Sometimes all we want to do is to get away from Singapore’s all-year summer and indulge in a winter vacation many miles away. Now is as good a time as any, so why not beat the heat and book in for some winter fun at a ski resort? Check out our list of some of the most stunning ones in Asia and beyond for your next holiday!
USA
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Situated in the stunning Teton Mountains, Four Seasons Jackson Hole is great for both couples and families. It boasts spacious and inviting rooms and suites, and gorgeous views of the valley and mountain from the fireplace. Kids will love the play room, keeping busy with foosball, X-Box360 games and more. There are also babysitting services for kids from six to 36 months.
What to expect
This luxury eco-friendly property conveniently offers ski-in and ski-out access at the Rendezvous and Apres Vous mountains. There are 2,500 acres of skiable area and 116 pistes to explore. Advanced skiers will love the steep slopes and deep powder snow, but don’t fret if you’re a beginner – there are easy slopes closer to the base. Lessons for little ones as young as three are available at Kids Ranch run by Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. A one-week ski pass costs US$309 (adult), and thanks to the in-house ski rental service, you’ll soon be all set for the slopes.
Best time to go: December to April
How to get there: Fly to Jackson Hole Airport from major airports including Chicago and Dallas.
Other great resorts: Terra Jackson Hole and Amangani
Aspen, Colorado
The area’s only ski-in, ski-out resort, The Little Nell offers great convenience and is close to the base of the beautiful Aspen Mountains. The luxurious and contemporary rooms are fitted with mod cons such as iPod docking stations and offer gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. If you want more privacy and space, opt for the Residences and choose from two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments.
What to expect
Have the Ski Concierge get everything ready for you before you hit the slopes, then take a 15-minute drive and head to Snowmass for the day. Families with young children will be happy as there are ski lessons available for kids as young as two. At the base of the lifts, there is also The Treehouse, a centre that offers children programs for all ages. Another three ski areas to explore would be Highlands, Aspen Ajax and Buttermilk. Advanced skiers will love the challenging terrain off the High Alpine and Sheer Bliss chairlifts. Choose to purchase multi-day tickets or a pass for the whole winter season.
Best time to go: November to April
How to get there: Fly direct to Aspen Airport from large international airports such as Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Other great resorts: The Gant
Canada
Whistler, British Columbia
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler is a sight to behold in the winter. The modern and luxurious property was the host of the 2010 Olympics and offers direct access to Blackcomb Mountain. A family-friendly accommodation, it has cosy interconnecting rooms and suites, with babysitting services available and a special healthy kids’ menu on offer. Your little ones will also enjoy running to the pool in their child-sized bathrobes and playing with the pool toys. Besides skiing, try out snowshoeing, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, zip-lining and dog sledding.
What to expect
Parents can rejoice as there is a family ski zone on Whistler Mountain. Magic Castle on Blackcomb and Tree Fort on Whistler also provide great play areas for developing children’s skiing skills and increasing their confidence. For the more adventurous, go on guided off-piste routes or try your hand at heli-skiing. A one-week ski pass costs S$490 (Adult).
Best time to go: December to May (January and February as ideal)
How to get there: Fly in to Vancouver International Airport, which is about 2.5 hours away from Whistler.
Other great resorts: The Private Residences at the Four Seasons Whistler
Europe
Italy
Located in the Italian Dolomites, Rosa Alpina is a lovely family-run boutique hotel designed with local culture in mind, and featuring quaint and elegant rooms and suites. It also houses St Hubertus, a two-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. Those with kids can opt for babysitting services or drop the littles off at the kids’ programme. You can also head on excursions with mountain guides, and go snow shoeing, ice climbing or sledging.
What to expect
The slopes above San Cassiano and throughout the large Alta Badia region are ideal for families and first-time skiers. As many as 70% of the pistes are suitable for beginners. Your little ones can attend ski classes at the San Cassiano Ski School, or, if you want more of a challenge, head to Arabba for steeper slopes; one-day ski passes or season tickets can be purchased for the Dolomiti Superski area.
Best time to go: December to March
How to get there: Venice and Innsbruck are the closest international airports; both are around 2.5 hours away by car.
Other great resorts: Hotel Ciasa Salares
Austria
Stay at the Chalet Artemis when you visit the charming town of St Anton, a sophisticated ski chalet featuring six large ensuite bedrooms located on the ground and first floors. It comes with a private chef, host, driver and, if needed, nannies who can look after children as young as four months, organise age-appropriate activities and serve nutritious meals. After a day of skiing, return for a movie in the private cinema or indulge in a soak in the hot tub.
What to expect
Accommodating skiers of all levels, the Arlberg ski pass covers St Anton, St Christoph, Lech and Zürs. Arrange for private or individual lessons at Skischule Arlberg and St Anton Classic. (If you’re a beginner, you might want to stay on the lower slopes.) A one-week ski pass costs €309 (adult).
Best time to go: December to April
How to get there: Fly to Zurich International Airport and take a 2.5-hour transfer.
Other great resorts: Lodge Bodensee, Lodge Christoph, Lodge Adler and Lodge Danube
France
Located close to the ski areas, Hôtel Le Brussel’s is a stunning property offering elegance and luxury. Kids will love the spacious mezzanine in the family rooms, which come with three single beds. The hotel is also close to shopping and leisure in the village of Val d’Isère. And, once you’ve had your skiing fix, why not try dog sledding, snowshoeing, ice driving or climbing?
What to expect
Val d’Isère caters to both advanced and beginner skiers, with over 300km of beautifully managed slopes and 99 lifts, as well as excellent off-piste areas. You can choose from group lessons at one of the ski schools or engage a private lesson. On bad weather days, head to the indoor activities centre with its range of sports including squash, badminton, basketball and climbing. You can choose to purchase multi-day tickets or a pass for the winter season.
Best time to go: December to April
How to get there: Geneva, Chambery and Lyon are about 2.5 hours away.
Other great resorts: Chalet White Pearl, Chalet Killy and Hotel Blizzard
Switzerland
Enjoy a luxurious stay with a personal touch at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel. You’ll enjoy beautiful lake and mountain views at this property, as it’s located on the shores of Lake St. Moritz. Feast your eyes on the snow-covered landscape while having a dip in the indoor swimming pool. The kids will have a blast at Kids’ Club Palazzino, which offers a range of activities including ice skating in the winter.
What to expect
There are three main ski areas in St Moritz, covering over 350km. The terrain most suits intermediate skiers. Unique to the area, instead of hopping on a ski-lift, you can take a helicopter ride to the summits. The area consists of free-ride slopes, beginners’ pistes and the world’s first yoga piste. Choose to purchase day, half-day, multi-day or season ski passes.
Best time to go: December to March
How to get there: Fly to Zurich Airport which is about three hours away from St Moritz.
Other great resorts: Carlton Hotel St. Moritz and Nira Alpina Hotel
New Zealand
Queenstown
Matakauri Lodge, located on the edge of scenic Lake Wakatipu, offers just 11 luxury suites, each one with a fireplace, walk-in wardrobe and spacious bathroom. Aside from heading to the slopes, you can pamper yourself with luxury spa treatments and modern European cuisine.
What to expect
Coronet Peak is just a 30-minute drive away from Queenstown. The varied terrain caters to skiers of different levels and includes excellent beginner slopes that are great for families with young children. For a challenge (and a gorgeous view), why not try heli-skiing? Another great place to explore would be The Remarkables mountain range. Just ten minutes away from Coronet Peak, the area also appeals to both beginners and advanced skiers. You can choose to purchase multi-day tickets or a pass for the winter season.
Best time to go: Mid July to early September
How to get there: Fly to Queenstown Airport.
Other great resorts: Millbrook and Silverpine Lodge
Japan
Hokkaido
Ki Niseko offers ski-in ski-out facilities and gorgeous views of Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri. Enjoy the resort’s minimalist rooms and soak in the hot spring onsen after a day of skiing. For more room, opt for a one- or two-bedroom condo, which come equipped with kitchen and dining amenities. Besides skiing, there’s the chance to go tobogganing and snowshoeing.
What to expect
Niseko mountain is split into four resorts: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono. These are together called Niseko United. The snow in Niseko is powdery and light and the terrain is smaller than the Alps.
Best time to go: December to April
How to get there: Fly to Hokkaido’s International Airport, about a three-hour drive away.
Other great resorts: Shiki Niseko, Glass House and Shirayuki Lodge
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu has two properties in the Tomamu area: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu The Tower and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu. At the former, you can choose from a standard room, a family room, or the MAMARAKUDA room, which caters especially for young children. Meanwhile, RISONARE Tomamu is an all-suite hotel with rooms offering stunning views and in-room jacuzzis.
What to expect
Skiing lessons at GAO Snow Academy are conducted in English, and there are group lessons for kids as young as three years. If you prefer one-on-one lessons, opt for a private session. Beginners and intermediate skiers will enjoy the variety of pistes, and advanced skiers may want to opt for off-piste routes for a greater challenge.
Best time to go: January to March
How to get there: Fly to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.
Fukushima
Enjoy an authentic Japanese experience at the Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel. Offering beautiful views of Lake Inawashiro, it’s located close to the Alts and Nekoma skiing areas at Mount Bandai. The modern alpine hotel is just steps away from the chairlifts.
What to expect
The area has 29 different ski runs to try out, with superb views of the surrounding mountains. The terrain park caters from beginner to expert skiers and offers some of the best powder snow, and kids from three to twelve will have a blast at the available ski lessons.
Best time to go: January to March
How to get there: Fly to Narita Tokyo Airport and travel about four hours.
Hakuba
The Ridge Hakuba is perfect for a family ski vacation. The hotel offers everything from studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments that have floor-to-ceiling windows boasting magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. It’s just 200 metres away from Happo One’s chair lift that gives access to over 200 ski runs. Get your energy for a ski day with an international buffet breakfast and wind down with a relaxing massage after a long day on the slopes.
What to expect
The venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba is one of Japan’s best-known ski destinations. Located in the midst of the Northern Alps, its slopes are ideal for everyone from beginners to experts. There is around 960 hectares of ski terrain and the area gets more than 10 metres of snow each season.
Best time to go: November to May
How to get there: Hakuba is approximately four hours from Tokyo International Airport by a combination of train and bus, and around five or six hours if you travel directly by taxi or shuttle bus.
Korea
Korea is another great destination for a ski vacation. Popular ski areas to visit include Pyeongchang, Hongcheon and Chuncheon; the mountain region of Pyeongchang is set to host the Winter Olympics in 2018. Head to one of the popular ski resorts such as YongPyong Resort or Alpensia and you can’t go wrong.
What to expect
YongPyong Resort is set in the midst of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. Expect impressive slopes that cater more for intermediate and advanced skiers. At Alpensia Ski Resort, meanwhile, beginners will enjoy the six slopes and the pistes up to 1.4km in length.
Best time to go: November to April
India
Looking for something different? Why not skip the regular haunts and head to India for your next ski trip? Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are all growing in popularity for skiing and other winter activities. The north of India offers stunning mountain ranges that are perfect for the sport.
What to expect
Gulmarg Resort in Kashmir offers a stunning ski terrain on Mount Apharwat. Thrill-seekers will love the almost-vertical descents and off-piste routes. It’s best suited for advanced riders who enjoy a challenge. Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh is another great place to explore. You can glide down the slopes of thick snow to the base station, and lessons are also available for different skill levels.
Best time to go: December to March
Psst…You can hire ski and winter gear for adults and kids at www.popsicle.asia
Time for an escape? Read on for more travel inspo!
Lindsay Yap
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