International ski festival draws 600 foreigners

By Linn Helen Kornerud and Magnus B. Huus-Hansen

Last weekend the International Ski Festival took place with fanfares at Yongpyong resort in Gangwon Province. With approximately 600 foreigners attending, and 240 participants competing in the different ski races, it was the biggest so far in its history. Blessed with beautiful weather and natural snow, the stage was set for the 29th consecutive festival.

Norwegian Ambassador to Seoul H.E. Didrik Tonseth, who was also chairman of the organizing committee, opened the event Friday evening and people gathered to sign up for the ski races and measure the opponents. The conditions for this year’s competition could not have been better. Blue sky and sparkling sunshine together with a big snowfall from the previous week contributed to lay the foundation for a successful festival. Also, the presence of the IOC inspectors contributed to Yongpyong showing itself from its best side, and may we hope for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games.

First on the program Saturday morning were the alpine races for girls and boys, women and men of all ages. The finishing line of the fairly challenging slope was filled with a cheering crowd. The skiing was followed shortly by the open age snowboard race, which this year included participants of a very young age. The Ski Patrol coordinated the event and was prepared with first aid equipment in case of injury. The Nordic Ski competition transpired at the Alpensia Stadium in the afternoon. Participants raced 5 kilometers around the stadium in the afternoon sun.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the banquet and award ceremony. As Tønseth put it, “I have never seen so many joyful faces.” With gold, silver and bronze medals in 16 categories there was something to be won for everyone. It was a sight to behold when the country camps proudly cheered their winners onto the podium. Congratulations to Germany for running off with the most medals in the alpine competitions, with France following close. Not surprisingly Norway dominated the podium when the Nordic ski medals were distributed. With prizes ranging from toys for the kids to new pairs of skis for the adults, winning was about more than just pride and honor, although it’s all just for fun.

The infamous table decoration contest contributed to setting the scene for the evening. Enthusiasts from all countries poured their hearts into having the fanciest décor transforming the Nun-Maul Hall into a motley display of color. This year, the Norwegian styrofoam sculpture with trolls and pine tree branches won the competition. With ecstatic children filling the stage at all times it seemed people of all ages were enjoying themselves. Following the dinner and medal ceremony, the DJ took the stage and played a range of music well into the night.

The festival started out almost 30 years ago as an idea of accommodating and assembling foreigners during the winter. Since then, the event has grown bigger every year, and has now developed into the presumably biggest gathering of expats in Korea.

This year’s festival was just a light warm-up for next year’s 30th anniversary which will be even bigger and better, if that is possible.

Linn Helen Kornerud and Magnus B. Huus-Hansen are interns at the Norwegian Embassy in Seoul.