Archive for the ‘Ski Resorts’ Category
Many of the ski resorts of Korea are scattered throughout Gangwon-do Province, the region that gets the most annual snowfall. However, skiers based in Seoul will be happy to know that there are a number of great ski facilities just past the city limits, allowing for quick, convenient ski trips during the weekend.
Most ski resorts are large leisure centers that offer pleasant accommodations and convenient facilites to visitors throughout the entire year. Of course, the most popular time to visit the resorts is during the peak ski season from mid-December to the end of February. During this time, prices for accommodations go up and rooms fill up fast, so visitors who are unable to get lodging within the resort complexes are advised to check out hotels, motels, or pensions (inns) in the surrounding area.
All of the resorts on our list offer both skiing and snowboarding, with new snowboarding facilities constantly being added to keep up with the increasing demand for this popular new sport. Skiing & boarding facilities at the resorts are usually open from mid-November/early December until March or April. During these times, Korea’s ski resorts become the nation’s vacation hotspots, attracting visitors from home and abroad to the pristine mountainsides for unforgettable wintertime fun, whether that be adrenaline-packed runs down the mountain, sledding with the kids, or long, luxurious soaks in slopeside hot tubs.
Ski resort in Gang Won
Yongpyong Resort:Professional Facilities & Filming Location ofWinter Sonata
Yongpyong Resort lies on a stretch of land 700 meters to 1,500 meters above sea level, an altitude range that is said to be ideal for the human biorhythm. Yongpyong Resort was the first ski resort in Korea to offer modern facilities, and is fondly known as the “Alps of Korea.” Many people even go so far as to say that this particular resort has become synonymous with the development and popularization of skiing across the nation.
Yongpyong Resort can accommodate more skiers at a time than any venue in the country and has successfully hosted the World Cup Ski Championship, the Winter Asian Games, and other international ski competitions for many years, building a strong international reputation. Widely known as a filming location of the famous drama Winter Sonata,’ this ski resort is particularly popular among tourists from Japan and other Asian countries.
Yongpyong has taken full advantage of the natural terrain and has developed top-notch ski facilities that are said to be the best ski facilities in Korea. The resort’s 28 slopes (6 slopes of which have been approved for international competitions), half-pipe (which is bigger than regulation size), and 15 lifts (including a 7.4-kilometer round-trip gondola) offer visitors a variety of ski and snowboarding facilities for a wintertime getaway that’s out of this world.
The slopes at Yongpyong see an average annual snowfall of 250 centimeters, meaning that this excellent facility can stay open from mid-November to early April (slightly longer than the regular ski season).
Daemyung Vivaldi Park:The Thrill of Nighttime Skiing
Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World was the first ski resort in Korea to offer nighttime skiing and has since become the place to be for Korea’s young skiers. The catchy names of the slopes, such as Hip-Hop,’ Techno,’ and Funky,’ are all geared towards young adult skiers and some of the more advanced slopes are uniquely designed with unexpected twists and turns for maximum thrills.
For those who are new to winter sports, Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World offers the perfect setting to safely learn skiing and snowboarding (ski and snowboard lessons are available). Slopes of varying inclines and distances give new snow sport enthusiasts the perfect chance to gradually work their way up from the bunny slopes to the more advanced courses. Daemyung offers a total of
13 different slopes and 10 lifts.
Phoenix Park Ski Resort:Snowboarder’s Heaven
Not only known for its 21 broad meadow slopeswith panoramic views!Phoenix Park has gained attention nationwide for its “Extreme Park”: a snowboarding park complete with a halfpipe, tabletop, round quarter, and rails. Visitors can also expect a fairly easy time of getting around within the park, with 8-person gondolas and a system of 8 lifts that is differentiated by skiing ability.
Located 700 meters up the side of Mount Taegisan (1,261 meters above sea level), Phoenix Park, though large, seems to harmonize well with the surrounding landscape. The beautiful natural scenery, perfect powder, and special facilities (llike the mountaintop Mount Blanc restaurant) all make for a stellar ski or snowboarding experience.
Sungwoo Resort:International Snowboarding Mecca
Recognized for its size and safety by the International Ski Federation (FIS), Sungwoo Resort is equipped with half pipes and boardwalks that meet the size qualifications for international competitions. Its FIS certification and variety of facilities has made it a popular destination for hardcore snowboarders.
The resort offers 18 slopes for everyone, from beginners to professional skiers, as well as a mogul course for the utmost in fun and thrills. The mogul course is a steep run with mounds of snow placed where snowboarders least expect them. Naturally, it is the ultimate challenge for snowboarders who want to perfect their skills! The Fun Park, the largest of its kind in Korea, offers more than 10 facilities including C Box, X Box, and Wall Box for snowboarders to try out their tricks.
High 1 Resort:Fantastic Natural Slopes
Located in one of the most pristine regions of Gangwon-do Province, High 1 Resort offers 18 fantastic slopes each beginning at one of three peaks. For beginners, there is a 4.2 kilometer-long gently sloping course that starts from 1,345 meters above sea level. High 1 Resort also has two slopes that have been used for World Cup ski competitions and was the venue for the very first “Disabled Alpine Skiing World Cup.”
High 1 Resort offers state-of-the-art lift facilities, the nation’s first hands-free check zone, and an automatic reading system for lift passes. Nearby attractions include Kangwon Land (the only casino in the nation that is open to Koreans), a theme park, trekking routes, a sleigh ride, and a golf course.
Elysian Gangchon Resort:Closest to Seoul
Elysian Gangchon is a deluxe leisure complex only an hour away from Seoul via public transportation. The ski resort at the complex has 6 lifts, snowboarding facilities, and 10 slopes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. Channel Park (the main snowboarding area) is designed for beginner and intermediate riders. Winter sport enthusiasts who need a little extra help with their techniques can sign up for boarding or skiing lessons before striking out on their own. One thing that sets this resort apart from others is the relatively open layout of the slopes (all of which are 1km in length). By skiing down the ridges, skiers are treated to a wide-open view of the beautiful scenery. The ski resort is typically open December to March of each year. During the ski season, shuttle buses run to and from the Seoul metropolitan area.
Oak Valley Snow Park:Ski Resort in Nature
Adjacent to a forest of oak trees, Oak Valley Snow Park is smaller than most other ski facilities in Korea. As a result, it offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and skiing slopes free from the usual crowds. The resort has 9 slopes, and operates a high-speed lift for skiers to enjoy as many runs as possible during their stay. Oak Valley Snow Park is one of the best parks for snowboarders because there are no crowds and plenty of space to try new maneuvers! The resort operates a ski and snowboarding school, as well as sleigh rides for beginners.
O2 Resort:Skiing for the Whole Family
O2 Resort is located in Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province, the first place the snow falls in the winter and the last place it melts in the spring. The resort has a total of 12 slopes of varying difficulty levels. The easiest slope, which starts at 1,420 meters above sea level, is 3.2 kilometers long from top to bottom. On another slope, skiers of all levels start together at the top, but split into different courses depending on their skill levels, and meet again at the base. The Kids’ Park and sleigh rides make the resort a great family destination.
Alpensia Resort
Alpensia Resort is situated 700 meters above sea level, an altitude considered to be ideal for the human body and the body’s biorythmns. The resort is known for its excellent snow quality and commands a great wide-open view of the scenic Daegwallyeong Range. Of the 8 different slopes, one slope is reserved exclusively for snowboarders. The ski resort’s maximum capacity is 3,000 people, so with the high-speed lift (transporting 2,400 ~ 3,000 skiers an hour) visitors won’t have to edure long lines to get to the slopes.
Ski resort near Seoul
Bears Town Resort
Located in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, Bears Town Resort is a great option for a one-day ski and snowboard trip since it’s only about 50 minutes away from Seoul. The resort offers a slope exclusviely for expert skiers, two slopes for advanced skiers, two slopes for advanced/intermediate skiers, and three slopes for beginners. All slopes are open for snowboarding and there are four lifts, including one express lift. The resort is a popular family destination because of its long sledding hill measuring 400 meters in length.
Star Hill Resort
Located in Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, Star Hill Resort is 32 km away from Seoul (City Hall), making it possible for visitors to enjoy a full day of skiing without having to stay overnight. Each of the six slopes has its own exclusive lift, drastically cutting down on wait time. This small, cozy resort nestled in the foothills has well-developed facilities and a convenient location that has made it become increasingly popular among visitors from Seoul and the nearby metropolitian areas.
Jisan Forest Resort
Located in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do Province, Jisan Forest Resort is only 40 minutes away from Gangnam (south of Seoul), meaning that even when accommodations are booked, visitors can make a daytrip out to enjoy a fun-filled day of skiing. There are seven main ski slopes and 3 sub-slopes, all of which are open to both skiers and snowboarders. Thanks to the 5 high-speed lifts, there is no waiting in line, and there is even an escalator for children and beginners. The new 6-person lift is equipped with heated seats for a warm, comfortable ride. Even though this particular resort is on the smaller side, it is packed with convenient facilities at affordable prices. The resort is a great value for the money and gives its visitors an affordable skiing without sacrificing quality.
Yangji Pine Resort
Located in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do Province, Yangji Pine Resort Ski Valley offers a sledding hill, 6 ski lifts, and 9 slopes of varying levels of difficulty. Night skiing is very popular at Yangji Pine Resort and the well-lit slopes give visitors a nighttime ski experience that is as safe as it is thrilling. The resort offers a mogul ski course for experts and thrill seekers along with ski and snowboard lessons.
Located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do Province, Konjiam Resort is the largest ski resort in the Seoul vicinity and is the first resort in Korea to limit the number of daily skiers (maximum: 7,000 skiers per day). The resort has a total of 11 slopes (beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert) and even offers extras such as an arboretum, ecological river, and spa.
For more information about ski resorts in Korea you can visit http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=860692 or KTO’s main homepage http://visitkorea.or.kr
You know it when newspapers, TV and magazines start advertising skiing resorts: winter is here again. Snowflakes start to fall outside your window, chestnuts are roasting on an open fire, Christmas carols are being sung by the choir and people are dressed up like Eskimos. Okay, you get the picture. Now, that going to the beach, camping, fishing or hiking a mountain is out of the question, where can you go to escape the rush and bustle of shopping and enjoy the Christmas holidays? Well, you could ski, of course.
In the season of scarves, mittens, hats and snow, skiing resorts can be as jam-packed and impossible to book in as beach resorts in the summer. Thank God, there are a lot of them available, not just in the United States, but in the nearby countries (like Canada) as well. All you have to do is pick the best one for you. And, oh, just a friendly tip, try to book at least a month before your trip. This ensures that you and your family wont be left out in the cold.
You dont have to go all the way to Switzerland to ski (although, if you want to, why not?). In the United States alone, there are a lot of resorts you can choose from. The most famous ski destination, of course, is Colorado. With their gorgeous mountain towns, you simply cannot go wrong in the Rockies. Resorts like the Keystone Colorado, Beaver Creek Resort and the Breckenridge are just a few of the many you can choose from. Another great ski destination is Pennsylvania. Alpine Mountain resort in the Poconos mountains is the most popular. Camelback resort in Tannersville in the largest ski resort in the region. It might surprise you to know that there are also ski resorts found in New York. Hunter Mountain is the most famous and is located only two and a half hours away from downtown New York. It has 3 separate ski parks for snowboarders and skiers and cater to people who are beginners, as well as experts. If youre taking your whole family, Catamount Ski area in Hillsdale might be your best bet.
If you dont mind traveling to nearby Canada, Vermont is a place skiers and snowboarders love to go to. Magic mountain in southern Vermont is very popular and family-friendly. Killington resort is also quite popular, with over 900 ski areas and 6 mountains. Bromley Mountain is one of the top ten family ski resorts in North America and boasts of great family activities. Finally, Ontario, Canada. At the top of their list is, of course, Blue Mountain resort, a ski resort that is open throughout the four seasons. Yes, this means you can go there even in the summer! Another favorite is Horseshoe Valley, just an hour away from Toronto.
With all these great skiing resorts to choose from youre all set! Happy snowboarding, hot-coco drinking, fireplace singing, family loving, skiing holiday! Break a leg! Figuratively, of course.
Surely, there should be enough space for every skier in the world. There is a total of 80 miles of ski runs and trails that are distributed in the wide fourteen hundred acre area of the ski resort. But the size is not the only reason why Les Menuires can provide the most exciting winter skiing adventure, there are, in fact, a variety of reasons.
First, the new ski resort in Les Menuires is located at the Belleville Valley, a famous region of the Les Trois Vallees or The Three Valleys in France. The popularity of the nearby ski resorts unavoidably brought fame to Les Menuires. There are many instances when skiers in the Three Valleys would seek and try ski resorts other than the one they have already conquered. And there are also many instances when visitors of the new ski resort in Les Menuires remained loyal to the area.
Second, the new ski resort in Les Menuires has world-class facilities. The facilities today are far better than in previous years when the ski resort was established in 1964. The 45 ski lifts are efficient and catered to the thousands of skiers. Specifically, the lift system can carry about 50,000 skiers every hour. And, at an altitude of more than one mile above sea level, the 62 trails of the new ski resort enjoy excellent snow coverage. But the one aspect that is considered as the crowning moment for this new ski resort was its selection as the venue of several games during the 1992 Winter Olympics.
Third, the new ski resort in Les Menuires enjoys the reputation of being “The Smile of the Alps.” There are many ways that this new ski resort can coax a smile from a skier. The area is rarely crowded, the facilities are modern and, most important of all, even to non-skiers, is the presence of 48 restaurants from which, the skiers can experience a variety of cuisines and other gustatory delights.
Fourth, the new ski resort in Les Menuires has a fascinating international community. Spreading across the valley of Belleville, observant skiers will find that there are several dominant groups. One, which is the favorite of shoppers, is found in the La Croisette. The La Croisette in the new ski resort of Les Menuires was built in the 1970s and it is the location of the main offices of various skiing companies. Another is the rural village of the Reberry-Les Bruyeres where warm hospitality envelops each visitor. And still another is the area of modern skiers whose passion for technology is just as fiery as their love for skiing.
And fifth, the new ski resort in Les Menuires is ideal for people who are on a budget. Most ski resorts in the Three Valleys are considered expensive due their popularity but with the Les Menuires, where the area is dedicated to skiing, the prices are significantly and relatively lower. It is also interesting to note that the accommodations are built on the slopes, which provides a unique view of the valley.
Apen Ski Resort
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, in Colorado, offers more than 5,200 acres across four mountains, two of them dedicated to advanced skiers. Snowmass is 32-percent Double Black Diamond (steep and/or dangerous terrain icons, to the uninformed). Aspen Mountain offers even more thrills, with 26-percent Black Diamond runs and another 26-percent Double Diamond runs. The mountain, nicknamed Ajax, is renowned for its precipitous slopes and moguls (read “big bumps”, for the uninitiated) that can send the unwary or reckless ski aficionado flying into white space.
Aspen has 76 trails and 8 lifts, with no beginner slopes and half the terrain given to intermediate runs. The remainder is about equally divided between advanced skiers and experts. Experts will love the challenge of double-black slopes and woodland terrain. For a real rush, try the Go-Go-Gully or the Highland Bowl, pitched at roughly 48 degrees (90 degrees is a right angle, for expert skiers who don’t do math).
Killington Ski Resort
Killington Ski Resort, located in Vermont, is a superb resort for the advanced skier. Almost half the terrain is devoted to difficult trails, including a Double-Black-Diamond rated area known as “The Outer Limits” with enough moguls to make even expert skiers achieve flight. Other terrain includes woodland, or glade, skiing and steep terrain. In all Killington has 12 Double Black Diamond trails and half again as many Black Diamond runs. In all, 200 trails connect seven mountains via 33 chairlifts. Killington has the longest skiing season in the Northeast U.S. (typically November through April), an average annual snowfall of 250 inches, and 70-percent snowmaking capacity. Lessons are available without advance reservation at the Perfect Turn Ski School.
Mad River Glen Ski Resort
Mad River Glen, also located in Vermont, features a mountain open only to skiers; no snowboarding or tubing allowed. The Glen is not well known, but its motto, “Ski It If You Can” indicates the level of difficulty. Most of its snow is Nature-made, providing natural moguls. Narrow, wooded trails and 45 advanced trails offer the ultimate in skiing challenge. Five lifts provide adequate coverage to the 800 acres of skiing. For Easterners, the Glen is 3 hours from Boston and slightly more than four hours from New York.
Winter Park Ski Resort
Winter Park Ski Resort in Colorado has a variety of skill-level trails, but the most difficult ones comprise more than half the terrain. One peak, the Mary Jane, starts at 12,000 feet and runs four miles down the mountain with a 2,600-foot descent. More than half the trails on Mary Jane are listed as difficult. The Pansenne Bowl starts at a similar elevation and drops 1,700 feet in five miles. The truly expert trails are located on the Vasquez Cirque, with three-quarters of these listed as advanced and the balance for expert skiers only.
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge Ski Resort is also located in Colorado. Half its trails are rated advanced/expert, with approximately 23 trails in the Double Black Diamond class, featuring snow bowls, woodland terrain and backcountry wilderness. Breckenridge also has a terrain park for advanced extreme skiers – the kind who have learned to fly on a pair of skis. With 152 trails and 29 lifts, including the highest chairlift in N. America, Breckenridge will delight skiers who have mastered more than a parallel stop. Breckenridge also has a ski school, and its historic downtown offers the non-skier and skier alike endless shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities.
Other Resorts
Other mature-rated ski resorts include Mammoth Mountain in California, with 150 trails and one of the best back-country ski routes in N. America. Whiteface Ski Resort, in Lake Placid, New York, offers the highest vertical drop in the East (3,340 feet), and an area known as “The Slides”, which are Double Black Diamond runs without snowmaking or grooming that form steep chutes, or gullies. If you are less than expert, think twice before attempting The Slides.
Canada is a beautiful country that also happens to be the host to numerous top ski destinations. Many of these resorts are easy to access and are only an hour or two driving distance from major airports.
Most of the top Canadian ski resorts also have some wonderful features which makes them a strong draw for a diverse range of skiers. Some of these features include renowned powder, various types of terrain, great verticals, stunning scenery, modern lifts and much more.
Most of the Canadian resorts enjoy a long ski season that starts in early November and extends through to June. However, the skiing resorts which are located in Whistler, British Columbia (just north of Vancouver, BC), have seen even longer seasons.
In the Whistler area, it is common for people to still be able to ski throughout the summer months. In addition, several of the top ones also utilize snow making equipment to ensure that mountain activities are available year-round.
The Fernie Alpine Resort promises to be one of the real up-and-coming Canadian ski resorts of the near future. While not widely known at this time, with each season their reputation grows and Fernie becomes more popular. Located in the gorgeous Kootenay Rockies, the resort is conveniently located and is only a three hour car ride away from Calgary, Alberta.
The Fernie Alpine Resort is known for the amazing powder snow that it boasts and because it is still unknown as one of the best Canadian ski resorts, you will rarely encounter crowded conditions on the slopes. This top one usually receives about 29 feet of snow per season, so even toward the end of the season there is plenty of white powder.
Fernie does offer some challenging blue and green runs to keep the experienced skier stimulated. There are also many skiing opportunities for beginners among the 107 designated trails at this resort.
Fernie Alpine Resort also offers what many of the other Canadian resorts do not; the ability to ski-in and ski-out of your accommodations. For many aficionados, the chance to go straight from the slopes to your door is the perfect scenario and a delightful benefit that helps to make this a perfect choice for a winter vacation. In addition to the ski-in convenience, Fernie is also family friendly with a childcare center that features this great sport schools for the little ones.
Another Canadian skiing destination worth checking out is the Big White Ski Resort, which is located in the Okanagan area of British Columbia. Big White is Canada’s largest resort that has been designed as a ski-in/ski-out winter retreat. Similar to the Fernie area, Big White is well-known for the “champagne powder” snow that it receives and for the unparalleled mountain top views of the pine tree packed valleys and slopes of the area.
Big White has the honor of being the highest situated winter village of all the Canadian lodges of this sport and receives over 25 feet of snow on an average basis. Big White Ski Resort also has an extensive Kid’s Center, which they claim is the ultimate playground for children. Ski Canada magazine recently rated this top one as the “Best Resort for Kids.”
The Sun Peaks and the Silver Star Ski Resort are two other top Canadian ski resorts that also need to be mentioned. They boast ski runs for various levels of experience and skill, both are easy to access and both also have a nice array of other activities for those who do not ski. In addition, all of these top ones in Canada offer an excellent value, especially because of the great exchange rates.