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First-Time Skiing in Korea: Beginner’s Guide to Korea’s Top Resorts

Trazy Crew

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned skier, this is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about skiing in Korea for the 2025-2026 season!

An expansive view of a snow-covered Korean ski resort, featuring a wide slope dotted with many skiers and snowboarders. The resort is set against a backdrop of vast, snow-capped mountains under a bright blue sky.

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!

▷Use Our 2025/26 Korea Ski Trip Finder to Find Your Ideal Ski Trip!◁

1. Should I Choose Skiing or Snowboarding?

A snowboarder wearing a blue and orange outfit carves down a snowy slope next to a skier wearing a gray jacket and black pants. Both are wearing goggles and helmets.

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

This is a common dilemma that 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 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 takes 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!

2. Which Ski Resort Should I Choose?

If you’re visiting a Korean ski resort for the first time, we highly recommend choosing a resort that offers private ski or snowboard lessons. For those who aren’t skiing, look for resorts with snow sledding facilities and other fun attractions. Below, we’ve listed some of our top recommendations for first-timers!

1) Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort

  • Location: Gangchon, Gangwon-do

An elevated view of the Elysian Gangchon ski resort shows two skiers in the foreground on a snowy slope. The resort base features a large, modern white hotel and resort building situated in a valley, surrounded by wooded, snow-covered mountains.

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 with easy slopes, offering private lessons and geared very much towards beginners, such as Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort.

For those who want to book an all-inclusive ski package with ski or snowboard gear and clothes rental, lift pass, transportation, and a basic ski/snowboard group lesson, check out the following 1-day tours and packages!

A snowy vista of the Elysian Gangchon ski resort features a large, modern hotel building situated in a valley, surrounded by snow-covered trees and mountains. A road winds through the snow-laden landscape, leading to the resort.

If you’re looking to stay overnight at Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, Trazy offers convenient room reservations and overnight tour packages. This way, you can make the most of your time on the slopes with options for 2, 3, or even 4 days of skiing or snowboarding!

A stunning natural ice wall in Eobi Ice Valley is covered in frozen waterfalls and massive blue and white icicles. A wooden viewing deck and fence run across the foreground, with bare winter trees on the surrounding hills.
Eobi Ice Valley

Not only is it the closest ski resort to Seoul (about 90 minutes 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, Strawberry Picking, Eobi Ice Valley, and Alpaca World.

Here are some great spots to remember if you are visiting Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort!

[Transportation Options]

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

2) Vivaldi Park Ski Resort

  • Location: Hongcheon, Gangwon-do

A winter scene at a ski resort, likely Vivaldi Park, showing red-cab gondolas moving uphill over a wide, groomed ski slope. A skier is visible on the slope in the foreground, and the background is a vast, snow-covered mountain landscape with large apartment or condominium buildings nestled in the valley.

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort has been recognized as Korea’s most visited ski resort for seven consecutive years, offering top-notch experiences in skiing, snowboarding, and snow sledding. It’s particularly recommended for first-time skiers due to its excellent private lessons and a variety of beginner-friendly facilities and activities. These include Snowy Land, strawberry picking, and winter sightseeing, making it a fantastic destination for newcomers to winter sports.

A group of people are riding down a snow tubing hill in a yellow inflatable raft at a ski resort, likely Vivaldi Park. The track has banked sides, and the background shows a snow-covered hill with red banners and an archway at the top.

You can also participate in a basic ski group lesson at Vivaldi Park, which includes everything you need for a great experience. These packages come with a lift pass, equipment and clothing rental, a ticket to Snowy Land, and more!

An elevated view of Vivaldi Park ski resort in winter, showing a cluster of large, multi-story hotel and resort buildings nestled against a snow-covered mountain backdrop. The foreground features a wide, snowy ski slope with the resort's base facilities, including lift lines and other buildings, in the valley below.

If you want to stay overnight and make the most of your skiing experience, take a look at the room reservations and overnight tour packages listed below.

A clear plastic container filled with large, red, freshly picked strawberries is held up in the foreground. The background is a blurry view of the interior of a greenhouse or plastic tunnel, showing rows of strawberry plants and people picking fruit.
Strawberry Farm

For first-timers and non-skiers, Vivaldi Park Ski Resort offers a variety of nearby winter attractions, including strawberry picking, Nami Island, Eobi Ice Valley, Alpaca World, and much more!

[Transportation Options]

Read more: 

3) Alpensia Ski Resort

  • Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do

An alpine view of Alpensia Ski Resort shows a skier in a bright red and orange jacket descending a slope in the foreground. The resort village, featuring low-rise buildings and ski lifts, is visible below, with a tall, observation-style tower dominating the distant, snow-covered mountain landscape.

Alpensia Ski Resort is a fantastic choice for beginners, featuring a dedicated “Lesson Only” area where you can safely learn to ski or snowboard on gentle slopes. You can book a private lesson with certified instructors in a less crowded environment, ensuring that the instruction is tailored to your skill level and individual needs.

An aerial night view of Alpensia Ski Resort with the illuminated ski slopes visible on the mountain. The base of the resort in the valley is lit up, showing a complex of buildings and facilities in the snowy landscape. The sky above is a deep blue and pink, suggesting twilight.

For those looking to book hassle-free one-day or overnight packages that include lift passes and ski or snowboard equipment rentals, check out our tours. You can easily reserve a one-night stay at a resort through Trazy, ensuring a stress-free experience.

An image capturing the spectacular night scene of the Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival with snow lightly falling. The garden is brilliantly illuminated by millions of colorful LED lights covering trees and bushes in shades of purple, blue, red, green, and white. A path winds through the glowing landscape, with a few people walking in the distance.
Garden of Morning Calm Light Festival

You can also explore nearby attractions like Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, Gangchon Rail Bike, Garden of Morning Calm, Alpaca World, and Strawberry Farm with this convenient private tour!

[Transportation Options]

Read more: Alpensia Ski Resort Guide: World-Class Ski Resort

4) Yongpyong Ski Resort

  • Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do

An observation tower and ski lift facility are situated on a snow-covered mountain peak at the Yongpyong Ski Resort. The tower and trees are dusted with snow or hoarfrost, set against a bright blue sky. A ski lift descends to the left, and the mountains fade into a foggy distance.

Yongpyong Ski Resort also offers private ski and snowboard lessons, perfect for first-timers, along with a variety of attractions within the resort. Visitors can enjoy the Balwangsan Cable Car, explore Ani-Fore (Animal Forest), relax at the indoor water park, go snow sledding, and more!

An overview of a large ski resort in a snowy mountain valley, likely Yongpyong Ski Resort. The resort features a main lodge, multi-story condominium-style buildings, and multiple ski slopes descending the snow-covered mountainside. A parking lot is visible in the foreground.

If you’re looking for hassle-free one-day or overnight packages, including lift passes, ski or snowboard equipment rental, we’ve got you covered! You just have to choose your ski/snowboard gear and hit the slopes at your own pace.

For those who want to spend more time at the resort, easily book through Trazy and even secure a room at a hotel or condominium for a stress-free winter getaway.

You can also reserve your breakfast a the Chalet Breakfast Buffet if you are staying overnight!

Balwangsan Cable Car ascend the snow-covered slopes of Yongpyong Ski Resort on a clear, winter day. The surrounding mountainside is covered in snow-dusted, frosty trees.
Balwangsan Cable Car

For first-timers and non-skiers, exploring nearby attractions while at Yongpyong Ski Resort is highly recommended, as there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Within the resort, you can experience the Balwangsan Cable Car and Skywalk, enjoy Peak Island Water Park, visit Ani-Fore, go snow sledding, and more.

A wide shot of the Pyeongchang Trout Festival shows a large crowd of people engaged in ice fishing on a frozen river or lake. People are sitting on small chairs or kneeling on the ice, with fishing holes visible near them. The background includes snowy hills and some distant buildings under a bright blue sky with white clouds.
Pyeongchang Trout Festival

Outside the resort, consider joining a tour to enjoy the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Seoraksan National Park, Gangneung City, and other exciting options. These activities provide a fantastic way to experience the beauty and adventure of the surrounding area.

[Transportation Options]

Read more: 

5) High1 Ski Resort

  • Location: Jeongseon, Gangwon-do

A snowboarder in bright green and red clothing performs an aerial trick off an orange kicker on a snowy slope. In the background, there is a modern, circular glass observation deck or restaurant building and other skiers are visible. The sky is clear and blue.

If you’re a first-timer traveling with an experienced skier, High1 Ski Resort is an excellent choice. Known for its natural, powdery snow and modern ski facilities, it offers a fantastic experience for all skill levels.

An expansive winter landscape shows the High1 Ski Resort base area nestled in a valley, surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Multiple high-rise hotel or condominium buildings, one with a distinctive blue roof, are visible amidst the snow-laden trees.

It’s particularly recommended for overnight stays, as the resort provides a variety of room options that cater to couples, friends, and families, all featuring spacious and clean accommodations.

An elegant path is flanked by rows of tall trees whose branches are completely covered in snow and frost. The path itself is covered in snow, with traces of a reddish-brown color visible beneath, leading into a bright white haze in the distance.
Nami Island

Enhance your ski trip with an unforgettable detour to Nami Island, Seoraksan National Park, Garden of Morning Calm, and more!

[Transportation Options]

Read more: High1 Ski Resort Guide: the Highest Ski Resort in Korea

6) Phoenix Park Ski Resort

  • Location: Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do

An expansive, elevated view of Phoenix Park Ski Resort shows a snow-covered mountaintop with several ski lodge buildings and slopes filled with many skiers and snowboarders. A distinctive silver sculpture stands in the foreground, with the snow-covered mountain range stretching into the distance under a bright blue sky.

Phoenix Park Ski Resort is a favorite among locals and is especially ideal for snowboarding. If you’re a first-timer looking to learn how to ski or snowboard, this is the perfect place for you!

You can also join our all-inclusive 1-day tour to Phoenix Park Ski Resort and take a basic ski or snowboard group lesson in English! The tour includes round-trip transportation from Seoul, a sightseeing gondola ticket, ski clothing and gear rental, a lift pass, and a Snow Village ticket for snow sledding.

An overview of the Phoenix Park Ski Resort base area shows the modern Phoenix Hotel and another tall resort building towering over the snowy slopes. The foreground is filled with snow-covered terrain, a tubing track, and many skiers and snowboarders enjoying the day.

Room reservations at Phoenix Park Condominium or Hotel, along with hassle-free overnight ski packages, are available through Trazy. While you’re at the resort, be sure to check out Snow Village, where you can enjoy snow sledding and other fun activities!

Three fluffy, light-colored alpacas stand in a snowy enclosure at Alpaca World. The alpaca in the center faces forward, while the other two face the sides. A wooden fence separates the enclosure from a background of snow-dusted trees and mountains under a bright sun.
Alpaca World

A private tour to nearby attractions is available at Phoenix Park Ski Resort, including popular destinations like Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, Alpaca World, and Strawberry Farm, among others!

[Transportation Options]

Read more: Phoenix Park Ski Resort Guide: A Ski Resort in Pyeongchang

7) Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort

  • Location: Hoengseong, Gangwon-do

A snowboarder in a yellow jacket and camo pants is suspended in the air doing a trick above a large halfpipe at Welli Hilli Park ski resort. The snow-covered mountain resort features multiple ski slopes and tall, modern apartment-style buildings in the background.

Welli Hilli Park stands out for its excellent snow quality due to frequent, heavy snowfall, and is much less crowded than other popular resorts such as Vivaldi Park. If you’re a beginner, you can easily book a private ski or snowboard lesson in English for a more personalized experience.

A male skier in a blue jacket and gray pants carves a sharp turn down a snowy slope, holding ski poles. An orange safety fence and a strip of brown netting are visible at the top edge of the image.

For a hassle-free day on the slopes, you can book a 1-day tour or rental package that includes ski or snowboard equipment rental, lift pass, and ski clothing. The 1-day tour also offers convenient round-trip transportation from Seoul.

A panoramic view of Welli Hilli Park ski resort in winter. The foreground is a vast, snow-covered slope crowded with many skiers and snowboarders. Behind the slopes stand large, multi-story buildings, likely resort accommodations, against a backdrop of snow-dusted mountains and a blue sky with white clouds.

If you’re planning an overnight stay at Welli Hilli Park Ski Resort, consider booking a room for one night with options that accommodate 4 to 6 people. You’ll have access to the resort’s excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, sauna, kids’ zone, and more.

[Transportation Options]

Read more: Welli Hilli Park: A Guide to Korea’s Hidden Treasure Ski Resort

3. 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 they can also be a lot cheaper than purchasing them 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.

4. 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!

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

5. What Other Expenses Should I 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.

Check out more Trazy blogs to help you plan your ski trip in Korea!

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 “First-Time Skiing in Korea: Beginner’s Guide to Korea’s Top Resorts”

  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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