Looking
for a holiday with a
difference for the whole family? I recommend skiing in South Korea
at the Yongpyong Ski Resort, in Pyeongchang Ski Valley, Kangwon Province
(sometimes referred to as "Gyeonggi-do" or "Gangwon-do").
Our party comprised six adults and two children - with a mixture of
both skiers and non-skiers, and the youngest was only 17 months old.
We required a resort which offered a variety of activities and a high
level of convenience. I was pleasantly surprised that our needs were
adequately met during our stay at the Yongpyong Ski Resort.
Pyeongchang Ski Valley is said to receive the most snowfall in South
Korea and boasts excellent snow quality and beautiful mountain scenery.
The Ski Valley opened in 1975 and sits on the slopes of Mt Balwangsan
(1,458 meters above sea level). An annual average snowfall of 250cm
makes the 90 slopes and 26 internationally certified ski courses popular
with both locals and tourists. There are five ski resorts and some
15,000 rooms, ranging from posh hotels to hostels, in the Valley.
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Yongpyong
Ski Resort itself, has twice hosted world-renowned athletes for the
World Cup Ski Championships. Besides the usual hotel facilities, sauna,
swimming pool and gym, the sprawling complex also offers the convenience
of a reasonably well-stocked supermarket, amusement centre, laundry
facility, and child-minding services. As a family with young children,
I found the easy access to these facilities an added bonus.
Our accommodation was literally along the ski slopes giving quick
and convenient access to the ski lifts. Rental of ski equipment was
within the complex. During the peak season, queuing for equipment
and ski lifts required incredible patience. Night skiing is available
and very popular. I must say that the sight of skiers in their colourful
ski outfits, against a backdrop of brightly lit ski slopes, was a
mesmerising sight to behold. |
Our
visit to Yongpyong Ski Resort has left me with indelible imprints
of its beautiful scenery, and its refreshing, crisp, cold air, especially
for a city dweller like myself. But if you can, do avoid the peak
seasons as its convenience and excellent facilities attracts hordes
of Koreans and tourists alike.
Yongpyong Ski Resort is a two and a half hours drive (less in good
traffic) east of Seoul. You can find more information at http://www.knto.or.kr.
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