yabuli/w. Note, this resort has an age limit of 2 years old or above.
Hokkaido, known as Japan's mecca of winter sports guarantees plentiful snow and plenty of powder on the pistes! With direct access from Chitose International airport and a new highway between Sapporo to Sahoro, Club Med Sahoro is an easy to get to family-friendly destination. Ski or snowboard from the door of your fabulous suite! At their signature ski school you will find multilingual ski instructors ready to teach all ages, including kids four years old and up.
When to go? December – early April
How to get there? Fly direct to Sapporo or via Tokyo to Sapporo. Cathay Pacific offers direct flights. Take a car or arrange pick-up to Club Med.
Club Med Sahoro, Kamikawa-Gun, Hokkaido, https://www.clubmed.com.hk/r/Sahoro-Hokkaido/w
Ski Resorts Outside Seoul: 1-3 hours drive
Alpensia, http://www.alpensiaresort.co.kr
Daemyung Resort, https://www.daemyungresort.com
Welli Hilli Park, https://www.wellihillipark.com
Phoenix Park, Website
Jisan Forest, Website *45 minutes from Seoul
Ski Resorts Outside Tokyo:
Grand Deco, http://www.grandeco.com/english/
Gala Yuzawa, https://gala.co.jp/winter/english/
Joetsu Kokusai, http://www.jkokusai.co.jp/
Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, http://www.nozawaski.com/en/
Minakami Ski Resorts, Website
Ski Resorts Hokkaido:
Furano, http://www.furanotourism.com/en/
Rusutso, http://rusutsu.co.jp/
Ski Resorts Mongolia:
Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Click here
Ski Resorts In Kashmir, India:
Gulmarg, Click here
Ski Resorts In China:
Nanshan Ski Village, Click here - 30-minute drive from Beijing
Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.
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