2026 Ski Trips: Package Tours vs. DIY Travel – Pros & Cons! Your Ultimate Guide to 27 Top Ski Resorts in Japan, South Korea, and China!
Thinking about going skiing but not sure whether to plan it yourself or join a ski tour? Trip.com has compiled a pros-and-cons comparison of group ski tours and independent ski trips, and handpicked 27 popular ski resorts in Japan, South Korea, and mainland China—so you’re sure to find the one that suits you best. Give skiing a try this winter!
Group Ski Tours VS Independent Ski Trips
If you're new to this, you're probably wondering: should you join a group ski tour or plan a DIY ski trip?
A group ski tour is a convenient choice if you are new to skiing, travelling with family or visiting a foreign country for the first time. With transport, accommodation and activities often arranged in advance, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the snow.
On the other hand, an independent ski trip gives you more freedom to choose your ski resort, accommodation and daily activities. It is a good option for travellers who enjoy doing their own research, exploring multiple destinations or creating a flexible itinerary.
Factor | Group Ski Tour | Independent Ski Trip |
Planning | Itinerary and arrangements are often handled by the tour operator | You plan your own flights, accommodation and activities |
Convenience | Transport and activities may be arranged in advance | You manage your own travel arrangements |
Flexibility | Usually follows a fixed schedule | More freedom to change plans |
Cost | Package pricing varies and may include multiple services | You can compare and select services based on your budget |
Ski lessons | May include lessons or offer them as an add-on | You arrange lessons separately if needed |
Best for | Beginners, families and travellers who prefer guided experiences | Experienced travellers and those who enjoy independent planning |
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Choose a group ski tour if you want a more organised holiday, need help with transportation or prefer having a guide to support you along the way.
- Choose an independent ski trip if you enjoy planning your own itinerary, want to explore different ski resorts or prefer the freedom to set your own schedule.
Pros and Cons of Joining A Group Ski Trip
A group ski trip can make winter holiday easier to manage, especially if you are travelling with people who have different experience levels. However, it is important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks before making a booking.
Pros of Joining Ski Trip
- Less Time Spent on Travel Planning: Instead of researching every detail yourself, you can focus on preparing for your trip and enjoying your time in the snow.
- Support from Tour Guide: A tour guide may help with communicating with local service providers, coordinating group transportation and activities, providing guidance on the itinerary and assisting with common travel arrangements and unexpected issues.
- Convenient for Families and Larger Groups: Travelling with seniors, children or a larger group can involve more planning, from arranging airport transfers to coordinating accommodation and daily activities. A group tour may simplify these arrangements by providing a shared itinerary and organised transportation.
- Opportunities to Meet New Friends: Group ski tours bring together travellers with similar interests. You may have the opportunity to meet new people, share your first skiing experience and enjoy activities together.
Cons of Joining Ski Trip
- Package Costs May Be Higher: A group ski tour may cost more than planning selected parts of a trip independently, particularly when it includes organised transportation, guides and other bundled services.
- Less Flexibility with Your Itinerary: You may need to leave the ski resort at a set time or follow the group's planned activities even if you would prefer to spend longer on the slopes. If you prefer a slower pace or want to explore different ski areas, an independent trip may give you more control over your schedule.
- Different Skiing Experience Levels: Group tours may include travellers with different levels of skiing experience. Some participants may be beginners, while others may already feel comfortable on the slopes. This can affect the pace of activities and the amount of time available for lessons or independent skiing.
- Limited Choice of Accommodation and Activities: Group packages often use selected hotels, transportation providers and ski resorts. You may have fewer choices compared with planning a trip independently.
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Japan Ski Tours｜Introduction to Ski Resorts
Skiing in Hokkaido
Name | Facilities & Services | Highlights | Booking Link |
Furano Ski Resort | - 28 ski runs perfect for both beginners and pros - A ski school offering lessons in English | - Former host of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup - Panoramic views of Mt. Tokachi and the Daisetsuzan Range | |
Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU Ski Resort | - Includes a diverse range of resort amenities and snow adventures - Ski runs up to 4,200 meters long | - Trip.Best 2025 Asia's 50 Best Ski Destinations - A renowned resort surrounded by mountains | |
Kiroro Ski Resort | - Boasts 23 runs for all ability levels - Ski lessons available in Chinese and English | - Luxury all-inclusive resort - About a 1-hour drive from Sapporo | |
Niseko Hanazono Resort | - Boasts 23 runs for all ability levels - Ski lessons available in Chinese and English | - Luxury all-inclusive resort - About a 1-hour drive from Sapporo | |
Kamui Ski Resort | - Enjoy premium powder snow - A wide variety of activities, including snowshoeing, sledding, and snowmobiling | - Enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount Annupuri |
Tohoku Skiing
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking Link |
Zao Onsen Ski Resort | - 26 varied ski runs - Winter "ice trees" views are super magical | - Trip.Best 2025 Asia's Top 50 Ski Resorts - Don't Miss the "Zao Onsen" Experience | |
Appi Kogen Ski Resort | - Home to long ski runs rarely found in Japan - Premium powder snow that's widely praised | - The largest ski resort in the Tohoku region- where you can experience "White Birch Hot Spring" |
Skiing in Kansai
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking Link |
Mount Rokko Snow Park | - 3 beginner-friendly ski runs - A wide variety of outdoor activities, including a snow park and snow balance bikes | - About a 30-minute drive from downtown Kobe, easy to reach - You can also explore attractions around Mt. Rokko | |
Hyonosen Kokusai Ski jyo | - 6 runs ideal for beginners and seasoned pros alike - Home to multiple ski schools | - Located on Hyogo Prefecture's highest peak - The Kansai region's only ski competition centre, drawing expert skiers to take on the challenge | |
Biwako Valley Ski Resort | - 9 varied runs includes a snow play area and ski lessons | - One of the largest ski resorts in the Kansai region - Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Biwa | |
Okuibuki Ski Resort | - 12 diverse runs, perfect for everyone from beginners to pros - Heavy snowfall, guaranteed snow quality | - Kansai's largest ski resort-near Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa | |
Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort | - 5 ski runs with breathtaking views - Night skiing available, the vibe is super romantic | - About a 2-hour drive from downtown Osaka - Soft, fluffy powder snow is highly praised |
Skiing in Tokyo
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking Link |
Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort | - 14 ski runs perfect for both beginners and pros - A well-known resort featuring a hotel and a shopping mall | - Located in the town of Karuizawa, with super convenient transportation and everyday amenities - Usually one of the first ski resorts to open in Japan | |
Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort | - Home to "Escal Plaza," a 24-hour ski center where you can hit the slopes any time of day or night - A wide variety of runs, perfect for beginners and experts alike | - Connected to Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park, a single lift pass lets you enjoy two ski areas at once - Soak up sweeping views of a snow-capped mountain range | |
Kusatsu International Ski Resort | - Boasts a 3-kilometer-long forest run - A wide variety of snow activities, including a giant swing and a zip line | - Just a 5-minute drive from the onsen town, with everything you need nearby - While you're here, experience the charm of Kusatsu Onsen | |
Naeba Ski Resort | - Boasts 24 runs for all ability levels - Features romantic chairlifts, a family-friendly snow play area, and more | - About 2.5 hours from Tokyo - Japan’s longest gondola, the "Dragondola" |
Recommended Ski Resorts In Japan
South Korea Ski Tour｜Ski Resort Introduction
Skiing in Gyeonggi-do
Name | Facilities & Services | Highlights | Book link |
Jishan Forest Resort | - 10 ski runs perfect for beginners - Featuring lush red pine forests with stunning scenery | - Trip.Best 2025 Asia's Top 50 Ski Resorts - Just a 40-minute drive from Seoul | |
Konjiam Resort Ski Area | - 9 ski runs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers - Amenities include a hotel, spa, golf course, and more | - The largest ski resort near Seoul - A major highlight is the 1.8-kilometer-long, intermediate-level long-distance run |
Skiing in Gangwon Province
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking Link |
Alpensia Ski Resort, South Korea | - 6 beginner and intermediate ski runs - Amenities like a golf course, hot springs, and a spa, fun all year round | - Trip.Best 2025 Top 50 Ski Destinations in Asia - One of the largest ski resorts in Asia | |
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort | - 10 ski runs that cater to both beginners and pros and complete with resort amenities, perfect for a fun 2-day, 1-night getaway | - Easily accessible by subway or the ITX-Cheongchun train. - Unique valley-style ski slopes. | |
Vivaldi Park SONO Ski Resort | - Boasts 13 runs and 10 lifts - Snow play park and ski lessons, all available | - Just a 1-hour drive from Seoul - Boasts the largest accommodation facility in all of South Korea |
Skiing in Busan
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking link |
Eden Valley Ski Resort | - Features 7 ski runs and 3 lifts - A full range of other outdoor entertainment, including golf | - The only ski resort in Busan - A state-of-the-art artificial snowmaking system keeps the snow quality consistent |
Recommended Korea Ski Resorts
Mainland China Ski Tours｜Ski Resort Introduction
Harbin Skiing
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Book link |
Yabuli New Sports Commission Ski Resort | - Boasts 15 runs for all ability levels and 1 cross-country ski trail - A comprehensive ski resort that combines ski experiences and competitive skiing | - Has hosted numerous international ski competitions - Long ski season with excellent snow quality | |
Harbin Ice Snow World | - Smart snowmaking system keeps the snow in excellent condition - Offers professional ski lessons | - A large indoor ski resort perfect for families - Conveniently located | |
Yabuli Sun Mountain Ski Resort | - 17 professional ski runs totaling 32 kilometers - Surrounded by mountains, where you might occasionally get a "hello" from local wildlife like red deer, black bears, and wild boars | - World-class ski resort - Ski season lasts up to 5 months |
Skiing in Beijing
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Book link |
Nanshan Ski Resort | - Features 30 ski runs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels - Ski lessons and winter camps available | - One of the major ski resorts in the North China region - An all-in-one resort combining winter outdoor sports | |
Jundushan Ski Resort | - Boasts 7 runs for all ability levels - Includes night skiing and a ski school | - Trip.Best 2025 Asia's 50 Best Ski Destinations - Set within the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Scenic Resort Area | |
Huaibei International Ski Resort | - 8 runs for all skill levels - Features a terrain park and snow play area, perfect for family fun | - Located in the Jiugukou Natural Scenic Area of Huairou District - The Ming-era Great Wall inside the ski resort connects to the Mutianyu Great Wall |
Skiing in Xinjiang
Name | Amenities & Services | Highlights | Booking link |
Jiangjun Mountain International Ski Resort | - Boasts 72 runs for all ability levels, plus 8 lifts - Features a variety of snow activities, including snowmobiling and sledding | - Located on the hillside in front of Jiangjun Mountain, it's close to the city center and easy to get to. - The sunset is a can't-miss photo op like a sea of oranges, pure bliss! | |
Keketuohai International Ski Resort | - Boasts 44 runs and is famous for its thrilling trails and diverse terrain - A paradise for intermediate and advanced skiers, the 9-kilometer-long "Gem Boulevard" draws countless enthusiasts to make the pilgrimage | - As one of the ski resorts with the longest ski seasons in Asia, the season runs from October through May of the following year - The terrain is uniquely challenging Big White Slope, Mushroom Rocks, and extra-long runs are calling your name | |
Jikepulin International Ski Resort | - 103 varied ski runs, topping out at 2,848 meters - With over 2,500 hectares of backcountry terrain, the powder skiing area is absolutely massive | - Located in Hemu Village within the Kanas Scenic Area, a national 5A-rated tourist attraction, offering a world-class experience. | |
Silk Road Mountain Resort Ski Area | - A 5S-rated ski resort featuring a variety of highly challenging runs - It is one of the ski resorts in China with the largest skiable area | - Nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains, the scenery is breathtaking - Selected as the designated venue for the alpine skiing events of the 13th National Winter Games in 2016 |
Recommended Ski Resorts in China
FAQs: Ski Group
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