Travel Awards

Asia’s Most Thrilling Ski Resort

We reveal the winner and shortlist for most thrilling ski resort in the Experiences category, as chosen in the 2018 Marco Polo Club Members' Choice Awards by Cathay Pacific's most frequent flyers.

Experiences: Most Thrilling Ski Resort

Winner: Niseko, Hokkaido (Japan)

Marco Polo Club Members Choice Awards, Niseko, most thrilling ski resort

When it comes to finding the best powder, Marco Polo Club members were clear in their preference, with Hokkaido’s Niseko being overwhelmingly voted best in Asia. Famed for its quality of light, fluffy snow, Niseko is gaining traction with skiers around the world, but it’s arguably the Hokkaido town’s off-piste attractions that set this resort apart, ranging from fresh seafood and local produce to luxurious onsen experiences as part of the après ski culture.

Experiences: Most Thrilling Ski Resort Shortlist

Jisan Forest Ski Resort, Icheon (South Korea)

Just 1.5 hours’ drive from Seoul will get you to the slopes of Jisan Forest Ski Resort. With eight runs, five lifts and ski and snowboard rental conveniently located at the bottom of the hill, you can easily pop out for a day on the slopes and get back to the city in time for a well-deserved barbecue dinner.

Pyeongchang, Gangwon (South Korea)

Home to both the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the city’s pedigree for winter sports has been vetted and approved by a global audience.

Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido (Japan)

If you want to get away from the crowds and off-piste slopes are you things, then Rusutsu is for you. While the adventure skiers have had Rusutsu on the list for years, this spot is gaining traction with the international set now, too, thanks to its long, groomed runs, challenging tree runs and extensive coverage of three mountains.

Yabuli Ski Resort, Harbin (China)

Famed for its magnificent ice sculptures, this northern Chinese city also boasts the country’s largest ski resort. Yabuli features normal runs, alpine runs, jumping platforms and cross-country courses to cater to all levels of skier.

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