Ultimate ski escapes from Hong Kong

It might be too late for a White Christmas, but with Chinese New Year fast approaching, now is the time to dust off your ski legs, get out your ski goggles and start planning your next ski adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the slopes, a ski trip is definitely something you’ve got to try! Luckily for us, CK Ski has put together a collection of ski escapes from Hong Kong for all levels of skier..

Never skied before? Or do you simply want to refresh your ski technique before you head to the mountains? Well there’s a way to practice your moves right here in HK! Check out Slope Infinity in North Point and receive instruction with qualified ski instructors who will help you find your ski legs.

Hakuba, Japan
Japan is renowned as the ski hub of Asia. Instead of heading to Niseko, probably the most famous Japanese ski area, why not try Hakuba on the South Island? Home of the 1998 Winter Olympics, Hakuba comprises of nine resorts, 135 lifts and over 200 runs. Happo One in Hakuba is one of the larger resorts, with an average snowfall of 14 metres per season and terrain for all abilities.

Evergreen Outdoor Centre offers tours for advanced skiers wanting to experience the off piste and backcountry trails of Hakuba. Their ski school provides private and group lessons for children and all level of skier.

Stay
Hotel La Neige Higashikan is a luxury 5-star hotel, located in the charming and scenic forest of Wadano, five minutes from Happo One. The hotel offers beautiful log cabins and individual styled boutique rooms. Alternatively, the 3-star Double Black Hotel offers a unique Japanese cultural experience with Onsen to relax in post skiing. Prices start from JPY 9,500 (HKD $680) per person, per night.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct with Cathay Pacific to Tokyo Narita airport and take the Shinkansen train to Nagano. It is then a short bus ride to Hakuba.

Season dates
6 December – 3 May 2015

Dolomite Mountains, Italy
For pure natural beauty, experience the Dolomiti Superski region in northern Italy with breath-taking views of jagged peaks. Encompassing 12 resorts (including Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Arabba) with 1,200 km of pistes, 5,000 vertical feet of terrain and countless backcountry trails, there are few places that offer such expansive skiing – beginner to intermediate slopes, off-piste terrain and open bowls accompanied by low air humidity for excellent powder. Why not incorporate a short city break to Milan at the beginning or end of your ski adventure too? There’s always time for a bit of retail therapy…

Dolomite Mountains, a tour operator based in situ, specialises in unique adventure travel experiences and offers a series of off piste, ski safari and ski touring itineraries. With their vast knowledge of the area, hotels and mountains inns, they will create a personal and cultural experience for you and your group.

Stay
The Hotel Rosa Alpina offers 5 star luxury accommodation and is located in San Cassiano in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. Book through Dolomite Mountains for an all-inclusive package.               

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct to Milan Malpense, Italy, with Cathay Pacific or to Venice (with one stop) for a shorter transfer to your skiing adventure destination.

Season dates
29 November – April 2015

Yongpyong, South Korea
Yongpyong is one of the easiest resorts to access. It is the largest of the South Korean resorts, offering a variety of terrain for all level of skier. With wide, open slopes, this resort is perfect for beginners trying the sport for the first time. Yongpyong is located in the heart of Pyeongchang, host of the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, giving you the chance to fly down slopes that will feature alpine slalom and giant slalom ski events.

Stay
Stay in the Dragon Valley hotel, located in the centre of Yongpyong, with a variety of diverse rooms, including luxury Korean and Western style suites.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct with Korean Air or Cathay Pacific to Seoul and then it’s a short two-hour transfer to resort.

Season dates
No confirmed dates. Usual opening and closing: early December – early April 

Verbier, Switzerland
One of Switzerland’s most picturesque ski resorts, Verbier is a popular destination for those travelling from Asia. With its lively après ski bars, traditional Swiss-style restaurants and village charm, Verbier has something to offer everyone. Whether you are beginner or advanced skier, you will find a variety of different terrain to suit your ability.

Stay
Ski Armadillo offers high-end luxury, catered chalets across Verbier, with an exceptional service, skiing and dining experience. For guests travelling from Asia, an exclusive offer in January and March is available; experience a glacier picnic and helicopter ride over the Italian, Swiss and French Alps or the option of a full day with an instructor or mountain guide for your group.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct with Swiss International Airlines to Zurich and then it is a short two and a half hour transfer to the resort. Alternatively fly to Geneva with one stop and it is just over an hour to resort.

Season dates
29 November – 26 April 2015 

Furano, Japan
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture with plenty of powder, then Furano is a destination to try. A resort unspoilt by tourists; this is a favourite with the locals. With nine metres of the lightest and driest snowfall per season and as one of the steepest mountains in Hokkaido, it is a good option for the more advanced skier.

Stay
Ski Japan specialises in holiday packages to Hokkaido and can help book accommodation, lift passes, ski hire and ski lessons if required.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly from Hong Kong to Asahikawa via Taipei with Eva Air and then it’s a short one-hour train or one and a half hour bus ride to Furano. Alternatively, fly direct to Sapporo with Cathay Pacific and get a three-hour bus transfer to Furano.

Season dates
23 November – 27 April 2015 

Ischgl, Austria
Perhaps known for it’s wild après ski and lively bars, Ischgl is one of Austria’s leading ski resorts. It was once an old farming village that has been developed over time to become an upmarket and sophisticated resort filled with celebrities and high-end hotels. The modern high-speed ski lifts make it easy to explore the area and form a link with the Swiss resort of Samnaun, allowing you to sample the Swiss food and duty free delights.

Stay
Try the typically Tirolean Goldener Adler in the centre of town.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct to Zurich from Hong Kong with Swiss International Airlines and transfer to the resort in three hours.

Season dates
25 November – 1 May 2015

Whistler, Canada
Regarded as a top resort in North America, Whistler has over 8100 acres of varied terrain to suit all skiing abilities. The world-famous Peak 2 Peak gondola, the highest lift of its kind, connects the two incredible mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, making it easy to access all areas. Not only is the skiing and snowboarding excellent, Whistler also offers a huge range of extra activities, such as night snowmobiling and sleigh rides. The alpine village offers a range of shops, restaurants, bars and accommodation to suit every budget.

Stay
The Four Seasons stands out from the crowd with its beautiful decoration and cosy wood interiors.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly direct from Hong Kong to Vancouver with Cathay Pacific and then transfer to resort in two hours.

Season dates
24 November – 21 May 2015 

Gulmarg, India
For Powder hounds looking for their next adventure, head to the exotic destination of Gulmarg in the Indian Himalayas. Journey on the world’s second highest gondola to access endless amounts of off-piste terrain and five kilometres of endless bowls and ridges with 15 metres of annual snowfall. It is likely you will experience fresh tracks with only a few people on the mountain.

Stay
The Adventure Project organises two-week holiday packages to Gulmarg, including accommodation, dinner, breakfast, transfers, guiding, avalanche safety training and ski tuition. Prices start from HKD $26,000pp (USD $3,365) and for advanced skiers only.

Travel from Hong Kong
Fly from Hong Kong to Srinagar, via Delhi, costing around HKD $4,000pp return. It is then 56km to Gulmarg.

Season dates
No confirmed dates. Usual opening and closing: middle of December – middle of April

So if you’re stuck for CNY plans, why not try hitting the slopes?! A ski holiday is something everyone has to try at least one… tick off that New Year’s Bucket List for 2015! Happy skiing girls…