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.
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
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
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🥾 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.
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🏝️ 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.
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✈️ Need Help Planning a Trip to Asia?
I’ve spent the last 15+ years living and traveling in Asia — planning group trips for friends, skiing in Japan and Korea, and trekking across the region.
Now I’m offering free travel planning support for independent travelers who want expert insight without the cookie-cutter itinerary.
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.