Skiing in China: Greater Beijing

Christoph Mueller | Jan 7, 2013 2:00 pm | Add a comment | 3136 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.

Most ski slopes near the city would be considered bunny hills in Europe and won’t challenge experienced skiers, but nevertheless offer a great deal of fun to escape the city smog of Beijing. Of the 14 ski hills within an hour-and-a-half drive from Beijing, the following are the best.

JUNDUSHAN
The highest vertical drop and the most challenging slope around Beijing. Due to its southern slope, it gets a lot of sun. The main slope is the only “black” (expert) slope in the vicinity of Beijing. The other trails are for beginners, with few runs to suit intermediate skiers. Jundushan is well-lit for those who prefer to ski under the stars, with night skiing from 5-10 pm on weekends.
Perfect for: Advanced and expert skiers
Getting there: 45 minutes north of Beijing along the Badaling Expressway
Prices: Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 145 (Mon-Fri), RMB 225 (Sat-Sun), RMB 290 (holidays). Damage deposit: RMB 30.
Season: Dec 5, 2012-Mar 2013 (TBD)
Hours: 8.30am-5pm
Contact: (5128 6080, 5126 9703) www.beijingski.com/intro/jds.htm

YUYANG
One of the latest additions. A wide area for beginners and a decent slope for intermediate and advanced skiers. Great views from the summit and the Green Ecology Restaurant, a 15,000sqm venue with a vast menu and an arboretum theme.
Perfect for: Beginner to advanced skiers, families who appreciate a decent meal
Getting there: 45 minutes east of Beijing on the Jingping Expressway
Prices: Entry ticket: RMB 20. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 240 (Mon-Fri), RMB 340 (Sat-Sun), RMB 380 (holidays). 40% off if skiers bring their own equipment. Damage deposit: RMB 300.
Season: Dec 1, 2012-Feb 28, 2013
Hours: 8.30am-5.30pm (winter), 8.30am-6pm (spring)
Contact: (8485 6362) www.yuyangski.com.cn

NANSHAN
The oldest and best-known ski resort around Beijing. Though it offers only short runs – and queues can be a nightmare – it’s indisputably the heart of the Chinese snowboard scene, the only resort with real Big Air jumps, and home to China’s first advanced moguls trail. The snowpark features a set of 2 Big Airs of around 15-25 meters, a quarter pipe, rails and boxes. It hosts the Red Bull Nanshan Open, the Ski Mogul Slope Championship and something called the “Mogul Slope Race Extremeness.”
Perfect for: Freestylers, snowboarders
Getting there: 1.15 hours from downtown along the Jingcheng Expressway. A daily shuttle bus runs from Wudaokou and Sanyuanqiao to Nanshan (8.30am) and back (5.30pm) for RMB 40/person (book one day in advance).
Prices: Entry ticket: RMB 20. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 260 (Mon-Fri), RMB 370 (Sat-Sun), RMB 390 (holidays). 30% off if skiers bring their own equipment. Damage deposit: RMB 200.
Season: Nov 24, 2012-Mar 10, 2013
Hours: 8.45am-5.30pm (winter), 8.45am-6pm (spring)
Contact: (8909 1909) www.nanshanski.com

HUAIBEI
Although not well-managed, it offers the best view. The “wild Great Wall” can be seen from the slopes, which are ideal for beginners and intermediate. There are also plenty of activities for non-skiers, including sleigh rides, archery, and snowmobiling.
Perfect for: Beginner and intermediate skiers, shutterbugs who want a photogenic stretch of Wild Wall in the background, night skiing
Getting there: 1.15 hours from downtown on the Jingcheng Expressway, then on the 111 National Road northwards.
Prices: Entry ticket: RMB 20. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 220 (Mon-Fri), RMB 360 (Sat-Sun), RMB 390 (holidays). 40% off if skiers bring their own equipment. Damage deposit: RMB 300.
Season: Nov 23, 2012-Mar 2013 (TBD)
Hours: 8.30am-5pm or 4.30-9.30pm
Contact: (8969 6677, 8486 9353/63) www.hbski.com