The direct flight between Bangkok and Sapporo in Hokkaido (THAI, roundtrip from B28,060) is making travel to Japan’s snowy region much easier for Thais. And now one of the best known ski resorts in Hokkaido, Kiroro Resort (Tokiwa, Yichikun, Hokkaido, Japan, www.kiroro.co.jp), has just been acquired by the Thai property developer Property Perfect, and is undergoing changes in order to serve more Thai visitors, including the addition of Thai food and Thai massage services, as well as a Thai-language website. The resort comprises two hotels: the 140-room Mountain Hotel and more upscale 282-room Hotel Piano, which are connected by a free shuttle bus service. The place is regarded as one of the best places in Japan for snowboarding and skiing, thanks to the powder-like snow for six months per year and terrains offering routes for both beginners and pros. Rates are from ¥8,000 (B2,900).