John Buckley Oct 8, 2025 24 min read
Skiing in Asia
Ski Travel Guides & Planning Tips from Korea and Japan to Kashmir, IndiaWelcome to your go-to resource for skiing in Asia. This is a firsthand guide built by a Colorado skier chasing powder across Japan, South Korea, and now Gulmarg in Kashmir, India.
Whether you’re carving Olympic runs in Korea, exploring deep powder in Hokkaido, or skiing in Kashmir’s backcountry, you’ll find destination guides, sample itineraries, and planning tips based on real, on-the-ground experience.
Everything here is built for independent skiers looking to explore some of Asia’s most rewarding and sometimes unexpected resorts.
🇰🇷 South Korea Ski Resorts
Discover Korea’s best slopes, from Yongpyong and High 1 to Muju. You’ll find resort breakdowns, gear rental info, transit tips, and honest insights from a longtime expat skier living in South Korea.
John Buckley
I grew up in Vail, Colorado — home to some of the best skiing in the U.S. — but I’ve spent the past 15+ years living and working in South Korea as an English teacher and outdoor adventurer.
From skiing deep powder in Japan to trekking in the Himalayas and hiking in Korea, I’ve explored much of Asia with a backpack, a plan, and an open mind.
Through Colorado Saram, I share travel guides, gear tips, and firsthand advice to help you plan unforgettable outdoor adventures across Asia and beyond.
👉 Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, or join the free Facebook group for outdoor travel tips, stories, and inspiration.
Read more about my journey →
🇯🇵 Skiing in Japan
From the legendary powder of Hokkaido to steaming onsens after a day on the slopes, Japan’s ski culture is unlike anywhere else. I’ve skied Niseko and Rusutsu first hand, two of Hokkaido’s most iconic resorts, and I’m building out practical, hype-free guides to help you plan your own Japow adventure.
🇮🇳 Skiing in India (Kashmir)
India might not be the first place that comes to mind for skiing, but the high-altitude slopes of Gulmarg in Kashmir offer some of the most stunning and adventurous terrain in Asia.
I’ll be documenting my ski trip in detail, from avalanche risks and off-piste options to transit, rentals, and planning tips. Whether you’re curious about skiing in the Himalayas or considering a trip to Gulmarg yourself, this section brings together everything I learn along the way.
❄️ Inspired by the Trip: Japow Apparel
Designed after our ski days in Niseko and Rusutsu — limited-run hoodies and shirts for Japow fans who don’t want to leave it all on the mountain.
→ Shop the Japow Collection
Honest, firsthand reviews of ski boots, travel bags, and winter gear — all tested across Korea and Japan. Built for skiers who travel light, think independently, and want real advice over hype.
