The Best of Asia 2008

Best Place to Ski after Midnight
Seoul, South Korea

South Korean ski resorts aren't exactly world famous for vertical drops or huge snowfalls, but there are none that stay open later — and few that can boast their own DJ. Jisan Forest Resort, a small suburban ski hill about 40 minutes from Seoul, lets skiers and boarders schuss down the mountain practically around the clock, with its slopes open from 7 a.m. until 4 a.m. during the peak season (from late November to early March).

The 12 short runs are well illuminated, making night skiing relatively safe. To add to the after-dark atmosphere, the resort lays on outdoor concerts from top K-pop stars at the foot of the hill on weekends, and the resident DJ's sounds are boomed to the slopes on weeknights. After a late night of carving, visitors don't have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel either; Jisan runs a free shuttle between the capital and the resort. There's an abundance of small vendors selling Korean fare and a huge fire pit on the patio for anyone who wants to sit back and smell the pines between stints on the slopes. A night on the hill costs about $45, with an additional $41 after 11 p.m. Sure, you could spend less in a bar, but this kind of nightlife doesn't give you hangovers — just sore muscles.