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Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.
Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.Colorado Saram logo with mountain icon and yellow, red, and blue colors representing Colorado's flag, symbolizing the blend of Colorado lifestyle and international adventure travel.

Korean: 콜로라도 사람

English: Colorado Saram

One who Embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure Travel

Korean: 콜로라도 사람

English: Colorado Saram

One who Embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure Travel

Welcome to Colorado Saram — a travel blog built by John Buckley, a Colorado native, skier, and lifelong traveler.

Born and raised in the ski resort town of Vail, I worked in resort PR before catching the travel bug, which led to a ski season in New Zealand and a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.

That trip changed everything — turning South Korea into a second home and launching a new chapter of Asia-based adventures.

And while I’ve explored mountain ranges, coastlines, and cities across the globe, my Colorado roots have always stayed with me.

That trip changed everything — turning South Korea into a second home and launching a new chapter of Asia-based adventures.

And while I've explored mountain ranges, coastlines, and cities across the globe, my Colorado roots have always stayed with me.

My goal? To help fellow adventurers plan smarter, travel deeper, and skip the cookie-cutter tours — whether you’re chasing powder, hiking trails, or traveling with your pup.

Colorado-Inspired Outdoor Adventure Travel in Asia & Beyond

Couple riding a motorbike through a colorful street in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, with the woman smiling behind the driver and taking a selfie
Colorado Saram and dog (Winnie) at Conan Beach, Jeju Island - Korea.
Man and border collie dog standing in snow on a cold winter day, wearing thick jackets and pants, on a trekking trail at Daegwallyeong Han Neul Sky Ranch, South Korea.

Fresh Tracks

Featured Travel Guides & Reader Favorites

Start here for the most-loved content on Colorado Saram — from trip planning essentials to gear reviews readers keep coming back to. These posts capture the spirit of outdoor adventure travel across Asia.

❄️ Skiing in Asia

Start your ski trip planning in Asia with firsthand resort guides to South Korea — including detailed looks at High1, Yongpyong, and Muju Deogyusan.

My current content focuses on the slopes I know best (where I live), but new Japan ski guides are on the way — based on my most recent 2024/25 winter trip to Hokkaido, with in-depth visits to Niseko and Rusutsu. These resorts are legendary for their Japow — and it’s the kind of snow that keeps me (and so many others) coming back.

Next up? I’ve got my sights set on Central Asia, with plans already in motion for ski adventures in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and (hopefully) Kashmir in 2025–26.

Whether you’re chasing powder or plotting a new destination, this section is your gateway to skiing in Asia — with more to come. Stay tuned!

Curious about my upcoming plans — or interested in tagging along for a future ski trip in Asia? Shoot me a message: john@coloradosaram.com

Start your ski trip planning in Asia with firsthand resort guides to South Korea — including detailed looks at High1, Yongpyong, and Muju Deogyusan.

My current content focuses on the slopes I know best (where I live), but new Japan ski guides are on the way — based on my most recent 2024/25 winter trip to Hokkaido, with in-depth visits to Niseko and Rusutsu. These resorts are legendary for their Japow — and it’s the kind of snow that keeps me (and so many others) coming back.

Next up? I’ve got my sights set on Central Asia, with plans already in motion for ski adventures in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and (hopefully) Kashmir in 2025–26.

Whether you're chasing powder or plotting a new destination, this section is your gateway to skiing in Asia — with more to come. Stay tuned!

Curious about my upcoming plans — or interested in tagging along for a future ski trip in Asia? Shoot me a message: john@coloradosaram.com

🥾 Hiking & Trekking in Asia

From mountain treks in Vietnam to highland hikes in Korea, these guides are built for travelers who prefer dirt trails to tour buses.

You’ll find self-guided adventures in Sapa, summer trekking in Gangwon Province, and coming soon — a full write-up on hiking Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest peak. Whether you’re out for the views, the solitude, or the challenge, lace up — there’s more to come.

🏝️ Beach Travel in Asia

From volcanic coastlines on Jeju Island to warm turquoise water off Phu Quoc, these guides focus on relaxed beach escapes with a dose of outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re looking for ferry tips, island itineraries, or the best places to swim without the crowds, this section pulls together my favorite beach travel experiences in Korea and Vietnam — with more on the horizon.

✈️ Where Will Your Next Adventure Take You?

Skier standing in front of two snow-covered Jeju stone statues outside Dragon Castle in the Mona Park area of Yongpyong Resort during winter.

South Korea

From the ski slopes of Gangwon-do to the beaches of Jeju Island, South Korea offers adventure in every season. As a longtime expat, I’ve explored its mountains, cities, and hidden gems to bring you expert travel guides on skiing, hiking, culture, and more. Whether you're planning a winter getaway or a seaside escape, start your South Korea journey here.

Let's Go! 👉

A traveler posing on a bridge over the Muong Hoa River in Sapa, Vietnam, with the scenic river and terraced rice fields in the background.

Vietnam

From the misty mountains of Sapa to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the sandy shores of Phu Quoc, Vietnam is a land of breathtaking contrasts. With multiple trips exploring its landscapes, culture, and cuisine, I’ve gathered insider tips and expert guides to help you experience Vietnam’s best destinations. Whether you’re trekking in the north or unwinding on the coast, start planning your adventure here.

Let's Go! 👉

Skier holding powder skis atop Niseko Hirafu ski mountain, Japan. Mount Yotei is visible in the distance.

Japan

Japan is a dream destination for skiers and outdoor lovers, famous for its deep Japow (Japanese powder snow) in Hokkaido and world-class resorts in Hakuba Valley. From carving fresh tracks in Niseko and Rusutsu to exploring the cultural gems of Kyoto and Tokyo, I’ve experienced Japan’s best winter and adventure destinations firsthand. Whether you're planning a ski trip or looking for off-the-beaten-path outdoor escapes, start here.

Let's Go! 👉

Colorado Saram Defined:

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

“Like you’d say to somebody; You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us.”

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you’re from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

"Like you’d say to somebody; You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us."

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you're from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Befriended by Myanmar Monks

Getting Off the Beaten Path

Yangon Township, Myanmar

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

Heading into the Himalayas

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Teaching the family trade to my new wife in Korea

Skiing Across Borders

Hokkaido, Japan