March. For many, it’s the gateway to spring, a time for lighter jackets and blooming flowers. But for an aspiring snowboarder like me, it’s the last call for carving and the final chance to practice before hanging up the gear for months. This year, I answered that call with a trip to Phoenix Park Ski Resort during the first week of March 2025. I’ll be honest, I had my doubts. Would the snow be pure ice? Would the runs be too bare? What I found was a surprisingly perfect, peaceful, and incredibly affordable snowboard-cation.

If you’re considering a late-season trip, here’s what you can expect from my firsthand experience.

Introduction to Phoenix Park Ski Resort

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Gangwon-do, Phoenix Park is a premier winter destination known for hosting world-class snowboarding events and offering a wide range of slopes for all skill levels. It’s a place you often see buzzing with energy during the peak season, complete with a variety of hotels, condos, and amenities. But what’s it like when the crowds thin out and winter begins to loosen its grip? My early-March visit was the perfect opportunity to find out.

The Basecamp: Green Building Condo

After a scenic drive, I checked into the Green Building Condo right within the resort. This was a fantastic choice for a solo traveler or a couple. The room was surprisingly spacious, offering a great separation of space. You walk into a good-sized living area—perfect for lounging after a long day on the mountain and storing my board and gear. The bedroom was a cozy haven with a comfortable queen-size bed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The bathroom, equipped with a standalone shower booth, was modern and a welcome sight after a day of inevitable falls. It was the ideal, convenient base for my snowboarding adventure.

The Main Event: Snow and Slopes

This was my biggest surprise. Despite visiting in what is considered the late winter season, the snow conditions were surprisingly well-maintained. I was expecting slushy, patchy snow, but the grooming team at Phoenix Park clearly knows their stuff. The snow was firm and carvable in the morning, softening up nicely in the afternoon sun—which was actually perfect for practicing my turns without fearing a sheet of ice.

Now, for the reality check: your options are limited. By the first week of March, only a select number of slopes were still open:

Penguin (Beginner): My home base. As someone still building confidence, this gentle slope was ideal for repetition and drills.

Hawk (Intermediate): I ventured here to test my skills. It was a lovely, long run that felt rewarding to link turns down without too much terror.

Snow Park: For the pros and the brave, the terrain park with its ramps and rails was still operational and seeing plenty of action. It was great to watch and dream!

A crucial note for night owls: Night skiing/boarding was not available. The slopes operated on a daytime schedule, closing in the late afternoon. This actually worked out beautifully, as it gave my tired muscles a mandatory break and time to explore the resort’s other offerings.

The Unbeatable Value: Lift Tickets & Vibe

Here’s the kicker, the part that made this trip an absolute steal. The resort was running a “Near End of Season” promo, and the lift ticket prices were jaw-droppingly low. If I’m not mistaken, a full-day pass was only around 30,000 KRW! For that price, I rode from late morning until the last chair went up, getting in as much practice as humanly possible. The resort was quiet, with no lift lines to speak of. It felt like I had the mountain (or at least the open parts of it) mostly to myself—a huge plus when you’re a beginner who spends a fair amount of time sitting down to strap in!

Fueling Up: Dining and Amenities

Be prepared for limited options within the main resort buildings. Many of the smaller restaurants and shops had already closed for the season. However, the main entertaining leisure zone—featuring bowling, an arcade, and karaoke—was still very much alive and a blast to visit in the evening.

My advice? If you have a car, you’re in luck. There are more dining options a short drive away from the resort. If not, plan your meals around the operating hours of the available resort eateries.

My Top Tips for Your Late-Season Visit

Convenience Store Hours are Key: This is a golden rule for Korean ski resorts in the off-season. The convenience store on site is not 24 hours. During my stay, it closed at 11 PM. If you think you’ll need snacks, drinks, or any essentials after that, stock up early!

Layer Up for Variable Conditions: March weather is fickle. Mornings can be crisp and cold, while afternoons can feel almost warm under the sun. Dress in layers you can easily remove. A waterproof outer shell is a must for the softer, wetter spring snow.

Embrace the Quiet: Don’t come expecting a bustling, apres-ski party. The vibe is relaxed and peaceful. It’s perfect for those who want to focus on riding without the crowds and pressure.

Check the Official Schedule: Always check the resort’s official website for the most up-to-date information on open slopes, lift times, and facility closures right before your trip.

The Final Run

My March visit to Phoenix Park was a delightful reminder that the snowboarding season isn’t over until it’s over. It offered fantastic value, surprisingly good snow, and a uniquely tranquil mountain experience. For an aspiring rider looking for one last winter hurrah to build skills without breaking the bank or feeling crowded, I can’t recommend a late-season trip to Phoenix Park enough. Just remember to buy your ramyeon and energy drinks before 11!

Access Map

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