Ski season is nearly upon us, the time when we dust off our winter jackets and gather our most willing friends and family to chase the snow. Asia, as it happens, is quietly becoming a haven for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, with options ranging from Japan’s pristine powder slopes to the sweeping mountain vistas of northern China. Here are six MICHELIN Guide hotels that promise an unforgettable après-ski experience.
Bettei Senjuan
Minakami, JapanOne MICHELIN Key
Just an hour from Tokyo lies Minakami, an understated gem for those seeking a quieter Japanese ski adventure, far from the throngs of tourists. This charming onsen town is home to the serene Bettei Senjuan, an intimate retreat with only 18 rooms, each with its own private hot spring. The interiors strike a harmonious balance — peacefully minimalist yet elegantly modern. Nearby, snow-blanketed Mount Tanigawa-dake towers year-round, offering a spectacular backdrop for mountain sports of every kind, from skiing and hiking to rafting.
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Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Niseko, JapanOne MICHELIN Key
Japan is often regarded as the crème de la crème of skiing in Asia — arguably, even among the best globally. The Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, nestled in what’s fondly known as the “Aspen of Asia”, offers a front-row seat to Japan’s most breathtaking mountain views. From this luxurious base, you’ll marvel at sweeping panoramas of Mount Yotei and revel in nearly 10 metres of powder snow each winter. After a day on the slopes, there’s nothing quite like the Spa Chasi La Sothys, a sanctuary surrounded by nature, offering massages, facials, and restorative treatments to ease every muscle and mind.
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Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort
Pyeongchang-gun, KoreaIn South Korea's Taebaek Mountains, a winter playground awaits, with slopes reaching heights of up to 1,450 metres. For a touch of European charm, the Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort offers an alpine experience that gracefully blends Eastern and Western influences from its perch at 700 metres above sea level. The views of Mount Balwang and Alpensia Lake set a serene tone, perfect for unwinding. But it's on the slopes where the real exhilaration unfolds — Ski700, a skiers' paradise, promises heart-pounding runs on six meticulously groomed slopes suited to all levels, from novice to seasoned pro.
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Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Beijing, ChinaChina might not be the first destination that comes to mind for skiing, but it’s quickly gaining traction as travellers uncover its hidden winter gems. While the Waldorf Astoria Beijing isn’t a ski resort itself, it’s ideally situated near several ski and snowboarding spots in northern China, from Nanshan Ski Village to Huabei International Ski. After a day on the slopes, retreat to this luxurious haven — a Ming-inspired masterpiece complete with hutong-style villas, all in the heart of Beijing. Here, you can savour the best of both worlds: the vibrant pulse of the city and the serene snow-covered mountains just a short journey away.
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Park Hyatt Busan
Busan, KoreaFor a winter escape with a touch of sophistication, look no further than the Park Hyatt Busan, a sleek sanctuary located at the tip of the Korean peninsula. Though it’s not nestled within a ski resort, this chic hotel is an excellent starting point for exploring other ski havens like Yongpyong and Alpensia. And when you're not on the slopes, you’ll find plenty to savour back at the Hyatt, including one of the city’s finest spas, where panoramic views and luxurious treatments make unwinding an art form. For an additional adventure, Eden Valley — a nearby gem with skiing, snowboarding, and sledding options — offers the perfect excuse to test out your winter gear, adding a touch of alpine charm to your Busan experience.
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The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa
Shimizu, JapanWe could wax lyrical about the sheer abundance of stellar ski hotels in the Hokkaido and Niseko areas, but we've narrowed it down to the crème de la crème, with The Windsor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa firmly claiming its place among the best. Perched on the edge of Lake Toya in Toyako Town, this refined retreat offers stunning lake views and exclusive access to its own winter wonderland, the Windsor Snow Village.
Behind the hotel, two private pair lifts lead to powdery slopes reserved mainly for guests, who enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities in a serene, uncrowded setting. Interestingly, the resort doesn’t broadcast this amenity widely, and information about the Snow Village remains elusive — an open secret, if you will, for those in the know.
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So there you have it — six exceptional resorts ready to welcome you for a winter ski adventure across Asia. Each promises more than just prime powder; they offer unforgettable settings, world-class amenities, and that perfect blend of thrill and luxury to kick off your season in style.
