66 I Winter destinations


completed by the nightly parade of robe-and slipper-clad skiers slipping through the streets to the public onsen (hot springs) through wreaths of geothermal steam. Nozawa is no slouch on the slopes either, with 21 lifts accessing 36 runs. It doesn’t yet tolerate ducking the rope in the way Hokkaido resorts do, but if the piste does start to pale, the smaller resorts of Madarao and Myoko are a shortish bus ride away. The latter especially can get even bigger dumps of snow and is increasingly favoured by free-riding foreigners. japanski.com.au/central-honshu


SOUTH KOREA – Prepared for the party Though it gets far less natural snow than its northeast neighbour, South Korea bulks this up with the artificial variety. The result is a lower-priced alternative best suited to improvers and families. That picture has shifted somewhat lately, as facilities for the coming 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang come online, meaning there’s something even for committed speed merchants added to the mix. Brand-new infrastructure including direct rail access from Incheon International Airport to the host resorts whisks you out to where the country’s longest runs now await. A shot at an Olympic downhill or slalom run may never again be this accessible. One drawback is the crowds at peak times. Avoid


holiday periods at all costs and ideally ski midweek to minimise lines and run-off areas choked with every level of learner. Pyeongchang’s Phoenix Park (phoenixpark.co.kr) and Yongpyong (yongpyong. co.kr) are good choices for non-Korean speakers, while for serious snowboarders Wellihillipark Snow Park (wellihillipark.com) in Hoengseong has international competition-level super-pipes and a great mogul course.


KAZAKHSTAN – Opulence is in Just outside Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan, is Shymbulak, a brash resort that is testament to the


NOVEMBER 2016 businesstraveller.com


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