South Korea Skiing 1. How to Buy Ski Tickets in Korea
For the best prices, online platforms often have the most affordable tickets. Recommended platforms include KKDAY, TRAZY, and INDIWAY.
2. How to Prepare Ski Equipment and Clothing
Wear thin thermal innerwear and long but thin socks! Thick socks can be uncomfortable, so opt for thin ones. Face protection should also be lightweight; thick face covers can obstruct your vision and make wearing a helmet uncomfortable. It’s best to bring your own gloves (as ski resort gloves are pricey) and a personal ski jacket if possible, as rental ski clothing is often of low quality and lacks waterproof and windproof features.
It’s fine to rent ski pants (since they fit over ski boots), but avoid down jackets. Also, many rental stores have outdated clothes from the 80s and 90s, so if you want something stylish, it’s best to search for good stores in advance.
Essential items include helmets and ski goggles, as the intense sunlight reflecting off the snow can strain your eyes, leading to conditions like photokeratitis. Most rental shops don’t offer gloves or goggles, so be sure to bring your own. Sunglasses can also be helpful on sunny days.
3. What if I’m a Beginner Without an Instructor?
If you’re not familiar with skiing, avoid taking the lift and start on the most basic slopes. If possible, go with someone experienced to ensure your safety and avoid accidents.
4. About Ski Instructors in Korea
- While not criticizing travel agencies, it’s generally not recommended to book instructor packages through them. In many cases, these “instructors” lack certification and can’t provide lift-assisted instruction. They only cover basic safety guidelines on the ground and usually only for one hour, which isn’t enough for learning to navigate slopes.
- Certified instructors are officially registered with the ski resorts and meet the qualifications required, including liability insurance for some resorts.
- The best lesson setup is a 1:1 or 1:2 class. If you’re in a group, consider hiring additional instructors for higher-quality instruction, as group lessons like 1:3 or 1:4 often lower the teaching standard.
- For intermediate skiers, it’s advisable to ask for videos of the instructor skiing to gauge their expertise, as truly skilled instructors usually have footage to share.
5. About Shuttle Buses and Private Transportation
- If transportation is included in the instructor’s fee, follow their arrangements, as they’re familiar with the ski resort network.
- Alternatively, check the official resort website, as many resorts, such as Vivaldi Park, operate their own shuttle buses (e.g., routes to Incheon, Seoul, and Gyeonggi) with round trips costing 10,000-20,000 KRW.
- You can also rent a car through companies like Lotte Rent-a-Car or SK Rent-a-Car.
- If you’re arranging private transport, make sure the service covers all necessary aspects.
6. Korea’s Ski Season Pass
A season pass allows for unlimited skiing during the season. If you’re skiing in Korea two or three times or more, a season pass is highly recommended. Even if you don’t own your own equipment, there are different types of passes available, some including unlimited rental gear. Season passes generally cost between 300,000 and 500,000 KRW. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions.
7. Make Sure to Get Insurance Before Skiing in Korea
It’s essential to have extreme sports insurance (스포츠, 레저보험) before skiing in Korea. For international visitors, it’s recommended to purchase travel and ski accident insurance from your home country. We ensure all our ski lesson clients are fully insured.Guide