Construction at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s first “world-class” ski resort, the Masik Pass Skiing Grounds, has been delayed by torrential rains this summer and the to the North Koreans.
on the ski area in one week, causing mudslides and flooding. The clear-cutting of trees for ski runs exacerbated the effects, blocking ditches and damaging portions of the resort.
The Swiss government banned the export of chairlifts to North Korea, after the government attempted to buy a $7.57 million chairlift system. “The Federal Council decided on July 3 to also put infrastructure for sports facilities on the list, especially when they have a more luxury character for resorts,” Ms. Avet of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs told . “These resorts have a luxury character, that is why it is not appropriate to export.”