SingaporeMotherhood | Family Fun
October 2022
5 Best Family Ski Resorts in Asia for a Dazzling Winter Holiday
When most people think of ski holidays, they think of far-flung places like France, Switzerland, and Canada. But did you know that Asia is home to some of the best family ski resorts around? If your kids have never played in real snow — Snow City doesn’t count — and know every word of Disney’s Frozen soundtrack by heart, take them to one of the best family ski resorts in Asia this year-end holiday season.
BEST FAMILY SKI RESORTS IN JAPAN
Japan is top on our list for the best family ski resorts in Asia. But with so many popular sites, where to start? We narrow it down to two locations that aren’t overly crowded yet offer great experiences for families with kids.
Lotte Arai Resort in Myoko City, Niigata
On the eastern slopes of Mt Okenashi in Niigata Prefecture, Lotte Arai Resort is a two-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. Board the gondola at 329m and admire magical views as you ride to the 1,280m summit. While boasting one of Japan’s largest freeriding zones, a third of 14 ski courses are suitable for beginners. Kids will also love snow ziplining, snow striding, ‘Hizume’ snow adventures, and indoor adventure playground.
Stay at Lotte Arai Resort. The winner of Japan’s Best Family Ski Resort in the 2022 Ski Asia Awards offers 257 rooms and suites. For fans of Lotte’s yummy Koala biscuit snack, the adorable Koala’s March and Waltz character family rooms are a no-brainer. The hotel also has a kids’ playroom, indoor pool, and onsen spa.
Web www.lottehotel.com/arai-resort
Kiroro Ski Resort in Hokkaido
Two hours from Chitose Airport, Kiroro Ski Resort offers five-star powder slopes for skiers of all abilities. Spanning two mountains, 23 trails range from just 250m and top out at just over 4km. At the Kiroro Kids Academy, the minimum age is three and six years for ski and snowboard lessons respectively. Off-slope activities include snow rafting, mini snowmobiles, snow park, and an indoor adventure playground.
Stay at Yu Kiroro. The stylish ski-in ski-out hotel offers one- to three-bedroom condominiums with open views of the slopes. Each alpine-inspired apartment features an open-plan living area and full kitchen, complete with WiFi, Netflix, and Nespresso. Amenities include an onsen spa, 24-hour gym, Kids Space, and Family Space.
Web www.kiroro.co.jp
(See also: 7 Places to See the Northern Lights – Go Now Before They Wane!)
BEST FAMILY SKI RESORTS IN SOUTH KOREA
South Korea’s snow scene began heating up when Pyeongchang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. More importantly, it offers K-philes the opportunity to see ski slopes featured in their favourite K-dramas. Here are two exciting snow experiences for families to consider.
Vivaldi Park Ski World in Hongcheon
There are several reasons that Vivaldi Park Ski World is the most popular ski resort in South Korea. First, it’s the largest ski facility in the Seoul metropolitan region and the closest — just 45 minutes away. Second, the ultra-Instagrammable location appeared in K-drama The Legend of the Blue Sea. The downside to this? It can get very crowded. Still, its snowy slopes are ideal for families, and the fairytale Snowy Land is every child’s dream!
Stay at Sono Felice Vivaldi Park. Its contemporary two- and three-bedroom suites come with open-plan living and kitchen. It’s also your gateway to all of Vivaldi Park’s attractions, including Ski World, Ocean World, Equestrian Club, and indoor amusement park.
High1 Resort in Jeongseon
For something quieter, head further afield to High1 Resort in Jeongseon. Three hours from Seoul, it offers a combination of 18 courses across three peaks. The wide, gentle slopes of the 4.2km valley course is the most popular with beginners. You can go tube-sledding too. Do take a gondola ride to revolving restaurant Top of the Top, where both tummies and eyes will feast.
Stay at High1 Grand Hotel Main Tower. One of six accommodation options within the High1 integrated resort, the High1 Grand Hotel offers character-themed Junior Suites for families. It also puts you closest to the slopes. Alternatively, stay in a Family Suite in the charming Mountain Condominium for more space.
Web www.high1.com
(See also: 6 Christmas Markets in Europe to Explore with Your Little Ones)
BEST FAMILY SKI RESORTS IN CHINA
China isn’t typically the first place that comes to mind when you think of ski destinations. However, since Beijing hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics back in February, the scene has been steadily growing. Here’s our favourite pick for families with young kids.
Changbaishan International Tourism Resort in Jilin
Just north of the border where China meets North Korea is a huge integrated ski resort. Changbai Mountain’s 43 trails are designed by Ecosign, the Canadian company behind multiple competition venues over multiple Winter Olympic Games. Beyond the slopes, explore multiple snow parks that feature everything from ice sculptures and mazes to hot springs.
Stay at Sheraton Changbaishan Resort. Think comfortable rooms, plus kids’ club, playground, and waterpark for the kids. It also shares a complex with The Westin Changbaishan Resort that puts them adjacent to the ski resort. Other hotel brands within the Wanda International Resort range from Holiday Inn to Hyatt Regency.
Web www.sheratonchangbaishan.com
Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin
Finally, we come to China’s largest ski resort, which unsurprisingly sits within the picturesque ice city of Harbin. Yabuli Ski Resort features 49 trails of varying difficulty, as well as high-speed heated gondolas, chairlifts, and magic carpets. Other adventures include snow tubing, snowmobiling, sledding, skating, and a children’s ski recreation zone.
Stay at Club Med Yabuli. The all-inclusive Club Med concept lets you enjoy a hassle-free family ski vacation. It even covers direct access to the slopes, as well as skiing and snowboarding classes! Other activities include an indoor climbing wall, swimming pool, and the all-encompassing kids club. Participate in the new Amazing Family Winter Games and create memories of a lifetime.
(See also: Winter Wear for Babies and Kids: Where to Buy and Rent in Singapore)
Featured image: Lotte Arai Resort
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