You can ski in Hawaii?!
Try something totally unique for your next ski adventure and upgrade your skiable country conceptions to include some truly life changing terrain. You’ve likely been to France, Austria, North America and skied the slopes of some serious big hitters, either that or your friends have and consistently remind you of how uh-mazing it was. Go bigger and better with some superstar ski facts on where you plan to conquer next for a unique ski holiday experience.
Hawaii
When we think of Hawaii, swaying palm trees, fire side hula dances and surfing spring to mind. But look beyond the tropical front line and you’ll also discover Mount Kea, Hawaii’s skiable White Mountain reaching 4270 metres high.
Located on Hawaii’s Big Island, this extinct volcano offers 100 square miles of skiable ground. There are no lifts, no grooming and no resort here, only a road that leads to the summit so you must have a 4 – wheel drive vehicle to get to the summit and a designated driver to take skiers up the mountain and pick them up when they reach the bottom.
It truly is skiing in the wilderness and should only be skied by advanced skiers and snowboarders with a reasonably good physical condition as the air is so thin at this altitude – less than 60% of air pressure at sea level!
India
Rising up as an escape from India’s soaring summer temperatures, Gulmarg is a hill station of Kashmir which now boasts India’s most famed ski resort. At the foot of the Himalayas and about 56km from Sinagar city, this resort provides astonishing mountain views and also plays host to the world’s highest gondola. With strong expectations of snow-sure seasons and the bonus of towering terrain, Gulmarg feeds the urge of those needing a completely new adventure for experienced riders who love powder skiing. Aside from the skiing, Gulmarg provides a hospitable and unique Kashmiri culture.
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Japan
A cultural explosion and sensory wonderland, Japan is a popular destination for many reasons. No stranger to snow fans, Japan hosts in excess of 600 ski resorts, unparalleled scenery and pure powder.
Snowstorms from Siberia bring an average of 11 metres of snow each season and even 15-18 metres in Niseko resort alone! Rusutsu resort in Hokkaido is fast becoming one of Japan’s most popular resorts.
Comprised of three skiable mountains and combining top class skiing with quirky Japanese conventions. Be sure to ski through the abandoned theme park for an unforgettable run. Or try Niseko, one of the few Japanese resorts that offer a wide range of accommodation to choose from.
South Africa
Five hours drive from Johannesburg and sitting pretty in the Maluti Mountains lies Afriski, which lies in the heart of the Drakensberg-Maluti Mountains at an altitude of 3,222 metres.
This snow coated South African wonder is best for skiing and snowboarding during June and July, as snow is fairly sparse and relies on snow making machines. This does mean you can still get your fix outside of the typical ski season! All levels are catered for, from the top class tuition for beginners to Lesotho’s notable passion for adventure.
Their après ski game is strong with unique drink challenges and the highest restaurant in Africa.
Australia
You might be inclined to head down under for beach fun, water sports, sizzling BBQ’s and a laid back lifestyle, but did you know that Australia also hosts some pretty awesome skiing? Snow fans and adrenaline junkies should head to the south west, stopping by New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania for a taste of Australian alpine life. Ski eucalyptus tree lined runs and experience a unique après the Aussie way. Popular ski resorts include Perisher, Thredbo, Falls Creek and Mount Buller.
South Korea
Designed for convenience and functionality, skiing in South Korea has been more publicised since it hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang County. South Korea has been a favourite amongst ski stars for years; and now it serves a purpose to all wanting a winter adventure with a big cultural injection.
The new high speed KTX rail line means for a quick getaway from Seoul into the Olympic resorts in the Taeback Mountains (also known as the Korean Alps) so you can combine a city break with a ski holiday too!
Yongpyong in the Gangwan-do region is Korea’s largest ski and snowboard resort and quickly emerging as the most popular. The Rainbow slope comes equipped with plenty junctions and courses making it one of the best in Korea, whilst beginners can let loose and crash-free on the ultra-wide beginner slope. You can even night ski here, which continues into the early hours and it is the norm to hit the slopes again after dinner!
Chile
Perched in the Andes Mountain Range, Chile offers a completely alternative ski/ snowboarding experience, with its diverse climate and lively Latin American culture. There are at least 20 resorts in the southern part of the country, with the world renowned Portillo resort the furthest north in the country.
Although the southern resorts have less infrastructure and are not suited for expert skiers, its cool temperatures bring dry powder and the views of the Aconcagua Valley are awe-inspiring. Get your thrills skiing steaming volcanoes before savouring their famous Chilean red wine to unwind.
Sicily
Ski down Europe’s largest active volcano. Although Sicily is for the thrill seekers, Mount Etna’s slopes cater for all abilities, it’s just the fear of skiing down a volcano that you need to conquer! That aside, the views of the sea as you stand at the craters edge makes for an unforgettable ski experience. Smoother slopes can be found at its two main resorts thanks to its settled lava – Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi.
Iran
Iran offers largely untouched slopes in its resorts that are all over 2,000 metres. Slopes and lift queues are segregated between men and women and it is also illegal for men and women to share a gondola. But despite these cultural differences, Iran is fantastic for off piste skiing. Dry air from the desert means the slopes are covered in light powder in the Alborz Mountains, the back country and the sides of the Mount Damavand volcano which is also the highest peak in the Middle East.
Greece
Greece is the final unusual and unique place to ski. For Brits, it’s a summer destination of sun, sand and sea but not known to have snow. With close proximity to Athens, Mount Parnassos is the largest downhill ski resort in the country. For an Ancient Greek experience, you can ski near the archaeological site of Delphi, a sanctuary from its ancient history.
