Ski’s the limit

For many ski bunnies and ski bucks, part of the appeal of their chosen pastime is mixing with like-minded souls from around the world, with many a “Ni hao”, “Hola” and “How you doin’?” flying in apres-ski – or even instead-of-ski – venues from Aspen to Zermatt.

In North Korea this winter, by contrast, it’s all been “Привет”.

The Masikryong ski resort, near the coastal town of Wonsan, has been on the itinerary for the handful of tour groups that have travelled from Russia this year – the only foreigners to have visited North Korea for pleasure since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of those who have ridden Masikryong’s old Austrian-made gondolas – imported from China – have told various media about the joys of an empty mountain.

“There weren’t any people on the main slopes, which was just perfect,” Yekaterina Kolomeetsa, a travel blogger from Vladivostok, told The Guardian.

Others say they sensed hopelessness while in the country.

First announced in January, the four-day tours being offered by Russian tourist agencies cost US$750, reports the British newspaper, which includes the round-trip airfare from Vladivostok to Pyongyang, a domestic flight to the ski resort and back, hotel stays and meals. At US$40, the daily ski passes are extra.

The number of Russian tourists to have visited North Korea so far this year is estimated at little over 200, but Tatyana Markova, a representative of the Vostok Intur travel agency, told

The Guardian that two hiking trips are planned for the Russian holidays, in May.

Also in the article is news that “North Korea is […] building another mass ski resort for Russian tourists that will include 17 hotels, 37 guest houses and 29 shops”.

That escalated quickly!