[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Hit the slopes one last time before spring

K-campus

Published: 24 Feb. 2023, 09:00 Updated: 17 Mar. 2023, 14:10

[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Hit the slopes one last time before spring

Winter sports are not for everybody. The freezing cold, the cost of the equipment and the idea of throwing yourself down a slippery mountain for fun doesn't necessarily appeal to everybody. If you're one of those people that prefers the après-ski to the actual ski, have no fear — spring is nearly here.

But for those people that do love skiing and snowboarding, there are still ways to seek those thrills. With more affordable pricing and great package deals, why not try out a spring ski trip? There are less people on the slopes, so both seasoned veterans and first-timers have plenty of room to descend gracefully or stumble around without having to worry about taking anybody else down with you.

Here are four ski resort recommendations if you are want to hit the slopes one last time as the days get warmer.

Phoenix Pyeongchang

Due to the lifted policies regarding Covid-19, Pheonix Pyeonchang and other ski resorts offer longer openings for the spring season to welcome latecomers eager to enjoy the last traces of snow. [PHEONIX PYEONGCHANG]

One of the sites for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018, Phoenix Pyeongchang's Snow Park is the ultimate skiing spot for those anticipating a great spring package deal. Pyeongchang in Gangwon is one of the coldest regions in Korea, and the slopes remain open for another month up to March 26.

Sales of this year's spring seasonal package were up 40 percent as of Feb. 15 compared to the same period the previous year.

“The benefits that come with the season pass attracts many people,” said a spokesperson for Phoenix Pyeongchang. “More than half of the season pass purchasers were parents who signed up for free tickets for their children.”

The package includes special benefits such as an additional ticket for a child between the ages of three and 20 and free admission to Blue Canyon, a water park with spa facilities.

You can purchase the season pass online through Gmarket, Naver Smartstore, Tmon or myrealtrip. If you want to register your child for the free pass ticket, the child should have a phone registered under his or her name for validation.

@phoenixhnr
174, Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, South-central Gangwon
Business Hours:
9:00 a.m.- different closing times according to the date. Refer to the main website for details.
The snow park stops operation for two hours in the afternoon for snow maintenance.
Admission Fee:
22/23 Snow Park Spring Season Pass (up to Mar. 26)
Single – 250,000 won
Single Discount for purchase of other related companies – 220,000 won
Ski House Meal Package – 300,000 won
Season Equipment Rental Package – 300,000 won
Phone number: 1577-0069
Website for season pass: https://phoenixhnr.co.kr/page/pyeongchang/board/event/14188

Yongpyong Resort

Yongpyong Resort starts getting ready for the winter season on the very end of October and the start of November. [YONGPYONG RESORT]

Having hosted the alpine ski events during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Yongpyong Resort was the first ski resort to open for the season. It will also stay open until late into the spring, closing on March 18.

The season pass is valid until closing date and costs 250,000 won per pass. It includes additional benefits such as four 40 percent discount hotel vouchers that can be used until June, originally worth 120,000 to 170,000 won per night. You can get 45 percent discounts for the ski lift, ski rental and the water park. After a passionate skiing session, winding down at the hotel sauna is also an option as you get four 40 percent discount passes. In addition, each pass grants a free season pass for a child who is in elementary school.

You can purchase the season-ending promotion passes through online platforms like Coupang, Gmarket and Auction. The passes are also available offline at Floor B3 in the Greenpia Condo.

@yongpyongresort_official
715, Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, South-central Gangwon
Business Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Fri- Sat, 8: 30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.,
From Mar. 5 – Mar. 18., 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Phone number: 033) 330-7450
Website:
https://yongpyongreservation.com/
Link for the spring season pass:
https://www.yongpyong.co.kr/mobile/kor/guide/noticeRead.do?noticeId=1155

High1 Resort

A skier climbs up the slope at Hi1 Resort. [HI1 RESORT]

High1 Resort is also known for Kangwon Land Casino, the only place in Korea where Koreans are permitted to gable, and its ski resort has been operating since December 2006. High1 Resort offers the High1 Spring Season Pass that costs 150,000 won per person and allows skiers to visit until March 12.

Though the package does not provide a free ticket for children like other ski resorts, it still includes many benefits especially regarding food. You get a ten percent discount at all restaurants that are directly managed by High1 Resort without a limit to the number of times you visit. Pass purchasers are granted a 35 percent discount on the lift and 50 percent discount on ski rental, Snow World for snow sledding and Water World. There are 40 to 80 percent discounts on hotel accommodation as well.

You can purchase the season pass online on e-commerce sites such as Coupang, Yanolja and Tmon, and at the Season Pass desk offline too. When you visit, pick up the ticket on site at the offline desk after validation.

@high1_resort
265 High-gil, Sabuk-eup, Jeongsun-gun, Southeast Gangwon
Business Hours:
Offline Registration Desk 9:00 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m., at Valley Ski House first floor.
Phone number: 1588-7789
Website: https://www.high1.com/eng/index.do

Jisan Forest Resort

Skiers and snowboarders enjoy the winter season at Jisan Forest Resort. [JISAN FOREST RESORT]

Having opened on Christmas eve in 1996, Jisan Forest Resort is a popular place for people living around Seoul who do not want to go too far to skii. The resort offers a 50 percent discount for the lift and equipment rental options for all visitors until the end of the season.

Although the ski resort is officially closing on March 1, skilled skiers and snowboarders can still enjoy Course 5. It is the advanced course and it stays open until Mar. 13. During this period, those who have purchased the season pass can ski freely while visitors are required to pay 20,000 won per day.

@jisanresort
267, Jisan-ro, Majang-myeon, Icheon, Southeast Gyeonggi
Business Hours:
Offline Registration Desk 9:00 a.m. – 6: 00 p.m.
Course 5: 10: 00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone number: 031-644-1200
Website: https://www.jisanresort.co.kr/en/main.asp

BY CHOI SEUNG-PYO, KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]