From Snowy Villages to Ski Slopes and Street Food
Every year, I make it a mission to chase winter like it’s my job. This year, I set my sights on Harbin, China, to visit the magical Snow Town, also known as Shuangfeng Forest Farm. Spoiler alert: It was like stepping into a gingerbread village covered in powdered sugar.
But because I’m an overachiever, I also squeezed in a skiing trip in Seoul with my winter-enthusiast friends and a work-turned-holiday in Bangkok. Indeed, it was a rollercoaster-ride of snow, slopes, and street food.
Anyway, I’m already planning my next trip while writing this, but, here’s how it all went down!
Harbin – Where I Found this year’s Winter Wonderland in China Snow Town
Let’s start with Harbin, the crown jewel of my winter obsession this year.
I didn’t just go for the Ice Festival (though it was epic). My real goal was China’s No.1 Snow Town, also known as Shuangfeng Forest Farm.
Imagine a village straight out of a fairy tale, with snow-covered houses that look like gingerbread cottages and lanterns glowing softly in the frosty air. It was so magical, I half-expected a snowman to start singing.
The vibe was unreal. I spent the night wandering through the snowy streets, sipping their famous vodka, and pretending I was in a Hallmark movie. As a tip from the “winter” pro, if you’re going to Snow Town, pack your warmest gear and your best camera. This place is Instagram gold.
Seoul – Where I Hit the Slopes with My Winter Squad
After living my best snow-globe life in Harbin, I flew to Seoul to reunite with my winter-enthusiast friends. It had been five years since my last trip to Seoul, and let me tell you, this city still knows how to bring the vibes. But this time, we weren’t just there for the street food (though we ate our weight in samgyeopsal and hotteok). Nope, we were there to ski.
We hit the slopes just before the season ended, and it was everything I needed. There’s something about skiing with friends that makes you feel like a kid again, especially after a few falls and racing each other down the slope and pretending you’re a pro. I did not win because I was scared, I might fall hard and ruin my trip, but I managed to stay upright, which is a win in my ski-adventure book.
Bangkok – Where Work Turned into a Tropical Adventure
Now, let’s talk about Bangkok. This stop wasn’t originally part of the plan, but when work called and said, ‘Hey, we have a conference here,’ I said, ‘Why not turn it into a vacation?’ So, after attending the conference (and pretending to be a responsible adult), I extended my stay to explore the city.
Bangkok was a complete 180 from the snowy wonderlands of Harbin and Seoul. The heat hit me like a slap in the face, but I embraced it like a genuine tropical guy. Of course, eating pad Thai on the street, mango sticky rice in a market, and tom yum soup in a random alley is why Bangkok remains special to me. Despite my tropical self sweating through my shirt, my stomach was happy as a kid.
And then there’s Chatuchak Weekend Market. Imagine a maze of stalls selling everything from knockoff sunglasses to handmade souvenirs. I bought way too much, but that’s because I’m in Bangkok, right? $$$$
This trip was everything I needed to kick off 2025—snowy villages, ski slopes, and a tropical escape all rolled into one. Snow Town was a tick on my adventure bucket list, skiing in Seoul was a blast, and Bangkok reminded me why I love turning work trips into adventures. If there’s one thing this trip taught me, it’s that I need to keep chasing these experiences. Winter, summer, work, or play… There’s always more to explore.
Let me know in the comments which of these destinations you’d visit first, or if you’ve been to any of them, share your favorite memories. And hey, if you’ve got recommendations for my next winter trip, hit me up. Jepoi (aka Frostino) is already packing his bags!
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