Winter Ski Resort Comparison
@ Overseas
Without a doubt, skiing is a continuous challenge rather than just entertainment and leisure. If you're passionate about skiing and have already skied at Yabuli or Wanlong and can handle 90% of the runs at such large resorts, then it's worth spending time considering overseas destinations like Japan, South Korea, and Switzerland. It’s also worth spending the money to experience powder snow, off-piste terrain, and backcountry skiing that you can’t find domestically. Especially in countries like Japan and Switzerland that have hosted the Winter Olympics, and South Korea which will soon host one as well.
By Reporter Luo Lei
Ski Resort Comparison
Winner: Best ski resorts are Pyeongchang (South Korea), Nagano and Sapporo (Japan), and St. Moritz (Switzerland)
Advantages: Have hosted or will host the Winter Olympics
Suitable for: Intermediate to advanced skiers
St. Moritz, Switzerland: Suitable for Both Experts and Beginners
Resort Advantage: Hundreds of diverse slopes cater to all skill levels.
Switzerland has over 200 ski resorts and more than 4,000 professional ski instructors, including some who speak Chinese. Some Swiss ski resorts are open year-round, but most open in December. St. Moritz, located in the heart of the Alps, is considered the “Mecca” of alpine skiing and has hosted the Winter Olympics more times than any other city. It offers 350 kilometers of slopes and altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters. With hundreds of varied slopes, there is something for everyone—from easy cross-country skiing for beginners to fun alpine sledding and relaxing snowshoeing. Winter visitors can find an activity to suit their taste.
Nagano, Japan: Renowned Resorts with Convenient Access
Resort Advantage: Large ski resorts near Tokyo allow for same-day round trips
Japan has over 600 ski resorts nationwide, including about 130 in Hokkaido, 150 in the Tohoku region, 35 in the Kanto region, 100 in the Hokuriku region, and 120 in the Chubu region. Nagano, Japan, the host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, is located in central Honshu. In terms of location, Nagano’s ski resorts are considered within day-trip reach of Tokyo—some adventurous Japanese even take overnight buses to ski for the day and return the same night. There are three main ski areas near Nagano, primarily in Hakuba Village, with Hakuba Happo-One being the largest and the main venue for the Winter Olympics.
Sapporo, Japan: Family-Friendly Facilities
Resort Advantage: Ski resort features a kids’ park, ideal for family trips
Sapporo Teine Ski Resort was the venue for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics. The ski resort enjoys very convenient access to Sapporo City and features a 6-kilometer slope with a maximum incline of 38 degrees. There is also a children’s park within the resort, making it perfect for families. Kiroro Snow World, close to Otaru, is famous for its highly popular ski run “Silk Snow.” Additionally, compared to Hokkaido and Nagano, the Tohoku region’s ski resorts may be less known, but they actually include two classic skiing destinations in all of Japan: Appi Highlands Ski Resort and Zao Onsen Ski Area.
Yongpyong, South Korea: Experience the 2018 Olympic Venue First
Resort Advantage: Main venue for alpine skiing events at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics
South Korea already has nearly 20 large ski resorts. Yongpyong Resort, which officially opened in 1975, is the country’s first modern ski resort. It has successfully hosted three FIS Alpine Ski World Cup events and the Asian Winter Games, among other major international sporting events. It is also the main venue for alpine skiing at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. Most beginner slopes are located on the front side of the resort with gentle gradients, perfect for first-time skiers. The most thrilling and adventurous part of Yongpyong is the RAINBOW slope, accessible only via the No. 14 gondola, which is 7.4 kilometers long.
Hotel Accommodation Comparison
Advantages: Each destination has its strengths—Korea offers self-catering and karaoke, Japan provides child care services, and Switzerland has a wide selection of ski chalets.
South Korea: Best in Entertainment Facilities
Take Yangji Pine Ski Resort in Gyeonggi Province, about a 2-hour drive from Seoul, for example. Covering 360,000 square meters, it operates 10 ski slopes and 6 lifts. The resort also offers family rooms where two families can stay in one room at the price of one, cook their own meals, and enjoy entertainment facilities like Chinese karaoke. These family rooms include a living room with a fully equipped kitchen area. All hotels are also close to supermarkets similar to FamilyMart, with prices the same as in the city. Such rooms can accommodate two families or a large group for under 1,000 RMB per night, offering better value than many domestic options. Additionally, Chinese karaoke is available at night. Yongpyong Ski Resort offers high-end villas, standard hotels, apartment-style accommodations, and even budget-friendly youth hostels. Overall, skiing here offers great value, being about half the price of skiing in Japan.
Japan: Service Wins
In Japan, generally speaking, ski resorts are equipped with hotels, and there are also hot spring hotels nearby. Hokkaido’s Kiroro, Tomamu, and Furano, Nagano’s Nozawa Onsen, Tohoku’s Appi Kogen, and Zao Onsen are all excellent large-scale ski resorts. To allow guests to enjoy a higher level of accommodation, Kiroro, Tomamu, and Furano also offer luxury suites, with each room reaching over 100 square meters. Guests can enjoy indoor hot springs without leaving their rooms, take in snow views, and experience the most comfortable holiday life. If traveling with infants or young children, it is recommended to choose ski resorts with daycare centers. Children can play in the warm rooms of the daycare with professional staff.
Switzerland: Dominated by Youth Hostels
Many ski resorts in Switzerland have youth hostels, such as Zermatt, Engelberg, and Pontresina. But the most notable are the traditional ski chalets in Grindelwald, the beautiful new hostels in Interlaken, and the St. Moritz hostel. After paying the annual card fee, adults can enjoy discounted room rates and mountain transportation. In addition, Switzerland has about 83 ski huts that offer various package deals.
Travel Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness Comparison
Respective Advantages: South Korea is the cheapest, suitable for families and couples; Switzerland is best for private customization
South Korea: Convenient Transportation, Affordable Prices
Major ski resorts in South Korea all offer round-trip shuttle bus services from Seoul. Yongpyong Ski Resort has a shuttle bus from Myeongdong Subway Station in Seoul, and Yangji Ski Resort has one from Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, both requiring online reservations in advance. In South Korea, the main cost of skiing is the cable car fare. Generally, the cable car fare (unlimited rides), ski suits, and equipment have a reference price of about 600 RMB for half a day.
Japan: Direct Access via Shinkansen
In Japan, most ski resorts can be reached by transferring to direct trains via the Shinkansen. Many ski resorts require the purchase of lift tickets for chairlifts or gondolas, known as “lift tickets.” Lift tickets come in various types, including one-day, half-day, single-ride, and multi-ride tickets, which you can purchase according to your needs. In Japan, the lift ticket cost accounts for only a quarter of the total expenses. Even in large interconnected ski areas like Niseko, Hakuba Happo-one, and Shiga Kogen, the daily lift ticket cost is only about three to four hundred yuan. Accommodation, meals, and transportation each account for about half and a quarter of the total costs, respectively. You can choose accommodations of various price ranges and styles, with the cheapest family-run guesthouses with breakfast costing around 5,000 yen, plus about 400 yuan for lift tickets, making the daily expense around 1,000 yuan. Mid-range hot spring hotels cost about two hundred more per day, while high-end hotels cost about three hundred more.
Switzerland: Private Customization Offers the Greatest Comfort
Skiing in Switzerland is a top-tier experience. Generally, you need to transfer via cities like Paris or Dubai. Due to the high level of specialization, you can customize hotel and ski lift passes, and it is best to choose a private customization service.
Surrounding Area Exploration Comparison
Respective Advantages: Switzerland is the Richest and Most Luxurious, Japan Has Snow Festivals
Switzerland: Soaking in Mountain Hot Springs and Spas is the Most Distinctive Feature
Compared to single tourist attractions and products, what Switzerland offers in winter is a lifestyle connected to skiing. Modern facilities such as cogwheel trains, cable cars, and gondolas open the door for visitors to connect with nature. In winter, you can enjoy the silver world woven by bright sunlight and dazzling snow while indulging in a 47-degree Celsius mountain hot spring spa; you can admire unique glaciers that have existed for millennia while savoring specialty cuisine at revolving restaurants over 3,000 meters above sea level.
For example, the famous Glacier Express departs from the town of Zermatt, travels east through the Alps, and goes straight to the eastern ski resort — St. Moritz. Along the way, you’ll see valleys and glaciers with limitless scenery. In winter, with abundant snow, there are three ski areas offering a total of 360 kilometers of ski runs: Sunnegga – Rothorn, Gornergrat – Stockhorn, and Schwarzsee – Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Japan and South Korea: Don’t Miss Famous Snow Festivals
In Japan, during the coldest winter, Hokkaido hosts a series of the most vibrant celebrations, the most famous of which is the Sapporo Snow Festival, usually held in February each year. In South Korea, it is generally a combined trip including Seoul, focusing on food and theme parks.