John Buckley Oct 15, 2024 35 min read
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.
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 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

❄️ 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
🎿 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.