Skiing in China: Chongli Cluster

Christoph Mueller | Jan 8, 2013 2:00 pm | Add a comment | 9633 reads

If you plan to spend some quality time skiing in China, here are China’s top ski resorts, which have been chosen and tested by a professional Swiss ski instructor.

Chongli is located around 60km west of Zhangjiakou in Hebei province. It can be reached from Beijing by car in 3-4 hours. The area is trying to establish itself as the “Davos of China” and hotels are multiplying rapidly. The comfort level ranges from cheap family hostels starting at RMB 180 per night to 2- to 3-star (around RMB 280-380) to 4-star (from RMB 680) and even a 5-star hotel. Three quality resorts are located just 15-20 minutes from Chongli.

WANLONG
The stalwart of skiing in the Greater Beijing area. Mostly intermediate slopes and a vertical drop of 400 meters. Due to the northern exposure, it’s mostly fresh with not too much sun in early winter, but the artificial slope quality is fantastic and the slopes are wide. There are a total of 22 trails, a cabin at the top of the mountain for skiers to relax, buy drinks and food. New Salomon ski and snowboard gear is available for rent. The chairlifts are somewhat slow, but queues are rare and the slopes are mostly empty. There are very few options for beginners, though.
Local hospitality: The Shuanglong Hotel next to the slopes offers rooms from RMB 1,000 per night for a double or RMB 1,500 for a family suite with two separate sleeping rooms and “Korean-style” bedding. Weekend stays need to be booked well in advance (we recommend four weeks prior).
Perfect for: Intermediate and advanced skiers, families with kids, and groups with skiing skills
Prices: Day pass: RMB 530, RMB 790 (includes equipment rental). Jan 1-3 & Feb 10-16: Day pass: RMB 610, RMB 980 (includes equipment rental).
Season: Nov 8, 2012- Mar 2013 (TBD)
Hours: 8.30am-4.30pm
Contact: www.wlski.com

DUOLEMEIDI
It’s the smallest of the Chongli fields but backing from Leitner cable cars and Italy’s Dolomiti ski resort allows them to offer a top-notch 6-passenger chairlift as well as skiing lessons from coaches who used to work with the Italian national team. Duolemeidi boasts ten slopes with a total of 8km and a perfect beginner’s area with a long magic carpet on a flat slope.
Local hospitality: There’s no hotel next to the slope, so you’ll have to overnight it in Chongli, which is around 20 minutes drive from the slopes. Travelers have recommended the Rongchen International Holiday Hotel and Chongli Ya Long Wan Holiday Village, while the best-reviewed budget option in the area is the I Snow (Aixue) International Hotel.
Perfect for: Beginner and intermediate skiers, Italophiles
Prices: Day pass: RMB 248 (Mon-Fri), RMB 280 (Sat-Sun), RMB 450 (holidays). Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 448 (Mon-Fri), RMB 500 (Sat-Sun), RMB 730 (holidays). Snowboard equipment rental starts at RMB 200/day. Damage deposit: RMB 600.
Season: Nov 24, 2012-Mar 2013 (TBD)
Hours: 9am-4.30pm (Mon-Fri), 8.30am-5pm (Sat-Sun, holidays)
Contact: (400 080 1810) www.duolemeidiski.com

GENTING SECRET GARDEN
Slopes rated from beginner to expert with a maximum drop of 345m and maximum angle of 24 degrees. It is located directly south of Wanlong; though skiers can practically commute on skis between both resorts, be aware that tickets and passes need to be purchased separately. This year marks the Genting Secret Garden’s expansion to 35 ski trails, with coverage exceeding 800,000sqm, serviced by high-speed chairlifts and cable links.
Local hospitality: Rack rates for the 5-star Genting Hotel start at RMB 3,666/night.
Perfect for: Intermediate and advanced skiers, luxury hounds
Prices: Day pass (does not include equipment rental): RMB 338 (Mon-Fri), RMB 430 (Sat-Sun), RMB 638 (holidays). Equipment rental: RMB 218 (Mon-Fri), RMB 280 (Sat-Sun), RMB 420 (holidays).
Season: Nov 2012-Mar 2013 (TBD)
Hours: 8am-4pm
Contact: (400 1681 234) www.secretgardenresorts.com