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Overall, there are more luxury accommodation choices in Europe and the U.S. than in Asia but this will change dramatically within the next 5 years as the Asian ski resorts attract more sophisticated tourists.

When people think of cozying up in a luxury ski chalet, they usually don’t think of Asia- and with reason. Not only is skiing less popular in this part of the world because of the climate, but the winter sport used to be accessible only to Asia’s elite, who just traveled west when they wanted to enjoy a few runs.

However, that’s about to change. “Overall, there are more luxury accommodation choices in Europe and the U.S. than in Asia but this will change dramatically within the next 5 years as the Asian ski resorts attract more sophisticated tourists.” says Sylvia Tang, Asia real estate developer and developer of Japan’s LOFT Niseko.

In Northern China, a trend of ski resorts have already begun to emerge, popping up in cities like Harbin. The InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort in South Korea was built to host the 2018 winter Olympics and is a favorite among Asian skiers.

“It is just the beginning of Asia’s upper middle class’s discovery of skiing.” said Adrian Bell, Chief Executive Office of Phoenix Hotel and the Hakuba Hotel Group, who plans to develop more upmarket chalets in Asia.

But before Asia becomes widely populated with luxury ski resorts, here are four of the most luxurious ski accommodations in Asia that are ready to be checked into this winter:

1. One Chalets in Hakkuba, Japan

Described as a “James Bond fantasy” made real, One Chalets can very well be one of the most exclusive self-catering luxury ski accommodation in Asia. In particular, the One Happo chalet, a cozy modern wooden house with huge glass windows, sits right at the top of the mountain, facing the main Happo resort gondola and the 1998 Olympic slopes. The house is just 100 meters from the slopes and has an infra-red viewing deck. For those who don’t ski, One Happo offers a cozy sauna and an onsen wet zone as well as a huge world- class gymnasium.

One of the biggest perks about staying here is the personally cooked meals by Yuki and Kazuyuki Shimamoto san, who has worked in Pintevechia, one of Osaka’s top restaurants. To stay at One Chalets will cost you around $1,500 for one night during peak times.

2. LOFT Niseko in Niseko, Japan

As the first development in Niseko to be completed by internationally renowned designers and architects (Philippe Starck and Riccardo Tossani), LOFT Niseko sits on a cliff in Hokkaido Island surrounded by panoramic views of Mount Yotei. It’s only a three-minute walk to middle Hirafu village, where there’s a handful of great Japanese and international restaurants.

The furniture and lightings, which are all handpicked and from brands such as Lee Broom, Pols Potten, and Artek, are just one example of the designers’ attention to details. Customers are provided with full-time concierge services to ensure all needs are met. During peak times, a night at LOFT Niseko can set you back more than $1,000 U.S. dollars.

3. InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort in Pyeongchang, South Korea

Moving from the chalets to the ski resorts, we have the luxury Alpine Pyeongchang from the Intercontinental Hotels Group. Just a two hour drive from Seoul, the Alpensia is nested in an Alpine-style village located in the Taebaek Mountains and is scheduled to host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, guaranteeing world-class ski slopes and proper facilities.

The resort is divided into three complexes, with the Alpensia Troon Estate as the most luxurious one. Each house is between 287 to 552 square meters and overlooks a golf-course surrounded by mountain views. During peak times, the hotel ranges from $300 per night for the king superior room to $1,200 per night for the Alpensia suite where you can enjoy a deep soaking tub with a full panoramic view.

4. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in the Himalayas, India

If you want to venture to Southern Asia for a ski trip, Gulmarg, a tiny ski village in Kashmir, India, is the place you’ll want to visit. The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in the Himalayas, India, is the perfect place for you to indulge in a luxury ski holiday and have access to the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest ski lift in the world. Not only can you enjoy some of the best slopes in Asia, you’ll also be able to venture through miles of snow-clad hikes to Alpather Lake.

The premier room is decorated with Kashmiri silk, wool carpets, and hand made furniture, giving you that traditional yet lavish feeling. Of course, no ski holiday is complete without a full-service spa: Khyber invites you to unwind with body massages, Ayuvedic treatments, and facials after a day on the slopes. A night here can cost you more than $500 during peak times.

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