Ok, let me be the first to admit that the title of this blog is a little bit exaggerated. Hahaha.
We went on a "Skiing Beginners Day Trip" so I am pretty sure that claiming we went skiing is a stretch, but we don't need to trouble ourselves with the details.
The family was quite cooperative when Sofia and I started campaigning that we should devote one full day to go an a Skiing Tour. The votes were split because the 'oldies' didn't really want to ski, Sofia and I wanted to do everything (at least once!) and Ady wanted to go all-or-nothing. In other words, she didn't see the point in going and paying for a tour "just to see snow at a ski resort" without actually skiing.
I did the some research online, and I found different tours that could take you on a Day Trip for around 60,000won (SG$ or Php2,500) but the hidden charges for actual skiing would take you upto 125,000won for the ski equipment and the ski outfits! It's a good thing, I found a website (www.seoulnski.com) where their rates were more reasonable, and they had options to just "See the Snow" or do a "Beginner's Ski Tour with instructions and equipment included", plus they offered a group discount as well (for groups with more than 5 pax). They were flexible enough to allow 3 of us to just see the snow for 35,000won, and 3 of us to do the beginner's ski tour for 65,000. The only hidden charge is the Ski Outfit for 15,000won (which is optional, but recommended if you're going to ski) - so it's best to bring your own if you plan ahead.
Side note: My mom says ski pants are on sale in HMR (Pioneer St., Mandaluyong) for Php300+, because all you really need are waterproof pants. The jacket you choose to wear will work.
It was so easy to book the tour. I just called the number from the website from the Hotel Concierge the day before and it was immediately confirmed for the next day. They have a credit card machine so you can pay on the bus after you go skiing.
The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel. We left around 8am. Our bus picked up another small group then we were on our way. |
Our first stop was the Ski Rental shop. There are a lot of shops in the area, but I guess the tour guide will bring you to where they have an agreement. |
There are a lot of skis and snow boards outside the shop, but since equipment was included in the package, we didn't rent any from here. |
Before Skiing #OOTD |
They assure you that they have a lot of stock, so just inform them of the color you prefer for your ski outfit. I chose to match Sofia. |
They will also try to convince you to rent Ski Goggles for 10,000won, but we opted not to rent any. For reference, there is a shop at the resort where you can buy a basic pair for 15,000won if you really need it.
From the parking Ady and I saw the ski lift and we wanted to change our minds. Hahaha. |
When we got back to the bus, the instructor started handing out ski gloves (included for all) and she also was giving us instructions. |
Our first task was to get fitted for our ski boots! This was so tiring I wanted to quit (again!). |
Ready.... But in my mind, I was already calculating that after a few more pictures, we could call it a day. Hahaha. |
Jenny was a nice and patient instructor, but Sofia had difficulty following because the skis were just too heavy for her. |
At first it was stressful for me and Ady, because we didn't know what to expect.
Because this is was where everyone was lining up!!! |
Then we realized that skiing for beginners was only at this inclined plane! Hahahaha. It can't even be considered a bunny slope! This really gave me peace of mind. |
Sof had such a hard time with balance that pretty soon, she had two instructors focused on teaching her the basics of walking side to side. |
So Ady and I took advantage of this time for more photo ops! Hahaha...
Poser shot! Not realizing, halata pala from the sand that I was just busy walking side to side. |
It's quite unfair that I take better pictures than Ady. |
Jenny just taught us the basics of skiing (thanks gravity!) and stopping, so we could also take action shots.
Ady in action. |
Then the tour guide that ended up dedicated to Fi just decided that it was easier to carry her skis for her, than to teach her to walk. |
Wheeee!!! |
Except Sofia really didn't know how to stop, so in 4 out of 5 runs, she ended up on her butt. Hahaha. |
Ready, Get Set.... |
Go!!! |
We were just so happy to get out of the heavy skiing gear after that. |
There's a cafeteria right on the resort, so getting lunch is quite convenient.
If you're just taking a break, you just hang your skis on the yellow bars. You could also warm yourself by the fire. |
You order from the counter. (Food is quite reasonable). |
Then you sit down and wait for your number to be flashed. |
Then you go to the other side to pick up your order, and help yourself to some kimchi. |
Sof had so much fun, she asked for her picture to be taken with our ski instructors. |
The servings were quite generous for a la carte orders. We had chicken and potato tots, udon, and katsu curry. |
We had a lot of time to kill before the group left, so we spent it by the 'slopes'. |
Sof and Lolo went to get some snow for Gammy's wrist because she sprained it. |
Since Sof already started playing with snow, I helped her build a snowman, which was on her bucket list. |
The shop sells Tayo Skis and Sled for kids. I was so tempted to buy, so I could push Sofia on the inclined plane, but I decided to save my money instead. |
We had so much fun, the SKI trip was really worth it. |
We left at around 2PM and it felt like the trip back was much longer. The only detour included as part of the Tour is a stop to visit the Ginseng Factory (back in Seoul Proper).
While they attempt to sell you overpriced ginseng products in all forms, they weren't really a hard sell, so you don't really waste a lot of your time. |
The tour ends with the driver asking if you want to be dropped off at Dongdaemun or in Myeongdong, both shopping areas, so as a whole, it's a really productive and tiring day.
I would recommend the Day Trip any day. www.seoulnski.com also offers other tours, so it's worth checking out. I think snow season in Korea lasts until March, so if you find yourself in the area, go skiing. It's really fun. just saying.
Great post. Thanks for sharing!!
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