All roads led to Pyeongchang in February of 2018. It was the Winter Olympics, after all!

But before the world knew of Pyeongchang, the Alpensia Resort was already catering to local and foreign tourists while gearing itself to accommodate the thousands that came from all over to witness last year’s Winter Olympics.

Alpensia was created to make reality the fantasy of having the Alps in Asia, thus the name “Alpensia”. It combines Alpen (the German word for the Alps), Asia and Fantasia. The magnificent view that Alpensia offers, especially when it becomes a winter wonderland, brings to life the vision it was created to offer.

Accommodation

The resort has three hotels for your winter pleasure: the Holiday Inn Resorts, the Holiday Inn & Suites, and the Intercontinental Hotel. Both the Holiday Inn Resorts and the Intercontinental Hotel have your typical hotel set-up. You can have regular rooms or a suite, whichever is to your liking and budget. The Holiday Inn & Suites offers condominium-type accommodation that has a kitchen, dining area, and living room area. Some units have terraces and the premium ones have terraces overlooking the slopes.

The Intercontinental Hotel is located farther away from the other two Holiday Inn hotels. Though separated, it is still a good leisurely walk within the resort. It has its own luxurious facilities and is the only hotel in the complex that has a gym. There is a small putting green in front of the hotel grounds where kids (adults too, why not?) can practice their golf swing.

A hidden gem rests behind the hotel. There’s a small lake and right in the middle is a small island called Solseom (솔 섬). A gazebo adds to the charm of the small island and it is connected by an arched bridge that forms a picturesque view with the hotel as its backdrop.

Things to do in Alpensia

The resort operates the whole year round and offers an equally beautiful landscape that naturally changes as each season unfolds. So, what are the leisure activities you can engage in?

Skiing 

The resort has three ski slopes. It is not as challenging as its neighboring ski resorts, but it is the best place for beginners to learn. Every winter, the resort is equipped with qualified ski instructors to make ski lessons during vacation fun and inspiring so they can immediately go on to higher slopes for a more exciting stay.

The Lunar New Year is always filled with people wanting to hit the slopes. For those who want to have the slopes to themselves, the resort is open for nighttime skiing until 10 pm.

Ocean 700

The Ocean 700 water park is open all year round. In the summer, the outdoor swimming pool is open amidst a beautiful green landscape that turns white and become ski slopes in winter. The indoor area is open all seasons and offers different levels of enjoyment for all ages. This is a full-day activity for families although there’s an option for half-day tickets. Easily, this makes for one full day in the resort, even during winter.

Ocean 700’s location is very convenient. It is located nearest to the Holiday Inn Resorts but is also just a few minutes walking distance from the Holiday Inn Resorts & Suites.

Hiking to the Ski Jump Tower

There is a monorail that conveniently takes guests up to the Ski Jump Tower, the Olympic facility that Alpensia is most well-known for. But you need not go all the way to the monorail facility if you are up for hiking. There’s a hiking trail from the resort which takes you up to the tower. Up in the Ski Jump Tower, you can see the pristine surroundings of the resort on one side and the silent beauty of the Taebak Mountains on the other side.

It is not a hard climb but could be a little challenging when the mountain is covered with snow. But what awaits at the top is worth every step your snow-covered boots take.

How to get to Alpensia

There are direct shuttle buses coming from Seoul, specifically Myeongdong, that take you right into Alpensia. These privately-operated buses are the most convenient way to travel and take only around 2.5 hours.  You can also opt to take public buses from Nambu Bus Terminal that will bring you to Hoenggye Bus Terminal in Daegwallyeong and take a local bus or taxi towards the resort.

In late 2017, the Gangneung KTX bullet train started operating from Seoul Station to Jinbu Station. From Jinbu Station, resort guests can use the free shuttle that will take them directly to the resort.

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