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콜로라도 사람 (Korean)

‘One who Embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure’

콜로라도 사람 (Korean)

'One who Embodies the Colorado Spirit of Outdoor Adventure'

Welcome to Colorado Saram, the travel blog of John Buckley, a Colorado native and lifelong traveler. Born and raised in the ski resort town of Vail, I worked in resort PR before catching the travel bug, which led to a ski season in New Zealand and a year-long, solo, round-the-world adventure.

That year abroad changed the course of my life, eventually making South Korea feel like a second home. Despite years of international travel, I’ve always kept my Colorado roots close to my heart.

My goal is to use my passion for international outdoor adventure to serve as your guide to:

Colorado-Inspired Travel Adventures in Asia & Beyond

Fresh Tracks

BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

Yongpyong Resort: A Guide to South Korea’s Premier Ski and Snowboard Destination

Discover the Olympic-quality slopes of South Korea’s Yongpyong Resort in this in-depth guide.

Whether you’re a beginner, an advanced skier, or a snowboarder, find out which of the resort’s four distinct zones suits your style. Learn about ski lessons with English-speaking instructors, trail maps, dining options, and more.

Let me help you plan your next winter adventure in South Korea!

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A skier stands outside of Dragon Castle at the top of Mona Yongpyong Resort in South Korea, with the Olympic rings in the background.
BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

High 1 Resort: A Complete Guide to Skiing and Year-Round Outdoor Activities

Planning a ski trip to South Korea? Look no further than High 1 Resort, one of the top destinations for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

This guide covers everything from accommodations and ski trails to gear rentals and dining options. Discover the resort’s dog-friendly ‘Pet Club’ Hill Condo, lift ticket prices, as well as summer trekking activities.

I’ll share personal tips and insider info to help you make the most of your High 1 Resort adventure, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer.

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Man standing at the top of the Hera Lift (Mountain Top) at High 1 Resort, South Korea, under the lights for night skiing.
BoardsFeaturedSki & Snowboard South KoreaSouth Korea Life & Travel

A Complete Guide to Muju Deogyusan Resort: a Hidden Gem in South Korea

Muju Deogyusan Resort is a hidden gem resort destination in South Korea’s Jeollabuk-Do province. Compared to the popular resorts in Gangwon-Do, Muju’s distance from Seoul makes it a more quaint alternative ski destination. This laid-back resort caters to all skill levels and offers diverse accommodation options. Check out this guide and review with terrain highlights, and practical tips for visitors.

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A woman in a bright pink ski suit and a white helmet with a shiny blue visor is skiing down a beginner slope at Muju Deogyusan Resort.
GearBoardsFeatured

Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 Ski Boot Review for Advanced Skiers

A seasoned, former racer reviews the Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots. As a high-performance, low-volume option geared towards expert skiers, they offer heat-moldable customization, a stiff flex rating of 130 for control, and GripWalk soles for versatile terrain navigation. Priced at $799.95, the Salomon S/Pro Alpha 130 ski boots represent a sound investment in skiing performance and comfort for serious skiers.

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Salomon S/Pro Alpha Flex 130 ski boots in blue and white, a high-performance alpine ski boot designed for expert skiers.
FeaturedGearVietnam

Untethering from WiFi in Vietnam: A Traveler’s Guide to Airalo eSIM Cards (2024)

For a two-week trip to Vietnam in summer 2024, I decided to purchase my first eSIM card.

Prior to this experience, I knew very little about what eSIMs were, how to buy and activate one, and what to expect once I set foot abroad and attempted to put my phone to use without the need to connect to wobbly airport WiFi.

The following is a guide to the setup process and everything I learned along the way.

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Traveler using Airalo eSIM to access internet on their phone while exploring Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Alcohol-Free Life & TravelFeatured

Embracing Sobriety: Reflections on My First Year Completely Alcohol-Free

As I celebrate my first full year without alcohol, I look back on the journey and reflect on all the positive changes its absence has brought to my life.

Without minimizing its power, the hold alcohol had on my life feels released. I have no desire to go back to it.

Although it may always be lurking over my shoulder, I rarely even think about it anymore.

I don’t hold any grudges towards it; it gave me some of the best memories of my life. However, it became unsustainable.

They say the opposite of love isn’t hate; it’s indifference. And that’s where I choose to place alcohol for as long as I can.

I just don’t need it anymore.

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At the top of Sky Ranch in Gangwon Province, South Korea
FeaturedSouth Korea Life & Travel

Drive in South Korea: A Complete Foreigner’s Guide

South Korea has a remarkably affordable and well-run public transportation network, making it relatively easy to get around without a car, especially in the major cities.

However, whether you are traveling in South Korea for a short time or living there long-term, having the ability to drive a car can make traveling around the country much easier.

It opens up difficult-to-access parts of the country and allows you to explore much deeper and get off-the-beaten-path.

Read More

The author loads his dog into the car on a ski trip in Gangwon Province, South Korea.

What’s a Colorado Saram?

What's a Colorado Saram?

What's a Colorado Saram?

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

“Like you’d say to somebody; You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us.”

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you’re from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Whether you live in Colorado, have visited on vacation, or have never even heard of it, if you seek to explore the natural world, then you are a Colorado Saram.

Translation: a Colorado person

Think of it like the movie Goodfellas: You ski, you hike, and you like to travel to interesting places. You seek outdoor adventures. Maybe you even have a dog.

In the words of Henry Hill:

"Like you’d say to somebody; You’re gonna like this person. They’re all right. They’re one of us."

They’re a Colorado Saram.

My goal is to embrace the adventurous spirit that defines us, but also to inspire exploration beyond our borders—whether you're from Colorado or anywhere else in the world.

Befriended by Myanmar Monks

Getting Off the Beaten Path

Yangon Township, Myanmar

Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal

Heading into the Himalayas

Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Teaching the family trade to my new wife in Korea

Skiing Across Borders

Hokkaido, Japan

Teaching the family trade to my new wife in Korea

Dog-Friendly Travel

Jeju Island, South Korea

Trail Map

Content Categories

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Boards

Explore My Top International Skiing & Snowboarding Content

Join me on the slopes!

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Ski South Korea

Discover the Best Ski Resort Guides in South Korea!

The author of Colorado Saram skis at Silverton, Colorado.

Beaches

International Beach Adventures

Join me on distant beaches!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

Boots

Explore International Hiking & Trekking Adventures

Lace up your boots and hit the trails with me!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

Paws

Dog-Friendly Travel in South Korea

Explore dog-friendly destinations and adventures with us!

Dog Friendly Stand Up Paddling in Jeju Island.

South Korea

Experience the Best of South Korea

Explore the great outdoors in this mountainous country surrounded by stunning beaches!