South Korea is rapidly emerging as a hotspot for winter sports, thanks to its high-tech resorts, increased interest in skiing, and expanding opportunities for year-round training. In October 2024, we had the privilege of installing two of our largest treadmill SkiMachines at Piste Tribe, a cutting-edge indoor skiing facility in Cheongju. Designed to support both amateur and professional athletes, this state-of-the-art center provides space for off-season ski training, expert coaching, and athletic development. As South Korea continues to invest in winter sports infrastructure and innovation, SkiMachine is proud to play a role in the country’s growing ski industry.
South Korea’s Skiing Industry
From breathtaking islands and vibrant cities to the global rise of the “Korean Wave,” South Korea is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination. While the country is widely known for its music, food, and fashion, it’s also gaining recognition in the world of winter sports. Around 70% of South Korea is covered in mountains, with Gangwon-Do Province home to some of its most spectacular ranges. In 2018, this region took center stage when Yongpyong Resort helped host the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang—a milestone that significantly boosted national interest in skiing and snowboarding.
Although South Korea doesn’t have a long history in winter sports, it makes up for it with state-of-the-art resorts, advanced snowmaking technology, and a steadily expanding range of skiing opportunities catering to 3 million national skiers. Today’s resorts offer modern amenities, high-quality equipment, easy access, and nighttime skiing—often at more competitive prices than neighboring destinations like Japan. It’s worth noting, however, that most resorts are best suited to beginners and intermediate skiers, with gentle slopes and relatively small terrain. Natural snowfall is limited, and off-piste or tree skiing is rare. As a result, the ski season is relatively short, typically running from late November or early December through the end of March.
Two New SkiMachines at Piste Tribe
In October 2024, four of our engineers traveled to South Korea to install two of our larger-model SkiMachines at Piste Tribe, a new indoor ski and snowboard center in Cheongju. Piste Tribe defines itself as “a tight-knit tribe of skiers who find passion and joy in life on the slopes,” promoting a lifestyle centered on community, sports, and shared values. Situated near Cheongju University, this cutting-edge facility is built to serve both passionate amateurs and high-performance athletes alike.
The center features two large-scale treadmill SkiMachines, each with an impressive width of 7 meters, making it ideal for group ski training sessions. Piste Tribe works in partnership with conventional ski resorts across South Korea, providing a year-round ski training alternative and a solution to the country’s relatively short ski seasons. Already, the center is attracting attention from professional teams, including the Yongpyong Racing Team, which trains under the Yongpyong Ski School. This makes Piste Tribe the second facility in South Korea to feature our SkiMachines—following in the footsteps of the Snow Flex center in Hanam-Si.
Training Indoors, Performing Outdoors
Beyond the SkiMachines, the facility includes a fully equipped gym with weights, barbells, balance boards, and more—designed to complement on-slope ski training with athletic conditioning. Why is indoor ski training more beneficial than learning on the slopes? Because training in a safe, controlled environment with expert coaching allows beginners to develop a strong foundation, while advanced skiers can refine their technique with precision and repetition. The consistent, fear-free experience makes indoor ski training more effective—and seriously fun, too!
As South Korea’s ski scene evolves rapidly, we’re excited to support that growth with our technology! With the arrival of SkiMachine at Piste Tribe, skiers across South Korea now have even more ways to stay sharp and slope-ready—any time of the year. Piste Tribe brings skiing to the city!
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