Don’t you just love December? It’s when wrapping up in a thick blanket at night becomes more comfy and the morning chill makes the first day’s tea just a bit more satisfying. December is also the perfect time to try winter sports like skiing so put on your cold-weather clothes and hit the slopes!
First-timers can try skiing or snowboarding at several indoor slopes here in Hong Kong but for those who want to try the real thing, there are many destinations that are just a short flight away. So whether you’re a beginner or one who dreams of going to the Winter Olympics one day, here are seven places where Hong Kongers can try winter sports!
Skiing and Snowboard Indoor Slopes in Hong Kong
321 Play
1st + 2nd floor KRAS Asia Industrial Building 79 Hung To Road Kwun Tong HK
321 Play has professional instructors to teach you how to ski or snowboard on their stationary slope. They also have Maxxtrack dry slopes for skiers and snowboarders, which let you experience how it feels like to ski or snowboard at over 20 km/hr.
Slope Infinity
1/F 148 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong (in between Tin Hau and Fortress Hill stations)
Slope Infinity also has instructors who can teach you how to ski or snowboard. You can avail of their 2014/ 2015 Winter Package, which includes six hours of lessons for just HKD 5,850 from the original price of HKD 7,100 or a discount of 18%. No need to bring winter clothes on your first ski trip as you’ll be skiing or snowboarding on a dry ski simulator.
Ski and Snowboarding Destinations Near Hong Kong
Hop aboard a plane and cross the border into mainland China. The mainland has several ski destinations, including Nanshan Ski Village and Yabuli Ski Resort.
Nanshan Ski Village
Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County, Beijing, China
Nanshan Ski Village in Miyun County is around 62 km from Beijing. The resort has 25 trails for all levels of skiers and even a children’s playground area if you plan to take your family. You can stay at the Shinton Inn if you want to stay for the night. Weekend rates at the resort cost RMB 430 (around HKD 540) and you get a discount if you bring your own ski equipment. You can arrange for a shuttle bus if you want to get to the resort.
Yabuli Ski Resort
Yabuli Town, Shangzhi, China
This resort hosted the 1996 Winter Asian Games and is also where China’s national team trains so you know they have world-class facilities. The resort has 9 Alpine pistes and other facilities like a Nordic trail and a slope for beginners. Skiing season starts in November and runs until March.
Ski Resorts in Korea
YongPyong Ski Resort
130, Yongsan-ri, Daegwallyeong-myon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Just three hours’ drive from the South Korean capital of Seoul, YongPyong Ski Resort has one of the widest slopes in the country. Skiers and snowboarders have 31 slopes to choose from in this resort, which are served by 14 lifts. You can visit tourist sites nearby like Sam Yang Ranch or the Mt. Oh-Dae National Park once you’re done skiing.
High 1 Ski Resort
Sabuk-eup, Jeongsun-gun, Kangwon-do, South Korea
High 1 Ski Resort gives you a choice of 18 runs that are made specifically for beginners to advanced skiers. If you’re already exhausted from skiing all day, you can try your luck at the resort’s casino. They also have hotels nearby if you want to spend the night here instead of going back to Seoul.
Ski Resorts in Japan
Niseko Village
Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Japan has over 500 ski resorts and is a dream destination for many skiing and winter sports enthusiasts. The town of Niseko in Hokkaido stands out for being very friendly to tourists who want to enjoy winter sports so if you have been saving up for a skiing holiday, this is one destination you might seriously consider. Niseko has three major resorts and you could get a pass that gives you access to all three for JPY 5,600 a day (around HKD 360).
Travel Insurance Reminders
Before you buy a plane ticket to any of the overseas ski destinations above, remember to buy travel insurance that specifically includes winter sports like skiing or snowboarding so that you have adequate protection for your trip. Find a travel plan that meets your needs with the help of MoneyHero’s travel insurance comparison page or you can call one of our travel insurance experts to help you find one that covers high risk amateur sports.
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