Are you planning a winter escape to the breathtaking slopes of Korea’s ski resorts? Whether you’re an experienced skier or a first-time traveler, you likely have a few questions. Korean ski resorts are celebrated for their exceptional facilities, beautiful scenery, and unique cultural experiences.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 16 frequently asked questions about Korean ski resorts to help you prepare for an unforgettable winter adventure. We’ll provide insights on the best time to visit, dining options, tips for navigating the resorts, and where to find the finest slopes. Get ready to dive into snow activities with confidence and fully enjoy your winter holiday in Korea!
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Top 16 FAQs
1. Is there snow during winter at the ski resorts?
2. Will it snow on a specific date?
3. Are there areas to play in the snow at the ski resorts?
4. What other facilities are available at the ski resorts? Where can I rest if it gets too cold?
5. What is snow sledding?
6. Are there dining options at the ski resorts?
7. What should I do if the resort’s restaurants are closed on public holidays?
8. Can I visit the ski resorts just to see the snow without skiing or snowboarding?
9. When does the snow sledding season begin?
10. Can I book ski lessons on the same day?
11. Can I try both skiing and snowboarding, or switch between them?
12. Are ski tours canceled on rainy days?
13. Is it possible to visit the ski resorts in March?
14. Are there age restrictions at the ski resorts?
15. Which ski resort do you recommend?
16. What happens if the ski resort suddenly closes?
1. Is there really snow during the winter season at the ski resorts? What if there’s no snow when I visit?
Even on days when it doesn’t snow or during warmer weather, ski resorts work hard to maintain excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season by utilizing top-notch snowmaking technology. Through a mix of natural and artificial snow, these resorts ensure high-quality and abundant snow, perfect for winter sports. If any issues arise, you will be notified in advance.
2. Will it snow on a specific date?
Unfortunately, we cannot predict if it will snow on a specific day, but you can expect snow at the ski resorts during the winter season.
3. Can I touch the snow at the ski resorts? Are there places to play with the snow?
Absolutely! The ski slopes are consistently covered in snow during the open season. However, for safety reasons, certain areas may require ski or snowboard gear to access. We suggest visiting resorts with gondola access to the top or resorts that offer sledding facilities such as Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, Yongpyong Ski Resort, and Phoenix Park Ski Resort.
4. What other facilities are available at the ski resorts? Where can I take a break if it’s cold?
The ski resorts are complex facilities equipped with various indoor amenities. If you prefer not to ski or snowboard, you can enjoy snow sledding instead.
For instance, Yongpyong Ski Resort offers attractions like the Balwangsan Cable Car & Skywalk, Ani-Fore (which features a monorail, an alpaca farm, and a spruce healing forest), Peak Island Water Park, Museum DEEPDIVE, and much more. Discover the must-visit attractions at Yongpyong Ski Resort in our blog! For indoor entertainment, enjoy the Dinosaur & Marine Exhibit Hall, Color Land, the Sports Bar ‘Dragon Strike’, Bowling Alley, Billiard Hall, and Arcade.
At Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, visitors can explore the Viva Plex Mall, which provides numerous entertainment options for all ages, including a merry-go-round, arcade games, karaoke rooms, a bowling alley, a roller coaster, a billiard hall, and K1 Speed. The mall also features various dining choices to suit every taste. This underground complex, located near the Main Center entrance, offers plenty of activities and food options outside the slopes, ensuring something for everyone.
If you’re planning to visit High1 Ski Resort, you’ll find plenty of attractions beyond skiing and snowboarding. The resort includes fun activities like the High1 Roller Rink, Sky 1340 Valley Cable Car, and Alpine Coaster. For alternative entertainment, try your luck at the on-site casino or splash around at the Water World water park. With such a wide range of options, High1 Ski Resort promises something enjoyable for everyone, irrespective of their interests or the season.
If you want to learn about the facilities of other ski resorts like Elysian Gangchon, Alpensia, and Phoenix Park, check out their official websites.
5. What is snow sledding?
Snow sledding is an activity where you ride down a snowy slope on a sled, which can be made from materials like plastic, wood, or metal. These sleds are typically designed with runners or skis to glide smoothly over the snow.
Among the sledding parks, Vivaldi Park Snowy Land and Phoenix Park Snow Village are well-known for offering a variety of sledding experiences.
6. Are there any dining options at the ski resorts?
Yes, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants within the ski resorts.
- Vivaldi Park: For diverse dining experiences, check out the Viva Plex Mall, an underground facility near the Main Center entrance. This food hub offers everything from Korean favorites like tteokbokki to international dishes such as pizza and curry, along with various cafes. Whether you want a quick snack or a full meal, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
- Yongpyong: The resort features three main dining spots: the Chalet, the Chalet Buffet, and Modurang. Located on the first floor of the Dragon Valley Hotel, the Chalet presents a mix of Korean and Western cuisine. For a quick breakfast, visit the Chalet Buffet, also in Dragon Valley Hotel. If you’re craving Korean dishes, especially roasted beef, stop by Modurang in the Complex / Valley Center, right in front of Dragon Valley Hotel.
- Elysian Gangchon: The resort offers a wide range of dining options, from high-end multi-course meals to casual à la carte dishes and brunch options. You’ll find various restaurants to satisfy every palate, including Snow Garden, serving udon, jjajangmyeon, curry, and pork cutlets among other dishes. If you love burgers, you can check out Wonder Burger, or enjoy a leisurely brunch at Arabista. These are just a few of the many dining venues throughout the resort.
- Alpensia: Each accommodation hosts excellent dining options. For instance, the InterContinental Hotel has Flavours Restaurant, a remarkable place known for its fresh breakfast buffet. At the Holiday Inn Resort, you can savor a wide variety of Asian dishes, including Korean and Chinese cuisine, at the Montblanc Restaurant.
- Phoenix Park: If you’re staying at the hotel, Ondo offers all-day dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For more variety, visit the Center Plaza for Ondam, serving traditional Gangwon-do cuisine; The Butcher’s, notable for its premium Korean beef; and Cheonglim, a casual Chinese restaurant. For coffee and desserts, stop by Ileto in Blue Building B1~1F or ride the gondola to Montblanc Cafe at the top for stunning views with your treats.
7. What should I do if the ski resorts or their restaurants are closed on public holidays?
All restaurants within the ski resorts operate year-round during the winter season, including special dates like Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Lunar New Year’s Day. For specific operating hours, please check the official websites.
*The official website for Vivaldi Park Ski Resort will be updated soon.
8. Can I visit the ski resorts just to see the snow without skiing or snowboarding?
Yes! You can take the shuttle bus, and if needed, purchase tickets for desired activities on-site. You can also experience the snow from above by riding the cable car, like Vivaldi Park’s gondola ride or the Yongpyong Balwangsan Cable Car.
9. When does the snow sledding season start?
Most ski resorts open their sledding areas around mid-December, as these require a thicker layer of high-quality snow compared to ski slopes.
The opening dates for the ski resorts will be updated here.
10. Can I book ski lessons on the same day?
Unfortunately, no. Due to a limited number of instructors, advance reservations are necessary. If you’re interested in the lesson programs and schedules for each ski resort, please check the links provided below.
*Information on lesson programs and schedules for other ski resorts will be updated soon.
11. Is it possible to try both skiing and snowboarding or switch between them during my visit?
This depends on the specific package or tour you purchased. While experiencing both activities is possible, it is generally not recommended to do so in one day due to the time required to return rented equipment and obtain new gear.
12. Are ski tours canceled on rainy days?
Ski tours run as scheduled even on rainy or snowy days. However, do keep in mind that conditions may vary on the slopes.
13. Is it possible to visit the ski resorts in March?
Some ski resorts may remain open until early to mid-March depending on weather conditions, but confirmation will only be possible from late February to early March.
Details regarding the availability of ski resorts in March will be updated here.
14. Are there age restrictions at the ski resorts?
Age restrictions differ by resort, with High1 being the strictest for advanced skiers. Detailed age policies are provided on the reservation page, and exceptions cannot be accommodated as these rules are strictly enforced.
15. Which ski resort do you recommend?
Vivaldi Park Ski Resort is a fantastic choice for beginners and families, as it ranks high in popularity among locals and tourists. If you’re looking for a variety of activities, Yongpyong Ski Resort, the largest in Korea, is worth considering. For seasoned skiers and snowboarders, High1 Ski Resort is known for its demanding slopes. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is a perfect choice if you want to mix skiing with nearby attractions like Nami Island or The Garden of Morning Calm, located just 1.5 hours from Seoul. For a more local feel, visit Phoenix Park Ski Resort, favored by Korean ski fans. Lastly, if luxury is on your agenda, Alpensia Ski Resort is ideal, having hosted events during the 2018 Winter Olympics and offering top-quality facilities, including luxurious accommodations at the InterContinental Hotel and Holiday Inn & Suites.
For further details, please refer to our comprehensive guides for these ski resorts:
16. What if the ski resort suddenly closes?
If unexpectedly warm weather occurs, the closing dates could vary between late February and early March. In such cases, we will keep you informed as soon as an official announcement is made. Although opening dates for ski resorts might be delayed from late November to early December, or closing dates might be advanced from late February to early March, the resorts remain open daily during the winter season. However, slope conditions may vary daily, and you can check the latest updates on the official websites of each ski resort.
For the latest information on slope conditions, please visit the official websites of these major ski resorts:
*The official website for Vivaldi Park Ski Resort will be updated soon.
We hope these FAQs have assisted you in planning your ski trip to Korea this winter! If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at inquiry@trazy.com. For more details on booking early Korean ski packages, visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
[Photo Credits]
- High1 Ski Resort Official Website
- Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Official Website
- Alpensia Ski Resort Official Website
- Yongpyong Ski Resort Official Website
