While professional skiers often flock to off-piste destinations in Switzerland or France, Asia is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts. Yet, these resorts often remain overlooked. With jaw dropping landscapes, world class amenities, and a range of diverse experiences, Asia offers more than just its well known destinations in Japan. Destinations in China and India are quickly emerging as top contenders for a luxurious winter getaway.
Read on to discover the best high-end ski resorts across Asia, no matter where you choose to hit the slopes.
Japan
1. AYA Niseko
Image: AYA Niseko
Set at the base of the Ace Family Lift in Grand Hirafu Resort, AYA Niseko is a luxurious ski-in/ski-out hotel offering access to the famed powder snow of Niseko. Designed by Hokkaido architect Koichi Ishiguro, the hotel’s architecture is inspired by “Aya,” a traditional Japanese weaving technique that ensures the property blends into the surrounding landscape.
Penthouse.
Image: Aya Niseko
AYA Niseko features spacious apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom residences, along with opulent penthouses. Each apartment is equipped with bespoke furniture, fully outfitted designer kitchens, high-end entertainment systems, and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide spectacular views of the ski slopes, Mt. Yotei, or the surrounding snow-dusted forests. Some residences even boast private onsen baths for some R&R.
Image: AYA Niseko
The ski experience at AYA Niseko is second to none. Guests can access the ski lifts directly from the hotel, with a dedicated ski valet service on hand to organise skis and snowboards. This thoughtful service ensures visitors can easily access Niseko’s expansive terrain and pristine powder snow, maximising time on the slopes.
Beyond skiing, the hotel’s amenities are just as exceptional. The 24-hour concierge service and ski valet are always available to assist, while the natural onsen hot springs, including private family onsens, offer a peaceful retreat for relaxation. Other facilities include a spa, gym, yoga room, multiple dining options, a café/deli, an art gallery, and a craft shop.
2. Higayashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Image: Higayashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Higayashiyama Niseko Village is a resort that effortlessly blends classic alpine charm with contemporary design. With 50 rooms and suites offering stunning mountain views, the resort invites you to have that once-in-a-lifetime ski adventure in style.
Dining here is a treat for all tastes. Yukibana, an all-day dining restaurant that serves a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, international dishes, and healthy, farm-to-table options—all with a view of the majestic Mount Yotei. For sushi aficionados, Sushi Nagi offers an exceptional omakase meal, while Ume Lounge, with its inviting fireplace, provides a cosy retreat to relax with custom cocktails.
The guest bathrooms, inspired by local onsen traditions.
Image: Higayashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
After a day of exploring or skiing, the resort’s spa, hot tubs, fitness centre, sauna, and massage services offer a great way to cap the day off. The focus on nature extends to the resort’s ethos of Kachou Fuugetsu, which encourages the discovery of oneself through the natural world. The mineral-rich hot springs, on the other hand, provide the ideal introduction to a rejuvenating spa experience.
Beyond the winter season, the resort offers a range of outdoor adventures, from biking and trekking to zip-lining, ensuring guests can connect with nature all year round. Plus, booking your stay with the DCS Imperium Card will get you a complimentary breakfast for two–on top of a room upgrade (subject to availability), and a hotel credit of 100 USD during your stay.
To enjoy these benefits, book your stay via the Mastercard Travel Lifestyle Services website.
Higayashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve website
3. Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
Image: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
For those who love the thrill of the slopes and the calm of the spa, Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse is where these two worlds meet perfectly. Located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, this townhouse offers not just access to world-class skiing, but a luxurious retreat where you can recharge and refresh in between your adventures.
Each two-story, three-bedroom townhouse is designed with both comfort and elegance in mind, accommodating up to six guests. The dining area can even be transformed into an additional bedroom for children under 12, using futons for a versatile family-friendly setup.
Image: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
But what truly enhances the experience at Kasara is the resort’s spa offerings. After a thrilling day on Niseko’s legendary slopes, nothing beats slipping into a warm, healing onsen or indulging in a sports and wellness treatment to relax and recharge. Skiing and spa time come together here, allowing you to fully enjoy the excitement of the slopes before regenerating in the serene, soothing atmosphere of the spa.
The Juhyo Sports and Wellness Spa combines Japanese aesthetics with European sports science to offer restorative treatments perfect for recovering after a day on the slopes. Meanwhile, the Green Leaf Onsen, fed by a natural mineral spring, provides indoor and outdoor pools with healing properties, ensuring guests feel well-rested and ready for their next skiing session.
Image: Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse is a year-round destination with two distinct seasons. In the White Season (December to May), guests can enjoy 18 metres of world-famous champagne powder snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding. During the Green Season (April to summer), as the snow melts, guests can explore scenic golf courses, enjoy outdoor activities, or simply bask in the fresh, low-humidity summer air.
Book with the DCS Imperium Card for a minimum of two nights and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast for two daily, a $50 F&B or SPA credit, and a room upgrade (subject to availability).
To take advantage of the perks, book your stay through the Mastercard Travel Lifestyle Services website.
Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse website
4. The Westin Rusutsu
Image: The Westin Rusutsu Resort
Located in the heart of Rusutsu, Hokkaido, The Westin Rusutsu Resort offers direct slope access that puts you at the doorstep of 37 exciting trails across three mountains. With over 14 metres of snow annually, Rusutsu is a powder paradise, known for its abundant snowfall, gorgeous scenery, and world-class facilities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the diverse terrain promises a thrilling adventure. For those seeking a little extra magic, night skiing is also available.
When it’s time to relax, The Westin Rusutsu’s three restaurants cater to every palate. At Kazahana, guests are treated to the freshest Hokkaido produce and seafood, with specialities like kaiseki cuisine and teppanyaki. For a more casual atmosphere, Atrium offers a delightful breakfast buffet with fresh vegetables from Rusutsu Farm, home-baked bread, and egg dishes, along with à la carte options for lunch and dinner featuring a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and Western flavours.
Image: The Westin Rusutsu Resort
Beyond the slopes, the resort offers a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling and ice fishing. In the summer, the adventure continues with rafting, mountain biking, hot air balloon flights, and golf on four 18-hole courses, making The Westin Rusutsu a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Westin Rusutsu Resort website
India
5. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Image: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Most travellers don’t associate India with ski vacations, but venture north to the alpine valleys of Kashmir, and you’ll be surprised by the incredible ski experience that awaits in Gulmarg. Known as India’s winter wonderland, Gulmarg is the country’s largest ski resort, offering 25 km of slopes and a powdery playground for winter sports enthusiasts. That’s where you’ll find The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, India’s only boutique luxury ski resort.
Image: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
Perched at an elevation of 8,825 feet in the Pir Panjal range and spanning seven acres of pristine pine valley, the resort offers views of the snow-capped Affarwat peaks. Inside, bespoke furnishings, felted wool Namdas, silk carpets, and crewel embroidery create a warm atmosphere, while Kashmiri elements like Khatamband ceilings, carved walnut panelling, and teak floors add unique character.
With 85 rooms, including double rooms, suites, and villas, each accommodation offers spacious layouts and panoramic mountain views that allow you to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Himalayas. The four Luxury Cottages and the opulent Presidential Cottage elevate the experience, while the luxury balcony rooms cater to early risers who wish to start their day in privacy, with sweeping views from sunken tubs.
Image: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
During winter, the resort offers access to Gulmarg’s exciting ski slopes, with the season running from January 1st to March 31st, and potentially extending if the conditions are favourable. The resort also boasts covered moving walkways that ensure comfort and accessibility, even in snowy conditions.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa website
6. Solang Valley Resort
Image: Solang Valley Resort
At Solang Valley Resort, snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of thrilling winter sports. This popular destination in Kullu Valley is known as “Snow Point” due to the heavy snowfall from December to February, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Expect activities like skiing, snow tubing, paragliding, snow scooters, and trekking with awe-inspiring Himalayan views.
The resort’s architecture blends traditional Himachali style with its natural surroundings. Rooms, though understated, offer views of the Dhauladhar mountains, immersing guests in the landscape’s beauty. The Superior Deluxe Room, located on the top floor of the glacier block, provides views of a valley that changes with the seasons—whether carpeted in flowers or blanketed in snow. The gentle song of the Beas River adds a soothing touch to the picturesque scene, while some rooms offer dual views of the valley and Beas Kund or the River Beas.
Image: Solang Valley Resort
For a more spacious and private retreat, the Director’s Villa is a two-storey private villa with three bedrooms, each featuring expansive balconies and panoramic glacier and valley views. Surrounded by manicured lawns, the villa offers a peaceful setting for morning walks or personal bonfires (at additional cost).
Dashir Lake.
Image: Solang Valley Resort
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, Solang Valley has something for everyone. The combination of adventure sports and high meadows creates unforgettable memories in the Kullu Valley and the Himalayan foothills. During the summer, Solang Valley transforms into a trekking paradise, drawing enthusiasts from all over the world to trails like Dashir Lake, Hamta Peak, and Hanuman Tibba.
After a day of adventure, Solang Spa beckons. Treatments here feature local ingredients like apricot oil, almond oil, and sulphur-rich mud from a nearby hot spring. You’ll leave feeling rejuvenated, body and soul.
China
7. Park Hyatt Changbaishan
Image: Park Hyatt Changbaishan
Changbaishan, a rising star in China’s ski scene, is the perfect choice for hobbyist skiers who crave flexibility. With a ski season stretching from mid-November to early April, the region offers an ultra-long snow period–giving you ample time to carve through the slopes without the rush of a shorter season. Nestled in the Changbaishan Wanda International Resort, Park Hyatt Changbaishan provides a luxurious retreat surrounded by breathtaking ice and snow landscapes in Jilin Province, near the North Korean border.
The resort’s 164 expansive rooms, ranging from 55 to 484 square metres, are spread across 10 villas, catering to couples, families, and large groups. On-site amenities include sleek dining options, a spa, fitness center, and both indoor and outdoor pools–a treat after a day of skiing.
Image: Park Hyatt Changbaishan
Enhance your stay with exclusive perks if you book your stay with the DCS Imperium Card through the Mastercard Travel Lifestyle Services website. Perks include daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade at check-in (subject to availability), and a 100 USD property credit to be used throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy early check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a seamless experience from the moment you arrive.
Guests also have access to nearly 7 square kilometres of skiable terrain with 43 trails at the Changbaishan International Ski Resort, offering everything from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging pistes for advanced skiers. The Ski House, conveniently located at the entrance to the ski field, provides a hassle-free spot for equipment storage.
Park Hyatt Changbaishan website
South Korea
8. InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort
Image: InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort
InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort brings a touch of European charm to South Korea. Perched 700m above sea level in the Alpensia resort town, this luxurious retreat offers sweeping views of Mount Balwang and Alpensia Lake. The resort features 238 well-appointed rooms and suites, each offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.
A full suite of premium amenities is available to guests, including two on-site restaurants, a rejuvenating spa, a fitness centre, a kids’ club, and a pool for relaxation. With easy access to nearby ski slopes, the Ocean 700 water park, two golf courses, and an alpine coaster, there’s no shortage of activities for every kind of traveller.
Image: Alpensia Ski Resort
Alpensia Ski Resort, with its soft snow and welcoming slopes, is an ideal destination for first-timers looking to learn and enjoy winter sports. Located at an altitude of 700 metres, this resort boasts diverse slopes that cater to all levels, from beginners to experts.
Alpensia features six runs—Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, and Foxtrot–ensuring that there is something for everyone. Alpha, designed specifically for beginners, and Bravo, catering to intermediates, provide a comfortable introduction to skiing, while the other slopes offer more challenging terrain for those looking to push their limits.
InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort website
The best high-end ski resorts in Asia
From the Himalayan foothills to the iconic slopes of Niseko, Asia boasts a wealth of high-end ski resorts for first-timers and seasoned pros alike. With jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class facilities, and a variety of slopes to suit all skill levels, these resorts provide an unforgettable winter experience that’s hard to match.
And if you’re starting to pick skiing as a hobby, let us warn you that this addictive sport will have you planning trips over and over. Why not upgrade your ski holiday and enjoy extra benefits by booking your stay with the DCS Imperium World Elite Card, an invite-only card offering travel, dining, and lifestyle perks.
Cardholders will gain exclusive access to the 24/7 Concierge Service, book through which for room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, flexible check-in/out, and get up to $100 credit for spa or dining at over 4,200 luxury hotels worldwide. You’ll also earn 2.4 miles for every dollar spent overseas and 1.6 miles locally, along with a 100,000-mile welcome bonus (250,000 Imperium Points) upon payment of the annual membership fee and renewal. Plus, enjoy 24/7 worldwide medical, security, and emergency assistance for peace of mind.
As an added bonus, the first 50 successful applicants who make a full payment will receive a bespoke edition bottle of Tomatin 3388 Single Malt Scotch Whisky, worth S$2,388.
Join the waitlist for the DCS Imperium World Elite Card
Cover image: AYA Niseko
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