Ski resorts in Gangwon Province beckon last-minute skiers, snowboarders and snow lovers

Gangwon Province has long been a haven for veteran skiers and dabblers alike, thanks to its mountainous landscape and the cold, snowy weather of the country’s easternmost region.

Resorts and their well-groomed slopes welcome anyone seeking panoramic views from a chairlift and a post-ski soak.

Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (KH Group)
Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (KH Group)

Alpensia Resort

Located in Pyeongchang-gun, Alpensia Resort prides itself on being the “high-end” destination for skiers vacationing in Gangwon Province.

The resort has six slopes well suited for beginners and advanced skiers that are designed to mitigate the risk of injury when the pistes are crowded. The slopes can safely accommodate up to 3,000 skiers at once, according to the resort.

Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (KH Group)
Alpensia Resort in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (KH Group)

The slopes are open until 9:30 p.m., offering nighttime views of a compound that was used during the 2018 Winter Olympics as you make your way downhill.

“I’m not really a fan of skiing. It’s my kids who wanted to go. I just sat back taking in the views while my husband helped our children,” said Kim Kyung-mi, 40, a mother of two grade-schoolers who visited the resort earlier this month.

Lodging options are diverse, ranging from the 238-room five-star InterContinental Hotel to the 214-room Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn & Suites, a more affordable condo option.

“We stayed in a condo, and there wasn’t much to complain about. The room is pricier this time of the year of course, but overall it was doable for us,” Kim said, adding an average family of four would most likely find the lodging “reasonably satisfactory.”

Shuttles run to the resort from Seoul and Incheon Airport. For more information, visit alpensia.rideus.net/en/alpensia.

Oak Valley Ski Resort in Wonju, Gangwon Province (HDC Resort)
Oak Valley Ski Resort in Wonju, Gangwon Province (HDC Resort)

Oak Valley Ski Resort

Oak Valley is a family-oriented ski resort with three bunny slopes available for novices.

Right next to the skiing area is Snow Park, an exclusive zone for preschoolers, who can enjoy sledding among other attractions and programs that include igloo-building.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the slopes are open until 11:30 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. on other days.

Oak Valley Ski Resort in Wonju, Gangwon Province (HDC Resort)
Oak Valley Ski Resort in Wonju, Gangwon Province (HDC Resort)

Through Feb. 23, those who rent ski gear will be eligible for discounts of up to 50 percent on condo accommodations.

It’s a three-minute walk between the condo and the slopes, said Moon Hyung-soo, an advanced skier who recently visited the resort.

“The slopes might be a bit boring, even to beginners who like a challenge,” Moon said, adding he made the trip with co-workers “to try many activities, including skiing.”

Also available at the resort are an indoor pool and a go-kart track at extra cost.

A shuttle for the resort stops at various locations in Wonju. For details, go to oakvalley.co.kr/overview/location.

High1 Resort in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province (Kangwon Land)
High1 Resort in Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon Province (Kangwon Land)

High1 Resort

Operated by Kangwon Land, a state-run enterprise, High1 Resort is possibly the biggest ski complex in the country if you count its 18 slopes plus facilities ranging from Korea’s largest indoor water park to casinos.

The entire compound is wheelchair-accessible, including the cable cars and escalators. Some of the slopes are accessible as well.

Those reluctant to try skiing because of safety concerns should give it a try at High1, a resort official said.

A shuttle runs from Incheon Airport to the resort, but an online reservation has to be made in advance. A shuttle bus to High1 can also be reserved from several locations in Seoul. To book transportation, visit skibus.purplebus.co.kr/Hi.

Phoenix Park in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (Phoenix Hotels & Resorts)
Phoenix Park in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province (Phoenix Hotels & Resorts)

Phoenix Park

Currently the longest ski season on offer in Gangwon Province, Phoenix Park’s slopes are open through the end of March, giving skiers ample time to try out its 18 slopes of varying difficulty.

Want to get better at skiing?

The resort has instructors for beginners and for more experienced skiers who want to hone their skills and learn new moves that will take them from pretty good to really good. Lessons are offered twice daily and cost 20,000 won ($14).

“All ski gear will be provided free of charge, so all you have to do is come,” an official said of the two-hour lessons, which have to be booked in advance.

A shuttle to Pheonix Park runs from Seoul, Gyeonggi and Gangwon provinces. KTX passengers getting off at Pyeongchang Station can use the resort’s pickup service. Check the latest schedule at phoenixhnr.co.kr.