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By Season Ski & Snowboard Travel+Crazy: Korea Winter

A First-Timer’s Guide to Skiing in Korea

Trazy Crew

Attention beginners and experts alike, here is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know in order to go skiing in Korea!

Is it your first time skiing in Korea? Lucky for you, we’ve got you covered.

Read on to find out all the essential things you should consider when planning your ski trip in Korea, plus some handy tips for you to get the best out of your ski trip!

Should I Choose Ski or Snowboarding?

“To ski or snowboard, that is the question.”

This is a common dilemma first-timers will come across before starting anything. Both of them look cool to try out, but maybe one of them seems more scary and dangerous than the other. We’re sure you will spend a long and hard time thinking about what you want to learn. Lucky for you, we have put together a table for you to decide what is the right choice for you!

SkiSnowboarding
DifficultyEasyCan be challenging to learn
Freedom of movement (Hands/Feet)Able to move both hands & feet freelyHands are free to move, Feet secured to the board (limited movement)
Injury-prone body partsKnees, waist (core)Head, wrists, buttocks
Why ski/snowboard?Can enjoy the thrill of the speed when skiing down the slopesFeels great to pull off the difficult jumps and tricks

This should be enough for you to decide which sport you would like to learn. If you would like to feel the thrill of speeding down the slopes then skiing is for you. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t speed down slopes on a snowboard, because snowboarding has other advantages that you can’t feel when skiing.

Although snowboarding does take a longer time to master the movements and tricks, once you get the hang of it, you will be able to pull off all those awesome tricks you see in the winter X-Games!

Which Ski Resort Should I Choose?

This depends on your needs such as budget, your level of skiing or snowboarding, and time. So there is no definite answer to this question. However, we can give you some advice and suggestions that you may want to take into consideration when choosing your ski resort in Korea.

1. For beginners – Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

If you are completely new to skiing, you probably won’t be able to use all the facilities and amenities because you will be busy adjusting to the slopes. So instead, visit a ski resort that has easy slopes with lessons and is very much geared towards beginners such as Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort.

You can also rent ski/snowboard equipment and clothes and get your lift pass. A shuttle bus from/to Seoul and a 24/7 private transfer service from/to Seoul or Incheon/Gimpo Airport are also available.

Not only is it the closest ski resort to Seoul (about 90 mins drive away) in Gangwon Province, which is the largest ski area in the country, but there are also plenty of popular tourist attractions nearby, including the famous picture-perfect Nami Island, Garden of Morning Calm, and Alpaca World.

Here are some great spots to keep in mind if you are visiting Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort!

Read more: Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Guide: Romantic Ski Resort Near Seoul

2. For family-unit skiers

1) Yongpyong Ski Resort

Another thing you should consider when planning a ski trip is who you’re going with, whether it’s just you and your partner or your family.

If you’re traveling in a family with kids, look for ski resorts that are family-friendly. The one that offers nursery slopes and comprehensive childcare options would be great.

You may also want to take on- and off-slope activities into account, such as sledding, spa, and indoor water park. Yongpyong Ski Resort is rated the best ski resort in the country and it has a variety of entertainment attractions for a family such as a sledding slope, golf club, and water park.

Yongpyong Ski Resort is also ideal for you if you are in a group of people with different skiing levels as the ski resort offers the biggest number of slopes – 28 slopes in total – for different ability levels. Also, you can either have a lesson only or take advantage of the lesson, lift pass, and equipment rental package! You can also easily book a shuttle bus or 24/7 private transfer service to Yongpyong Ski Resort via Trazy.

If you want to stay overnight at Yongpyong Ski Resort and enjoy skiing and snowboarding to the fullest, check out the hassle-free ski packages below:

Read more: Yongpyong Ski Resort Guide: A World-Class Ski Resort in Korea

2) Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort

Boasting thrill-filled attractions, and premium lodging facilities as well as a range of slopes, Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort is perfect for those who are seeking an adrenaline rush and coming to ski with their family. It is one of the closest ski resorts to Seoul as it only takes approximately an hour and a half by car.

Welli Hilli Park offers a whopping 18 slopes for skiers and snowboarders to have fun in, so it is one of the ideal ski resorts for large groups or family unit skiers to go to for their winter ski trip. Not only that, there is a Sheep Farm you can visit near Welli Hilli Park where you take a gondola up to the mountain peak to be greeted by a herd of sheep.

How to book ski/snowboard packages

When planning your ski trip, there are many elements to consider, such as transport, lift pass, ski clothes, equipment, and many more. However, booking each ski necessity independently and comparing the prices can be a lot of hassle.

Therefore, the best option for first-timers is to book a ski/snowboard package with a tour operator. Not only do these packages bundle up all your ski necessities, but also they can be a lot cheaper than purchasing independently.

Trazy offers some of the best-value ski/snowboard packages, which provide you with ski clothes, equipment, lessons, lift passes, and most importantly, transport.

But be sure you book everything in advance before the peak season as they do sell out pretty quickly.

How to Book Stay-and-Ski Packages

For those who want to stay overnight at a Korean ski resort, here we’ve put together the best stay-and-ski packages. Pick based on your taste!

1. Alpensia Ski Resort for a 5-star luxury experience

| Why Alpensia Ski Resort?

• Cozy and family-friendly resort with less crowd
• Recommended for beginners or advanced skiers/snowboarders
• A convenient stay at Holiday Inn & Suites in Alpensia Ski Resort

| Included:

Looking for more overnight packages?

Book a warm comfy room in Alpensia Ski Resort or in any other nearby pension and enjoy your winter vacation! Book a spacious room and come crash with your friends and family after an action-packed day of riding the slopes!

2. Vivaldi Park for hardcore skiers – ski 24/7 on the slopes!

| Why Vivaldi Park?

• The most visited ski resort in Korea for 7 consecutive years
• Offers the best night skiing experience

| Included:

Looking for hassle-free transfer services?

Looking for overnight ski packages for Vivaldi Park?

Looking for more than just a ski trip?

 What Should I Bring?

You can bring your own ski suit and equipment if you have them, but if not, they are available for rental at the resort. If you book a ski tour package that includes equipment and ski clothes, you can save time and free yourself from all the hassle, like this one here, check it out!

Be sure to check if the ski package provides you with ski caps, goggles, or gloves in advance. If they are not provided, bring your own or purchase them at the resort.

| Things to pack:

• Gloves
• Helmet or Hat
• Goggles
• Hot packs
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Snacks

Should I Book Lessons?

Yes, it is highly recommended for first-time skiers to take a lesson and practice before hitting the slopes.

Private lessons are relatively pricey but they are cost-effective as you will progress more quickly by receiving personalized guidance.

What Other Costs Are There to Consider?

Do consider the expenses you will be spending on food and drink at the ski resort unless you bring your own food from home.

And if you are going to enjoy some other attractions in the ski resort, consider bringing extra expenses. Most of the ski lift passes include a gondola ride, but if the lift passes are not included in your ski package, you have to buy your lift pass or gondola ticket separately at the resort.

Are you looking for the perfect ski trip tailored just for you? 

Here you can search and select all options depending on your needs!

Book now to ride the slopes of the must-visit ski resorts and enjoy Winter in Korea at Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!

Photo Credits
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Official Website
Yongpyong Ski Resort Official Website
Phoenix Park Ski Resort Official Website
Toyota Official Website
Alpensia Ski Resort Official Website
Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Official Website

34 thoughts on “A First-Timer’s Guide to Skiing in Korea”

  1. Hello my wife and i are planning to try your ski day package…i liked the Phoenix 1 day package …but it is still not available ..when will it be offered ? we are planning to be there on dec 31,2017

    Reply

    1. Hello, Philip Yam! We are trying our best to update the one-day package for Phoenix Park Ski Resort as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience while this process is underway. 🙂

      Reply

  3. My family 2 adults 1 child aged 11 would like a ski deal for 6 days
    I can ski but my wife and child have never seen snow
    I would need to rent ski clothing boots skis etc also need to.be included in the price lift passes . Preferable to ski in and out or very close to lifts

    Reply

  4. Hi.. looking for ski lesson for 6 & 9 year old kids at family/kid-friendly ski resort. Kids will rent all ski equipment. It would be great if ski resort also have activities for kids other than ski lesson.

    Reply

  5. Hi I am looking for a nice place to ski for my hubby and 18 year old daughter who are very good at skiing and it’s first time in Korea, I would like to know which place is the best for them.. they are also both vegetarians so we need a place where they can find their food too..

    Reply

    1. Hello Thi Thanh Hang Nguyen 🙂
      For advanced skiers, High1 Ski Resort is recommended. It provides the purest snow powder out of all the other ski resorts in the area and if you take a taxi for around 5~10 min., you will find many restaurants near the ski resort with various menu options. Please check out the link below for details and contact us at experience@trazy.com, LINE Messenger (Add @cea1141w) or KAKAO TALK Messenger (Add @trazy) for further questions!
      *High 1 Ski Resort: https://blog.trazy.com/high-1-ski-resort-accommodation-kangwonland-hotel/

      Reply

  6. Hi
    For beginner/intermediate level, which ski resort is more appropriate? How about Phoenix Ski Park? How many beginners and intermediate runs available?

    Your advice is appreciated

    Reply

    1. Hi Neoh Siew Ling, the slopes at Phoneix Ski Resort consist of 1 training slope, 4 beginner, 2 beginner/intermediate, 4 intermediate, 7 expert slopes. Phoenix Park/Oak Valley Ski Resort/Vivaldi Park will be suitable options for you. Please check out the links below for the ski day tours which are currently available to book on Trazy 🙂
      – Oak Valley Ski Resort: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/oak-valley-resort-ski-tour
      – Vivaldi Park: https://www.trazy.com/experience/detail/korea-ski-tour-vivaldi-ski-resort

      Reply

  7. Hi, we are a group of 9 ppl would to get a Nami Island and Ski package on 5th December 2018. All of us can’t ski and wonder which ski resort to choose between Elysian and Vivaldi. Can you please suggest or let me know the different between the two ski resorts. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi Mohd! Most of the ski resorts in Korea open from December and that’s when the skiing season starts in Korea 🙂

      Reply

  9. Hi, I’m planning for a night stay in ski resort for my family of 2 Adults and 2 Children age 9 and 11 over Christmas. They’ve never seen snow and would like them to experience a white Christmas. Which would you recommend?

    Reply

    1. Hi Jacelyn, if your family has children and they are first time seeing the snow, we recommend Vivaldi Park. They have variety of options for first time skiers and also for children 🙂

      Reply

  10. hi, i am going next week to korea. i saw the schedule for opening ski resort. phoenix and yongpyong opening on 11 nov 2018 . do you have any package for this. thanks

    Reply

  11. Hi. Visiting seoul on 31st to 5th. 2 adults and a child ( 4 yrs). First timers to a ski resort. We wanna do the cable car ride and have our baby enjoy playing with the snow and enjoy some sledge and marine/animal/zoo park. We also need transport. Pls help/advise as we are really confused.

    Reply

  12. Hi, travelling this 6-14 Dec. We wanna try skiing for my family of 3 with 14 year old daughter and beginners. Kindly advise for a 1 day tour package. Thank you!

    Reply

  13. Hi
    travelling with 2 families consisting of 6 adults and 2 kids (aged 11 and 10).
    I believe only the youngers ones will ski whereas the adults will just chilla n relax.
    can u recommend a “not very expensive” ski resort for us?
    was thinking of High 1 cos of the powdery snow but read that it is meant for advanced and there are not many activities.
    appreciate your advice 🙂

    annette

    Reply

  14. Hi

    I will be in seoul from 20 Dec – 29 Dec with my Wife and my 7YO son. We have never ski before and and would like to do a 3D2N stay with Ski Package at either Vivaldi Park or Alpensia Ski Resort or Phoenix Pyeongchang. I tried booking with the hotel/resort itself but were unable to do so.

    Able to advice how I can go about doing booking for either any of the above 3 location

    Reply

  17. Hi!

    We are an acitve family of four (3 kids) and are complete beginners at skiing. We want to go to a ski park with lessons and equip. rental, and see other sites in the area: Nami island, the Rail Park, and the lights in the Garden of Morning calm. I don’t see a package with all of these. Do you recommend this be split into 2 days? And should we stay in Seoul and go out twice or try to get a place closer for a night. We will likely be in Korea for 5 or 6 days in late December. I welcome your expertise.
    Thank you,
    D

    Reply

  18. Hi
    We are a family of 6, including 4 adult children (18+) visiting Korea in mid December this year. Looking for a 2-3 day skiing experience for the adult children, and somewhere where we can stay as a family. Parents are happy to relax rather than ski. People have skiied before but not for many years so a lesson or two would be a good idea. What are your suggestions please? Thank you.

    Reply

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