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Skiing in Asia

Resort Guides, Gear Tips & Snow Travel from Korea to Japan (and beyond)

Welcome to your go-to resource for skiing in Asia — a firsthand guide built by a Colorado skier living abroad.

Whether you’re carving up Olympic runs in South Korea or chasing deep powder in Hokkaido, this site brings you destination guides, gear reviews, and ski travel tips rooted in real, on-the-ground experience.

Scroll down to explore resort-specific posts, packing tips, and seasonal advice — all curated for independent skiers planning their next Asia-based snow adventure.

🇰🇷 South Korea Ski Resorts

Discover Korea’s best slopes — including Yongpyong, High 1, and Muju — with resort breakdowns, gear rentals, transit tips, and on-the-ground insights from a longtime expat skier.

A skier stands outside of Dragon Castle at the top of Mona Yongpyong Resort in South Korea, with the Olympic rings in the background.
SkiingSkiing in South Korea

Yongpyong Resort: A Guide to South Korea’s Premier Skiing and Snowboarding Destination

Explore the Olympic-quality slopes of South Korea’s Mona Yongpyong Resort in this detailed guide.

Whether you’re a beginner, advanced skier, or snowboarder, discover which of the resort’s four zones best matches your style.

Find tips on ski lessons with English-speaking instructors, trail maps, dining, and more.

Let me help you plan your ultimate winter adventure in South Korea!

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A woman in a bright pink ski suit and a white helmet with a shiny blue visor is skiing down a beginner slope at Muju Deogyusan Resort.
SkiingSkiing in South Korea

A Complete Guide to Muju Deogyusan Resort: a Hidden Gem in South Korea

Muju Deogyusan Resort is a hidden gem resort destination in South Korea’s Jeollabuk-Do province. Compared to the popular resorts in Gangwon-Do, Muju’s distance from Seoul makes it a more quaint alternative ski destination. This laid-back resort caters to all skill levels and offers diverse accommodation options. Check out this guide and review with terrain highlights, and practical tips for visitors.

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Colorado Saram and dog (Winnie) at Conan Beach, Jeju Island - South Korea.

John Buckley

I grew up in the renowned ski resort town of Vail, Colorado, but I’ve lived in South Korea for over 15 years, working as an English teacher.

For over 20 years, I’ve explored the globe, maintaining my adventurous Colorado spirit while traveling extensively in Asia and beyond.

I write about international skiing, hiking, outdoor adventures, dog-friendly travel, and gear to help you bring the Colorado lifestyle to your travels.

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, or join my free Facebook group for tips, inspiration, and conversation about outdoor travel in Asia and Oceania.

Read more about my journey and the creation of Colorado Saram!

🇯🇵 Skiing in Japan

From deep Japow to vibrant onsens, Japan’s ski culture is iconic — and I’m just back from Hokkaido’s best. Stay tuned for resort guides to Niseko and Rusutsu, with practical, hype-free tips for planning your own Japan ski trip.

New blog posts launching Summer 2025

Colorado Saram and his brother at the snowy base of Niseko Annupuri Gondola in Hokkaido, Japan, ready for a ski day

❄️ 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

Rusutsu Japow Hokkaido Tee in Royal Blue, featuring DryBlend® moisture-wicking fabric for comfort and style.
Niseko Japow Hokkaido Hoodie in Navy Blazer. Perfect après-ski hoodie for Japan powder lovers.
Retro Niseko Japow T-Shirt – Dark Heather | Japow Ski Tee, Dark Heather gray Retro Niseko Japow T-Shirt with a bold, vintage-style design inspired by Hokkaido’s deep powder snow.

🎿 Ski Gear Reviews

🎿 Ski Gear Reviews

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.

Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots in blue and white, a high-performance alpine ski boot designed for expert skiers.
Gear ReviewsSki Gear

Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 Ski Boot Review for Advanced Skiers

A seasoned, former racer reviews the Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots. As a high-performance, low-volume option geared towards expert skiers, they offer heat-moldable customization, a stiff flex rating of 130 for control, and GripWalk soles for versatile terrain navigation. Priced at $799.95, the Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130 ski boots represent a sound investment in skiing performance and comfort for serious skiers.

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A person is skiing at Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado, wearing Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots and K2 Pontoon skis. The skis were later transported back to South Korea in the Sukoa padded ski bag.
Gear ReviewsSki Gear

Sukoa Premium Padded Ski Bag: My Top Pick for Air Travel in 2024

After years of using rental skis in South Korea, I recently purchased the Sukoa Premium Padded Ski Bag to transport my old K2 Pontoon skis from Colorado to live with me in Korea. Though the Sukoa was the right choice for me, I delve into several more expensive options like the TOURIT Rolling Ski and Boot Bag Combo and the Thule Roundtrip Ski Bag which may suit those willing to pay a bit more for rolling capabilities.

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