Tree-skiing waist-deep powder in a storm produces great freeriding photos and videos, yet the numbers around the world often show us that the average skier is happier ripping good groomers in sunshine. Hello South Korea! More than 20 ski-to-the-door resorts are awaiting your arrival.
Host to the 2018 slalom and GS Olympic Games events, Yongpyong, in Dragon Valley, boasts 760 vertical metres, 14 lifts and 28 meticulously maintained runs with a choice of swank slopeside hotels, apartments and choice Korean and western eateries. A few minutes down the road, Alpensia (which hosted the Games’ ski jumping, biathlon, nordic and sliding events) is home to glitzy five-star accommodation choices and a casino, while Phoenix Snow Park, where freestyle and snowboarding events were held, lies just beyond. All just a couple of hours drive from Seoul, the best Korean skiing is enjoyed by locals and expats but its combo historical/cultural/culinary ski holiday offering is making international skiers take notice. Given the ease of reaching the destination by non-stop flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal (with Air Canada, West Jet and Korean Airlines) when are you going? www.knto.or.kr
