Winners of the 2025 Ski Asia Awards

The powder has settled on another extraordinary season, and with that, it’s time to announce the winners of the 2025 Ski Asia Awards. Based on public votes and industry feedback, these awards celebrate the region’s finest resorts, hotels, tour operators, and snowsports schools.

The 2024-25 season delivered exceptional snow conditions across Japan, most notably in Hakuba, which recorded its snowiest winter in 13 years. Meanwhile, China’s ski industry maintained its upward trajectory post-Olympics, while South Korean resorts saw renewed interest, particularly among Southeast Asian and domestic tourists. In a competitive field, this year’s winners represent the very best of what Asian skiing has to offer.

Japan’s best ski resort (overall)

Winner: Niseko Hanazono Resort

For the second year running, Niseko Hanazono earns the coveted title of Japan’s best ski resort, cementing its status as the benchmark for luxury throughout Hokkaido and the rest of Japan. The resort’s remarkable ascent continued this season with the successful opening of the Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono hotel, providing guests with seamless ski-to-door access and luxury amenities. Averaging around 15m+ of snow each season, Hanazono is famous for its wide-open powder bowls, tree runs, and innovative Early-Bird pass program that gives powder hounds access to fresh tracks each morning.

Image: hanazononiseko.com

Highly Commended: Arai Mountain Resort

Averaging 18m of snowfall per season, Arai Mountain Resort, set in Niigata’s legendary snow belt, delivers some of Japan’s deepest, most consistent powder. The resort is unique in that 80% of its terrain is ungroomed, offering skiers and rider access to expansive powder zones in a resort-managed environment. Despite its freeride focus, Arai maintains excellent beginner courses, ensuring skiers of all levels can experience its world-class conditions. The resort’s commitment to preserving its wild, natural character continues to attract devoted followers from around the world.

Image: lottehotel.com

Japan’s Best Family Resort

Winner: Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu sets the benchmark for family-friendly skiing with its one-of-a-kind Adventure Mountain – the world’s only story-based family ski slope. Designed to combine fun with skill-building, it immerses children in a role-playing adventure across two courses tailored for different levels. Kids earn rewards as they progress, keeping them motivated while families enjoy a memorable shared experience. With strong international appeal and thoughtful amenities, Tomamu continues to redefine the family ski holiday.

Image: snowtomamu.jp

Highly Commended: Niseko Hanazono Resort

For the 2024-25 season, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono expanded its beginner terrain and enhanced ski school programs to better support children and first-time skiers. The upgraded Hanazono EDGE facility now offers improved ski-in/ski-out access, making it easier for families to navigate the resort’s expansive slopes. Known for its stunning mountain views and spacious accommodations, Hanazono also features activities including tubing, snowshoeing, and tandem flights on Asia’s longest zipline, ensuring fun for the whole family beyond skiing.

Image: hanazononiseko.com

Japan’s best ski resort for powder

Winner: Niseko Hanazono Resort

Having already been named Japan’s best ski resort (overall), Niseko Hanazono earns another win, this time for its world-class powder credentials. Situated at 1,308 meters in the northernmost part of Niseko United, the resort is renowned for its exceptional snowfall, with the 2024-25 season bringing the heaviest early December accumulation in 20 years. For powder enthusiasts seeking expert guidance, Hanazono Powder Guides offer access to some of the area’s most challenging and untouched off-piste terrain.

Image: hanazononiseko.com

Highly Commended: Hakuba Happo-One

Hakuba was one of the biggest benefactors of the La Niña-affected 2024–25 ski season, enjoying record-breaking snowfall and exceptional conditions. Hakuba’s Happo One, the largest resort in the Hakuba Valley, recorded a mid-February base depth of 678 cm – the highest in over a decade. Known for its steep ridgelines, open alpine bowls, and varied off-piste terrain, the resort appeals to advanced skiers and snowboarders, with designated backcountry gates offering controlled access to the surrounding terrain.

Image: Facebook

South Korea’s Best Ski Resort

Winner: Phoenix Snow Park

Phoenix Snow Park, highly commended last year, claims South Korea’s top ski resort in 2025. The Pyeongchang resort features six freestyle ski and snowboard slopes and the Extreme Park, making it a hotspot for freestyle riders. It famously hosted key events at the 2018 Winter Olympics, while it also offers family-friendly amenities including a waterpark and bowling alley.

Image: Phoenix Snow Park

Highly Commended: High1 Ski Resort

High1 Ski Resort earns recognition for its comprehensive skiing experience. Its three mountains feature runs suitable for beginners as well as FIS-certified competition courses. Notably, High1 operates the country’s only trio of gondolas and supports disabled skiers with a specialised ski school, making it a welcoming destination for all.

Image: Visit Korea

China’s Best Ski Resort

Winner: Silk Road Ski Resort

For the second year running, Silk Road Resort takes the title of China’s Best Ski Resort, a reflection of its exceptional natural conditions and growing reputation among serious skiers. Set in the Tianshan Mountains just outside Urumqi, the resort enjoys one of the country’s longest ski seasons, spanning October to May, with consistently generous snowfall. With elevations reaching 2,450m and a 600m vertical drop, it offers some of China’s steepest and most technical terrain – including the highest number of double black diamond runs in the country – while still accommodating beginners with more accessible slopes.

Image: ts.cn

Highly Commended: Beidahu

Beidahu picks up a second consecutive Commended award in this category, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most complete ski destinations. With 875m of vertical and 42km of marked trails, it’s one of China’s bigger resorts and home to one of three Club Med ski resorts in the country, alongside Yabuli and Changbaishan. All three offer a polished, all-inclusive experience.

Image: en.beidahu.com

Japan’s Best Ski Hotel

Winner: Arai Mountain Resort

Lotte Arai Resort takes the top spot as Japan’s best ski hotel thanks to its diverse accommodation options tailored for families and long stays alike. The 257 rooms range from spacious deluxe suites to playful family-themed rooms, designed to provide comfort and convenience after a day on the slopes. Guests appreciate the easy ski-in/ski-out access and the resort’s full range of wellness facilities, including hot springs and a spa.

Image: lottehotel.com/arai-resort

Highly Commended: Setsu Niseko

Setsu Niseko earns a commended award for its blend of Japanese design and modern comfort across 190 luxury suites, complemented by exceptional dining and wellness options. The hotel holds one Michelin Key and last year featured in Tatler’s Best Asia 100 Hotels 2024. Guests benefit from seamless shuttle service to the Grand Hirafu gondola and easy access to Niseko’s dining and shopping. Backed by a knowledgeable team, Setsu offers warm hospitality throughout Niseko’s long ski season.

Image: Facebook

Japan’s Best Ski Lodge / Chalet

Winner: Furano Lofts & Chalet

For five consecutive years, Furano Lofts & Chalet has proudly held the #1 TripAdvisor ranking in Furano, setting the gold standard for independent luxury stays. Renowned for delivering calm, quality, and comfort, this exclusive property offers a variety of stylish townhouses and a spacious alpine chalet, plus a private-use onsen.

Image: furanolofts.com

Highly Commended: Moiwa Lodge – Niseko

Moiwa Lodge is a favourite among skiers seeking community and genuine local connection away from Niseko’s crowds. This season saw the Chairman’s Lounge open – a yurt-based café and bar that has quickly become the lodge’s social hub, hosting everything from trivia nights to live music.

Image: moiwalodge.com

South Korea’s Best Ski Hotel

Winner: InterContinental Alpensia

InterContinental Alpensia offers large rooms with panoramic mountain views, diverse dining options from traditional Korean to international cuisine, and direct access to the ski slopes. The hotel features a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and well-designed communal spaces for relaxation and socialising.

InterContinental Alpensia. Image: IHG.com

Highly Commended: Dragon Valley Hotel

Last year’s winner, Yongpyong’s Dragon Valley Hotel, once again earns recognition for its excellent dining options, indoor lap pool, Finnish saunas, and full spa and fitness center. With ski-in ski-out access and nearby entertainment at the Tower and Dragon complexes, it remains an excellent choice at South Korea’s largest ski resort.

Image: yongpyongreservation.com

China’s Best Ski Hotel

Winner: Hyatt Regency Changbaishan

Earning a repeat win in this category is the Hyatt Regency Changbaishan, one of two Hyatt hotels located at the base of Changbaishan International Resort in Jilin Province. The hotel features a large indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa that draws on traditional Chinese therapies, along with several fine dining options. For those seeking added privacy and service, an exclusive lounge is available for guests booked in premium rooms.

Image: hyatt.com

Highly Commended: Club Med Beidahu

Club Med Beidahu delivers the classic Club Med experience in China’s northeast, with all-inclusive comfort, friendly staff, and activities for all ages. Its relaxed, social atmosphere makes it a favourite for families and couples alike.

Image: clubmed.com

Japan’s Best Snowsports School

Winner: Myoko Snowsports

This year’s winner, Myoko Snowsports, boasts more than 15 years in operation, a deep connection with the local community, and a massive team of more than 140 staff. The school recently expanded into Suginohara Resort, joining existing locations in Akakura Kanko and Arai Mountain Resort, and has also introduced snowmobiling, rafting, and several upgrades to the children’s and Mini Mountaineers programs.

Image: myokosnowsports.com

Highly Commended: Niseko International Snowsports School

Niseko International Snowsports School (NISS) this year expanded its team by 30% to accommodate the increasing popularity of Niseko Hanazono. With tailored lessons and a new beginner backcountry program, its multilingual instructors deliver quality experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Image: hanazono.com

Japan’s Best Ski Travel Agent

Winner: Japan Ski Experience

Japan Ski Experience, winner of the 2024 Japan’s Best Ski Travel Agent award, offers exceptional customer service through a team of local experts who assist with accommodation, itineraries, and travel arrangements – all at no extra cost compared to booking direct. With a new booking portal launching soon, they are set to provide even smoother service, a wide selection of accommodations, and a best price guarantee.

Image: japanskiexperience.com

Highly Commended: We Are Sno

We Are Sno has raised the bar in travel support for ski instructor internship programs in Japan over the past year. Beyond offering top-quality training, they provide thorough assistance to participants and their families, guiding them through visa processes, travel planning, and entry requirements. Their custom MySeason platform simplifies travel management, while 24/7 support from in-resort staff and advisors ensures a smooth experience from arrival to departure.

Image: Facebook

Japan’s Best Backcountry Guiding Operation

Winner: Evergreen Backcountry Guides

Evergreen Backcountry Guides enjoyed an exceptional season in Hakuba Valley amid record snowfall that defined this year’s backcountry experience. This season, their highly certified guides led extensive AST 1 & 2 courses, training over 200 participants on backcountry skills and safety awareness. With 25 years of experience, Evergreen continues to provide expert guiding and instruction, supported by a proven track record of safety.

Image: evergreen-backcountry.com

Highly Commended: Rising Sun Guides

Rising Sun Guides features internationally certified guides with deep local knowledge to safely access some of Hokkaido’s best backcountry powder. Their CAT ski program offers “descent only” tours in some of the region’s best backcountry terrain, supported by top-tier rental equipment. They also provide avalanche education and contribute to the Japan Avalanche Network’s safety bulletin.

Image: Facebook

Japan’s Best Ski Tour Operator

Winner: Alpine Backcountry Guides

In 2025, Alpine Backcountry Guides welcomed over 300 visitors to Central Hokkaido, while also launching a new base in Furano. Maintaining a flawless 5-star rating, the company benefits from strong community ties and a commitment to safe guiding practices. These qualities rank them among Japan’s best options for guided backcountry touring.

Image: backcountryskijapan.com

Highly Commended: Imagine Japan

Imagine Japan has spent over a decade crafting Niseko ski trips for some of Asia’s top international schools. With full control over ski instruction, lodging, and transport, they manage every detail seamlessly to provide a blend of cultural and educational experiences.

Image: imagine-japan.com