As the Cold Wave Arrives... Ski Resort Season Passes Selling Well

People skiing at Vivaldi Park Ski Resort. (Photo by Vivaldi Park)

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] As the weather rapidly turned colder, ski resorts have welcomed a boon. The full-scale winter peak season has begun. Additionally, as COVID-19 has entered the endemic phase (periodic transition of infectious diseases), the number of people going outdoors has increased, leading to a noticeable rise in ski resort season pass sales compared to the previous year.

According to the industry on the 4th, Vivaldi Park of Daemyung Sono Group has already sold 10,000 season passes out of the target 12,000. This figure represents a 130% increase compared to the same period last year. Revenue also exceeded 4 billion KRW, jumping 110% compared to the previous year. This season, Vivaldi Park sold a premium season pass that includes access to the ski resort, rooms, and beverage services at dining facilities, which accounted for more than 30% of total season pass sales and boosted revenue. A Vivaldi Park official stated, “Since October 19, we have been exclusively selling on Gmarket and later expanded sales channels, which seems to have had an impact,” adding, “We have nearly reached our sales target.”

Phoenix Park, operated by Phoenix Central, also saw an increase in season pass sales. Excluding last year and the year before when integrated season passes for ski resorts in the Gangwon region were sold, comparing the 2019 and 2020 seasons, this year’s season pass sales increased by 25% year-on-year. Phoenix Park offered free access for children up to 13 years old as a gift with season pass purchases, but this time, the age limit was significantly raised to 19 years old, making it even more popular.

High1 Resort’s High1 Ski Resort sold an integrated pass this season that allows unlimited use of four resorts during the season: Yongpyong Resort, Welli Hilli Park, Oak Valley Resort, and High1 Ski Resort. When purchasing a season pass, a free season pass is provided for children under 13 years old, along with discounts on rooms, lifts, rentals, and other facilities at Kangwon Land and High1 Resort. Thanks to these benefits, sales increased by about 14% compared to the same period last year.

An industry insider said, “Since the ski industry was greatly contracted due to COVID-19 last year, sales have relatively increased more,” and added, “The winter business outlook this year is expected to be good.”