Coming from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand or Indonesia? How to layer, protect hands and ears, handle the dry air and pace your first day on Korean snow.
If you live in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok or Jakarta, a forecast of -15°C can sound alarming. It is a big jump: a mountain morning in Gangwon in January is often 40 degrees colder than the day you left home, and the wind on an open chairlift makes it feel colder still.
Your body adjusts faster than you might expect if you dress and pace yourself well. Here is how to make the change from +30°C to -10°C without getting sick.
One huge coat is the wrong answer. You overheat in the bus and the lodge, sweat, and then freeze on the lift. Three thinner layers work better because you can add or remove them.
The base layer sits on your skin and moves sweat away. A thin thermal top and leggings, such as Uniqlo Heattech or a merino set, are cheap and work well under ski pants or jeans for sightseeing days. Avoid cotton next to the skin, because it stays wet.
The middle layer traps warmth. A fleece or a light down or wool sweater is enough.
The outer layer blocks wind and snow. On the slopes that is a waterproof ski jacket and pants, which you can rent at every resort if you don't own them.
Your core will be fine. Fingers, ears and toes are what hurt.
Bring or rent proper waterproof ski gloves. Knitted fashion gloves soak through in minutes once you touch snow. Cover your ears with a beanie or a helmet liner, since the wind on the lifts is sharp. For feet, one pair of ski socks in wool or synthetic beats two pairs of cotton socks, which squeeze the toes and stay damp.
Tropical air is humid. Korean winter air is very dry, both outside and in heated rooms. The result can be cracked lips, nosebleeds and itchy skin.
Carry lip balm and use it often, drink more water than you think you need, and use moisturizer at night. Many hotel rooms have a humidifier on request; if not, hanging a damp towel near the heater helps.
Don't plan eight hours on the snow on day one. Two or three hours with breaks is plenty while your body learns to keep warm. Staying warm burns energy, so eat a proper breakfast and stop for a hot drink when you start shivering.
End the day in a hot bath or a jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse). It is a good way to warm up properly, and our bathhouse guide explains how it works.
You will probably love it. Respect the cold, keep your ears covered, and if it is your first time on skis at all, read our first time on snow guide and the packing checklist before you go.