The trip is organized by Uri Tours, a New Jersey tour operator with over 15 years’ experience running tours to North Korea, in partnership with SNOWBOARDER, the largest snowboarding publication in the world, based in Carlsbad, California.

The trip is open to the public and will feature 4 days of skiing and snowboarding at Masik Pass.  The professional riders will be performing stunts and introducing locals to the art of professional snowboarding as seen in North America and Europe. Tom Monterosso, Editor of SNOWBOARDER magazine, commented on the impetus of setting up the trip: “Our goal as snowboarders is to explore the farthest reaches of the globe and when the opportunity to go to Masik Pass in North Korea surfaced, we were excited to find out what snowboarding and the snowboard scene was in the DPRK.  The riders were really excited about it as well. These guys have a sense of adventure and they’re always down to go to far flung locales so they were eager to ride Masik Pass.”

 

Terje Håkonsen is widely regarded by his peers as legendary and the greatest snowboarder in the history of the sport. Håkonsen dominated the halfpipe circuit in the late 90s and then transitioned into one of the best big mountain and all-terrain riders of his generation.  Dan Liedahl (aka “Danimals”) is among the world’s most popular snowboarders, focusing on urban terrain rather than big mountain riding. He has appeared in some of the most widely-circulated snowboard videos on the market today.  Mike Ravelson (aka “Mike Rav”) is part of snowboarding’s next generation of riders. He specializes in street riding but is a great all-around snowboarder. Mike Rav is on his way to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in snowboarding.

 

 

The trip will take place at the Masik Pass ski resort, which opened in December 2013.  The Masik Pass is the second ski resort built in the country and it is open to local as well as international customers. The total area of the resort is 1412 hectares, with 10 runs, 4 chairlifts and a new gondola installed this year.  Andrea Lee, CEO of Uri Tours, comments: “The ski resort is the country’s most notable development in sports infrastructure.  There have been a number of sporting facilities built in the recent years to reflect a popular movement in the country called ‘sports fever.’”  The travel company offers a number of activity-based tours throughout the year including Pyongyang Marathon tours, surf tours and cycling tours.  “We have found that sports is an effective avenue for engagement and interaction between foreign travelers and local people, particularly where language can be a barrier,” says Andrea.

 

 

The group will be taking advantage of the newly available charter of Air Koryo’s MI-17 helicopter fleet for transport from Pyongyang to the Masik Pass helipad.  This will be the first time the helicopters will be available to civilian passengers on this particular route.  The estimated flight time is 1 hour by helicopter.

 

If you re tempted contact Uri Tours. The itinerary is here:

 

Beijing → Pyongyang → Masik Pass Ski Resort → DMZ → Beijing

 

Description

 

This is your chance to be riding the slopes with 3 professional snowboarders in Masik Pass, North Korea: Terje Håkonsen, Dan “Danimals” Liedahl and “Mike Rav” Ravelson. Yes, ya heard it! Tear it up with your favorite riders, get some tips, see some stunts, and mix it up with locals all against the backdrop of North Korea, an adventure in itself. Not only will we be delivering to you a chance of a lifetime to meet a few of the best snowboarders who have ever lived, we’ll be transporting you in style from Pyongyang straight to Masik Pass in an MI-17 chopper. Seats in the chopper are limited, which means we have to cap the trip at 15 people - so book early! Deadline to register: December 21, 2015

 

This tour is brought to you by Uri Tours and our friends at Snowboarder magazine. Not only will you be accompanied by the pro riders, you’ll also be traveling with Andrea Lee, CEO and Founder of Uri Tours and Tom “T Bird” Monterosso, Editor of Snowboarder magazine.

 

About Masik Pass:

 

Day lift rates are approx. 35USD (which includes the ski or snowboard rentals and other gear rentals) and night/half day lift rates are 21USD, to be paid at the resort

 

Masik Pass highest elevation: 1360 m (4461 ft) above sea level

 

There are 10 runs with slopes for all levels

 

Brand-new gondola just installed!

 

If you are bringing your own skis, it will cost 20RMB per additional kg to check them on Air Koryo for the Beijing - Pyongyang route, and 4 Euros per additional kg for the Pyongyang - Beijing route

 

Day 1: Depart for Pyongyang

 

10 AM: Meet us at Beijing BCIA Terminal 2 to receive DPRK visas and to check-in. Fly to Pyongyang, capital of the DPRK and home to many of the country’s most famous cultural sites. Our excellent DPRK tour guides will be waiting for the group at the airport.

 

PM: Our first stop in the city is at the Mansudae Grand Monument an iconic monument famous for its large, bronze statutes of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Visitors are asked to follow local custom by bowing and laying flowers at the feet of the statues. See the Chollima Statue, the winged pegasus that is a national symbol of speed and productivity. We’ll drive to the Koryo Hotel with a stop at Pyongyang’s Arch of Triumph, the world’s largest triumphal arc. Afterwards, we’ll check in and enjoy your first dinner in the DPRK. After dinner, check out Pyongyang’s famed Taedonggang Microbrewery for North Korean craft beer.

 

Day 2: Pyongyang City Tour

 

AM: Start with a visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state. It is the most impressive mausoleum you will ever visit in your life! Then we’ll head to the Mangyongdae Native House, where late president Kim Il Sung was born. Descend 360 feet below the ground to share a ride with locals on the Pyongyang Metro.

 

PM: After lunch, stand in the center of the Kim Il Sung Square, where all of the famous DPRK military parades take place. Walk over to the Foreign Languages Bookshop to pick up popular souvenirs, handpainted propaganda posters and books. Climb to the top of the 150 meter high Juche Tower to get a 360 aerial view of the city. Learn about the Korean War through the perspective of the North Koreans at the newly renovated Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the USS Pueblo in its new spot (the “American Spy Ship” captured in 1968). Enjoy a local dinner in the capital city and overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

 

Day 3: Chopper Ride to Masik Pass (to be confirmed)

 

Photo credit: smallairforces.blogspot.com

 

This morning, we’ll take you on a ride on Air Koryo’s MI-17 helicopter. We’ll fly over all of the cities and towns from Pyongyang on the west side of North Korea all the way to the Masik Pass on the eastern coast of the country. We’ll make an appearance as we land right on the Masik Pass helipad. This will be the first-ever chopper ride on this route (which should take about an hour), and we’re inviting YOU to join!

 

Check in at the Masikryong Hotel, currently recognized as the best hotel in the country. Have a local lunch made with fresh and local ingredients found right within the mountains of Masikryong. Then hit the slopes and be among the first to taste the fresh powder at one of the DPRK’s most important new attractions.

 

Day 4: Masik Pass

 

Masik Pass Aerial View

 

We’ll have fun activities scheduled throughout the trip with the riders and local skiers. Currently, most of the North Koreans we met at the resort prefer to ski. But we’re excited to introduce them to the culture and sport of snowboarding. We’ll also be holding free sessions with the riders for anyone who wants to pick up the basics of snowboarding or improve their skills. Ski/snowboard ‘til your heart’s content and chill out at the lodge during your down time. Overnight at the Masikryong Hotel.

 

Day 5: Masik Pass

 

Another full day at Masik Pass to enjoy the mountain or chill out at the lodge for a little down time. Overnight at the Masikryong Hotel.

 

Day 6: Masik Pass; Return to Pyongyang

 

Get your last runs in! We’ll return to Pyongyang by chopper (same MI-17 we took to get there) and overnight at the Koryo Hotel.

 

Day 7: Kaesong/DMZ

 

AM: Take an early morning drive to the ancient city of Kaesong. Kaesong was once the capital of Korea but now is home to the DMZ, where north and south Korea remain divided after 70 years of stalemate. At the DMZ, explore Panmunjom, shake hands at the exact place that the Armistice Agreement was signed between UN forces and the DPRK, and wave hello to the South at the blue houses. Learn about the Koryo Dynasty at the Koryo History Museum and pick up collectible stamps and postcards at the stamp shop.

 

PM: Enjoy a Pansanggi lunch, small traditional dishes served in bronze bowls. Stop at the Tomb of King Wanggon, the founder of the Koryo Dynasty. Return to Pyongyang and spend the last night in the DPRK at the new Meari Shooting Range where you can shoot a rifle in a safe environment. You can even try your hand at some live pheasant (to be cooked for dinner if you’re successful). We’ll reminisce with our new friends about time well spent over dinner while we enjoy a last taste of Korean cuisine.

 

Day 8: Farewell

 

Morning departure to Beijing. Estimated time of arrival is 10:00 a.m. local time. Please reserve connecting flights departing after 2pm local time, to allow sufficient time for immigration/customs clearance, baggage claim and re-check-in.

 

We’ll do our very best to adhere to the schedule described above, but please be aware that the itinerary is subject to change.

 

Included

 

DPRK visa fees and handling

 

Round trip ticket from Beijing to Pyongyang on Air Koryo

 

7 nights’ DPRK hotel accommodations (double occupancy, 4-5 stars)

 

3 meals per day

 

Coach transportation in DPRK

 

Two local DPRK guides

 

One local driver

 

Admission fees (except those listed below)

 

Not included

 

Masik Pass lift pass or equipment rentals (day rates are approximately 35USD per day, with night or half-day rates at 21USD)

 

Transportation from Beijing International Airport to hotel

 

Round-trip airfare to Beijing from home country

 

Chinese visa fees and processing, if applicable

 

Travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance (required)

 

Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)

 

Souvenirs

 

Extra drinks during meals (one complimentary beer included)

 

Tips for guides and drivers (please budget $10 per day per traveler)

 

Special Entrance Fees for Optional Events

 

(Some entrance fees are priced in Euros. We strongly recommend to bring exact change in Euros to pay at the door; USD is accepted, but may be subject to an unfavorable exchange rate)

 

Meari Shooting Range: rifle and per bullet fees apply

 

Extra à la carte items incurred during meals

 

Elevator to the top of the Juche Tower: 5 euros

 

Beer at microbreweries ($1-3 per draft)