Family Skiing Holidays in the Far East

The Far East isn’t a typical family ski destination, and we certainly wouldn't recommend travelling across the world with kids when there's such great skiing closer to home. Getting to the slopes of Japan generally involves changing planes, and an overnight stop in Osaka or Tokyo.

But it’s increasingly in the brochures, and if you happen to be on that side of the globe, the skiing is good and your kids will have a great time. The ski schools are full of antipodeans, so there’s no problem with the language, and there are good resorts right on the slopes, which have wondrous views across the plain to the snow-tipped volcanic cone of Mount Yotei. Crystal Ski has a six-night package from around £1,300.

There are countless resorts, but the ones you’ll hear about are Rusutu and Niseka on the north island of Hokkaido. The former is a self-contained resort with a shopping mall and restaurants that serve burgers and pizza alongside local fare. Niseko, with several villages, has the best hotel – a new Hilton melding international and Japanese luxury, set right on the slopes with a gondola outside, as well as indoor and outdoor hot springs.

There is also plenty of skiing in Korea, with 15 or so resorts that have all sprung up since the 1980s. The mountains aren’t huge but have the look of willow-pattern china, covered in wispy, leafless trees. Yong-Pyong, several hours drive from Seoul, has excellent beginner slopes with modern chairs and conveyor belt lifts, and the main hotel offers (if you ask) Korean rooms with futons on the heated floors. It’s great fun for youngsters, and packages may be available soon.