High1 Resort Korea's number one for natural snow

High1 Resort is on a mission for international recognition as a winter destination worthy of your attention, with the latest in modern lift technology and quality base facilities. Set in a high valley it also offers arguably Korea’s most consistent natural snow, longest season and more, as a suitably impressed Adam Clancy reports.

The main reason I traveled to High1 Resort was for its reputation of high quality dry snow. Located around 3 hours from Seoul, the resort is perched above the town of Subok, a traditional village with a range of Korean dining experiences.

The first morning on the mountain I definitely felt the quality of snow under my snowboard. Although it had been packed from many days of use, the snow still remained soft, dry and fast. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to experience a fresh dump of snow.
The ski terrain offers decent long courses for beginners and intermediates, with the longest run nearly 5kms in length from top to bottom.
For more experienced skiers or boarders there are a variety of courses from the top of the resort to the Valley Hub, located at the midway point of the mountain.
The South Koreans are very cautious regarding safety, and for this reason each run is fenced off so that you can’t enter the trees. Hopefully this will change soon, as from my chair lift I spotted quite a few impressive lines of fresh powder and it hadn’t snowed in about a week!

I found out very quickly that in South Korea they loved to ski at night. High1 Resort also gives you the opportunity to ski late with flood lights operating on most slopes until 2am in peak season.
There are also two fun terrain parks for intermediates and experts, although from what I saw the South Koreans had more style with their outfits than they did on the skis/boards. The views of the outfits are not the only spectacular sights, with great views of surrounding mountain ranges from the slopes and accommodation.
As for the accommodation, it is first class, ranging from 4 to 5 star apartments and hotels located ski-in ski-out or no more than a 5 minute shuttle ride from the slopes.
The Kangwonland Casino also provides travelers a chance to test their luck out on the tables, however be warned this is the only casino in the country where South Koreans are allowed to gamble so it gets frenetic.

High1 Resort getting there

Incheon Airport is around 4 hours on direct shuttle bus book here http://www.tourtokorea.com/bus-2/ or 3 hours from Seoul book here www.purpleskibus.com
Or Ski Trains to Gohan//Sabuk from Seoul and Busan, with a 15 min taxi from there.

High1 Resort Mountain stats

• Summit 1376m, base 730m, max vertical 645m
• 250cm plus snowfall, extensive snowmaking coverage
• 18 trails, longest 4.2km; terrain 30% beginner, 30% intermediate, 40% advanced
• parks for all levels
• 10 lifts including 3 gondolas, 4 six pacs, 2 quads & a t-bar
• Lift pass rates day adult KRW 78,000 child 62,000

High1 Resort accommodation and packages

Choice of condos or 3 hotels – High1, Kangwonland & Convention – with rooms from KRW 200,000 a night in a Valley Condo to 8.5 million in the Royal Suite at the Convention Hotel. For better value packages try www.mogulski.com.au

High1 Resort tourist info

Gangwon Province is the home of skiing in South Korea, check their site for more ski info & on the many other attractions http://eng.gwd.go.kr/
Korea Tourism Office are a great source of info with many offices worldwide for local material, check www.visitkorea.or.kr
Resort info www.high1.com/eng/skiInfo/html.high1

Check out more Korean ski resorts Yongpyong Phoenix Park Alpensia