Snowboarding at Bears Town Ski Resort

Pocheon, South Korea —

ALL my life, I’ve lived in the tropics where it is a bliss to stay inside a fully air-conditioned room while outside is a scorching heat. I might not survive the unfamiliar temperature, they say. I say, winter isn’t that bad especially having a pro-like snowboarder husband. After all, I learned a new sport from him during my very first winter experience. Although I tried indoor ice skating last summer, I was really bad at it. I entrusted my life on the boards, the plastic wall surrounding the ice rink. The day after that, I got sore arm muscles. haha But, snowboarding is entirely a different story.

3Around late November 2015, Bears Town Ski Resort (베어스타운리조트 스키장), the nearest one we could go to, opened their first course. But, we never had the chance to play until the 5th of December. Danny said, I should try ski first since it’s easier than snowboarding. In order to teach me, both of us rented ski equipment at the resort. Because there was only one course, the place was packed with visitors. Everyone seemed energetic and frenzied. We played somewhere in the corner at the foot of the slope. After an hour or so, I felt too cold. I couldn’t stand the freezing temperature. My sinuses were inflamed and my eyes were burning, so I let Danny play on his own. haha

IMG_12862A month has passed, he insisted that we play skiing or snowboarding. I chose the latter for some reasons. Hence, he bought me a snowboard that’s proper for my height and weight.

We went to the ski resort one weekend. Upon arrival, additional 4 courses were opened. The resort was still swarmed with enthusiastic guests despite the warning of high level fine dust from China.

IMG_1339IMG_1266IMG_1317While we were riding the lift, I was watching how the people slide down on a snow-covered slope. I was thrilled and nervous at the same time. But, I didn’t let fear consume me. I trust Danny. I know he’s so good at this. When we got off the lift, we found a spot where we could prepare and secure our bindings. Danny helped me stand and taught me some important pointers. I took a deep breath.. and off we went…

IMG_1314IMG_1267IMG_12771IMG_0076IMG_1319After about 20 minutes, we finally reached the foot of the slope. I fell few times on the way but, it was not as painful as I thought. However, I ended up with bruised knees because I didn’t wear knee pads that day. Both of us  just laughed it off.

IMG_1322Eventually, I learned to control the board. But, going backwards still needs lots of practice. Nevertheless, we enjoyed another great bonding moments. I don’t dream to be the next best female snowboarder in Korea or in the world. All I wish is to do better and better each time we play. That one day, I can glide down the slope on my own and make my teacher husband proud.

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

—Walt Disney

Last February 21, they had an event called Snow Box Run. We thought it’d be fun after watching the video they posted on their Facebook page so, we paid a visit. It was rather boring and disappointing. The staff pushed most of the boxes so they could slide down the slope.

Have you tried snowboarding? How was it?

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ALL PHOTOS are ©CHILISARANG. Please DO NOT steal, copy, edit, or re-credit them without my permission. Thank you.

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Address: 295, Sohak-ri, Naechon-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

 

Operating Hours: Daily

  • Morning – 9:00 to 13:00
  • Afternoon – 12:30 to 16:30
  • All Night – 18:30 to 4:00am

Website: www.bearstown.com

Directions: From Songu-ri Intercity Bus Terminal, take the city bus# 33. Get off at Bearstown bus stop. It takes about 40 minutes.