Yong Pyong

Youngpyong is one of the two best resorts in South Korea (Muju being the other). However, the level of skiing is well below that of the Americas, Europe and New Zealand. It suffers from chronic low levels of snow, and relies heavily on man made snow through out December and February. There is NO off-piste skiing, and the ski patrol do little more than take up space when observing safety. The mountain is often extremely over-crowded in the early parts of the season, with huge numbers of people skiing little available terrain. The danger of this is that hundreds of beginners attempt the "red" (a black run that is the first advanced run to open) causing nothing short of disastrous results. Beginners skiing across the mountain coupled with GS racing speeds results in a steady flow of injuries through throughout the weekend. The weekend should be avoided like the plague during the early parts of the season, and a helmet should always be worn. It is also very wise for skiers to pay the few dollars for insurance offered on the mountain, or the 20 odd dollars for the season.

In saying all this however:

When the full mountain is opened the terrain is enjoyable and fast, with advanced runs available without beginners hindering skiers. For those that are beginners, you are always going to be faced with large amounts of traffic I am afraid. The week will offer a lot more relief. The runs are all groomed with double back diamond runs offering over 50 degrees of gradient in some areas, making GS great fun. The runs are long, and allow for good fun. Facilities are good, although the assortment of food may not be to the liking of many western folk. The restaurants are mainly Korean food, or very nasty adaptations western food such as oil soaked hamburgers and fries.

The key is to be well aware of all the sort comings in advance so you can get over them quickly and enjoy your day. Weekends will always spell long lines on the lower levelled slopes, but freedom mid season for advanced skiers is great! Enjoy