Ski season is here! Check out this complete guide to skiing in Beijing to help you have a great time skiing!
Preface
With the successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics and the main venues confirmed as Beijing and Zhangjiakou, more ice and snow sports have entered people's lives, and skiing is the most popular, easiest to get started, and most popular ice and snow sport.
According to the "Ice and Snow Blue Book: China Ski Industry Development Report (2018)" released at the just-concluded Second China International Ice and Snow Industry Conference, China has become the world's largest market for beginner skiers, with Beijing being the nation's "most ski-loving city." Emerging ski markets, led by China, have enormous potential for development. The Blue Book notes that China has become the world's largest market for beginner skiers. The latest data from 2017 shows that Beijing, with its numerous nearby ski resorts and developed economy, maintains its leading position as the nation's primary source of ski tourism.
Living in Beijing, known as China's "most beloved ski city," what ski resorts are nearby? How do you choose ski gear? What are some simple ways to get started with skiing? This inventory will tell you everything!
Recommended ski resorts near Beijing
Don’t hibernate at home on winter weekends. You can have fun in these ski resorts around Beijing over the weekend.
Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort
Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort is located in Miyun County, northeast of Beijing's capital, approximately 3 kilometers due south of the county seat and 62 kilometers from Wanghe Bridge in Beijing. The Miyun section of the Beijing-Chengde Expressway officially opened to traffic in September 2006, making it the only large-scale ski resort in Beijing's suburbs that can be reached in 30 minutes.
Spanning over 4,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres), this ski resort is the only one in Beijing and North China to offer a comprehensive range of leisure activities, including skiing, chutes, and paragliding. Located on the northern slopes of Nanshan Mountain in Miyun County, the resort boasts excellent snow quality, magnificent scenery, and a pleasant climate. The resort's main attraction is leisure skiing, supplemented by snow play and snow viewing, offering a combination of both active and quiet activities suitable for all ages.
Tips:
Address: 5 kilometers south of Miyun County, Beijing
1. Self-driving route:
Route 1 (35 minutes): Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Exit 16 Miyun City (after exiting the expressway, go straight and drive under the winding bridge. Turn right at the Ningcun New Bridge. Follow the signs along Zuodi Road and you will arrive in 5 minutes) - Nanshan Ski Resort
Route 2 (60 minutes): Airport Expressway - Airport South Line - Beijing-Pingzhou Expressway - Muyan Road Exit - Turn left at the exit - Muyan Road - Henanzhai Intersection - Turn right (signposted) - Nanshan Ski Resort
2. Nanshan opens a direct ski bus service:
Buses depart at 8:30 AM from three stations. Reservations can be made by calling 010-89091909 one day in advance. There are three boarding points: Sanyuanqiao, Wudaokou, and Shaoyaoju. Buses depart daily, all on the expressway, and cost 45 yuan round-trip. During the official operating period, a special round-trip fare of 25 yuan is offered on Mondays and Tuesdays (excluding holidays).
3. Public transportation:
From Dongzhimen Long-distance Bus Station, take the "Dongmi Special Line" 980 air-conditioned express bus (this bus runs on the Beijing-Chengde Expressway and arrives in Miyun in 50 minutes) and get off at Taiyangjiayuan (there is a bus every 5 minutes). Then take a taxi (25 yuan/car) to Shengshuitou Village Nanshan Ski Resort.
Huaibei Ski Resort
Beijing's oldest international ski resort, Huaibei International Ski Resort boasts stunning scenery, abundant surface water, and dry air, all surrounded by the Great Wall. Its unique small basin climate creates optimal snowmaking conditions, earning it the reputation of being Beijing's most scenic ski resort. In addition to skiing, the resort also offers a variety of recreational activities, including snow tubing, snowmobiling, snow archery, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and ice climbing. The snow tubing and snowmobiling trails have also been renovated.
Features of Huaibei International Ski Resort: The Ming Dynasty Great Wall runs along the mountain in the ski resort and is connected to the famous Mutianyu Great Wall. The unique Jiabianlou Beacon Tower is a unique landscape in the Great Wall.
Tips:
Address: No. 548, Hefangkou Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District (north of Huairou District)
1. Public transportation:
Take bus No. 936 from Dongzhimen to Huaibei Ski Resort
From Dongzhimen Hub, take bus No. 916 (express) and get off at Yangjiayuan. Then, transfer to bus No. 864 across the street and get off at Hefangkou.
From Huairou Yujiayuan, take bus H11 and get off at Jiugukou.
2. Self-driving route:
Route 1: From the city, take the Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Huairou Exit (No. 14) - after paying the toll, go straight onto the Beijing-Miyun Expressway, Jingjia Road, and Yanqi Lake Exit - pass Yanqi Lake (go straight for 5 kilometers) - Huaibei International Ski Resort.
Route 2: Take Jingshun Road from Dongzhimen - Kuliushu Roundabout (towards Huairou) - Kaifang Road Roundabout, take the Fengning Exit - pass Yanqi Lake (go straight for 5 km) - Huaibei Ski Resort
Yunfoshan Ski Resort
Yunfoshan Ski Resort currently has one advanced ski run of 1,000 meters in length according to international standards, three intermediate ski runs of 300 to 700 meters in length, four beginner ski runs of 100 to 300 meters in length, a 600-meter snowmobile run, and a 1.5-kilometer cross-country fitness ski run jointly developed with foreign partners.
To satisfy ski enthusiasts, the resort offers a variety of recreational activities, including snowmobiles, ice sleds, snow tubing, and snow sculptures. With over 3,500 sets of snow sports equipment, 500 sets of snow tubing, six snowmobiles, and over 200 sets of new ski equipment, plus dog sledding, you'll be spoilt for choice and experience the novelty and excitement of snow sports.
Tips:
Address: Yunfoshan Ski Resort, Xiwengzhuang Town, Miyun County
1. Self-driving route:
Route 1: Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Exit 16 - Go straight north - Miguan Road - Yunfoshan Ski Resort (45 minutes)
Route 2: Airport Expressway North Line - Beijing-Chengde Expressway - Exit 16 - Go straight north - Miguan Road - Yunfoshan Ski Resort (45 minutes)
Route 3: Sanyuan Bridge - Jingmi Road - National Highway 101 - Open Roundabout - Miyun West Bridge - Turn left after crossing the bridge - Go straight north - Yunfoshan Ski Resort (70 minutes)
2. Bus routes:
Dongzhimen Long-distance Bus Station—Bus No. 987—Yunfoshan Ski Resort (120 minutes)
Dongzhimen Long-Distance Bus Station ---- Bus No. 980 (Beijing-Chengde Expressway) ---- Miyun Grand Theater ---- Bus No. 8 ---- Yunfoshan Ski Resort (70 minutes)
Shijinglong Ski Resort
Beijing Shijinglong Ski Resort is the first and largest ski resort in the Beijing area, boasting comprehensive facilities and the first in China to utilize artificial snow. To cater to snowboarders, the resort also features a snowboarding entertainment area, where you can enjoy the thrill of snowboarding alongside the world.
Most notably, Shi Jinglong has absorbed the essence of international ski resorts and launched a snow sauna and hot spring bath in 2002. This is a unique experience among domestic ski resorts. Under the bright winter sun, skiing through the vast and magnificent snowy expanse, whizzing down the snow-covered mountains at lightning speed, and then soaking in the snow-covered hot spring pool in a swimsuit is a feeling that cannot be expressed in words.
Tips:
Address: Zhongyangfang Village, Zhangshanying Town, Yanqing County
1. Bus routes:
Take the No. 919 air-conditioned express bus from Beijing Deshengmen to Yanqing Bus Station, transfer to No. 920 bus to the Ski Resort Station, and walk 500 meters east to the destination.
2. Self-driving route:
Drive from Madian Bridge along the Badaling Expressway to Yanqing County, then take the Longqingxia section of National Highway 110 to Huangbai Temple, and then go west for one kilometer to arrive. You can also take National Highway 110 directly from the Changping Roundabout.
Zhangjiakou Chongli Skiing
In 2022, the Winter Olympic Games will be jointly hosted by Beijing and Zhangjiakou. Compared with Beijing's fame, Chongli only began to enter the public eye until the Winter Olympics.
Chongli, named after the Confucian ideal of "respecting propriety and righteousness," is often associated with summer resorts and scenic grasslands. However, winter brings a bustling atmosphere, with the passion of skiers igniting this once quiet winter town. Its high altitude, steep slopes, and unique climate and mountain resources make it a prime skiing destination.
The white area on the map is Chongli, located in northwestern Hebei Province, nestled against the Inner Mongolian grasslands to the north and bordering Zhangjiakou's central urban area to the south. Chongli boasts an average annual temperature of only 3.3°C. Snow begins in late October and continues into early April, with a skiing season lasting over 150 days. The average annual snowfall reaches over one meter. The ecological environment here is exceptional, with mountains and rivers, winding pristine birch and pine forests, and endless natural grassy slopes. Summers are awash in lush greenery, with picturesque waters and verdant mountains; winters offer a vast expanse of snow, creating a dreamlike experience.
Thaiwoo Ski Resort Town
Official website: http://www.thaiwoo.com/
This North American-style resort town, located in Chongli County, Zhangjiakou, is known to skiers as Taiwu Ski Resort. It boasts a beautiful setting, recreating the commercial streets of a European town. The resort boasts a balanced layout and is constantly expanding, offering a wide range of activities, including dining, accommodation, ski equipment, and instruction. Transportation is very convenient, making it a perfect choice for family vacations.
Tips:
Taiwu boasts internationally certified tracks for the men's and women's Super-G, men's and women's Giant Slalom, and men's and women's Slalom competitions. With a peak elevation of 2,160 meters and a vertical drop of 510 meters, it currently offers 28 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, with a 3:4:3 ratio of beginner, intermediate, and advanced to each other, covering a total length of 20 kilometers and approximately 72 hectares of snowmaking. The resort is serviced by four high-speed cable cars and 11 magic carpets. The ratio of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails is 3:4:3, resulting in a well-balanced distribution of difficulty. The variety of trails is limited, with advanced trails generally medium to narrow in width. There are no wide, medium-slope trails, and only one extra-wide intermediate trail. The beginner and intermediate trails are the most numerous of the three resorts and are well-segregated. There is currently little open snow or forest, and a large, independent park area is available.
Comfort: All gondolas and chairlifts are windproof and heated, and the changing rooms and dining area are also comfortable. There are plenty of reception counters. However, the winds at the top of the mountain can be strong, and the cable cars have been slowed or even stopped due to strong winds on several occasions. There is an outdoor self-service board storage area in the plaza, and overnight board storage is indoors.
Price: Bring your own board, 492/580 all day weekend, 25% off online, 75% weekday price, free for children under 12. Pricing is slightly higher.
Dining: The restaurant is small, but offers a variety of freshly baked breads, pastries, noodles, rice bowls, and stir-fries. Taiwu's steaks are excellent, with prices ranging from NT$85 for fillet to NT$110 for Xiling. Dining costs range from NT$50 to NT$150 per person. There are restaurants at the summit and along the mountainside.
Accommodation: The existing four-star Element Hotel, four-star Thaiwoo Hotel, Hot Spring Suite Hotel and Eagle Nest Youth Hotel will have a total of more than 1,000 guest rooms.
Positioning: Beginners and intermediates, technology enthusiasts, parents and children, board developers and collectors.
Great Wall Ridge Ski Resort
Official website: http://www.cclski.cn/
Located within the provincial-level Peace Forest Park in Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, just 2 kilometers from the ruins of the Ming Great Wall, this high-altitude training base for athletes, situated far from the hustle and bustle of the city, covers 15.3 square kilometers and lies at an altitude of 1,800-2,100 meters. It boasts heavy snowfall (over one meter of snow), a long snowy season (up to 150 days), low winds, fine snow quality, a terrain with moderately steep slopes, and abundant groundwater resources.
Tips:
Ski Trails: The highest point is 2,100 meters above sea level. Four slopes, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced, are open, serviced by two cable cars and a magic carpet. Run 1 is 300 meters long with an average slope of 6 degrees; Run 2 is 1,000 meters long with an average slope of 14 degrees; Run 3 is 750 meters long with an average slope of 13 degrees; and Run 4 is 1,600 meters long with an average slope of 20 degrees. The beginner and intermediate runs are short and narrow, making them somewhat crowded, while the advanced runs are wide and long. The cable car path and the forest path offer a pleasant slope, making them a fun and enjoyable experience. The excellent snow quality is primarily due to the resort's location in a valley and the presence of tall trees.
Comfort: The cable car has open-air seats. When it is windy, the ski slope is not too big, but the cable car is a bit cold. Of course, the comfort is a plus point, that is, you can go back to the hotel to sleep at noon, because the distance is not far.
Price: The full-day price including ski equipment on weekdays/weekends/holidays is 180/210/398. There is a 20% discount if you bring your own ski equipment, and less than 40% discount on Taobao tickets, which is very affordable. You don’t have to go to the county town to rent skis.
Dining: The lunch buffet on the second floor is 45 yuan per person. The food stalls on the first floor are quite varied and cost around 30-50 yuan per person. You can also order food on the second floor. There's a coffee bar in the hotel, and a cabin is being built on the top of the mountain.
Accommodation: The three-star apartments can accommodate over 300 people at a time, and the small conference room can accommodate 50-100 people and is equipped with professional audio and projection equipment. The luxurious multi-functional hall can accommodate 300 people and is equipped with professional audio and projection equipment. It can be used for large-scale conferences and training sessions, and can also be used as a dance hall and is equipped with a KTV system.
Positioning: Technology enthusiast, average income.
Dolomiti Ski Resort
Official website: http://www1.duolemeidi.com.cn/
Duolemei Ski Resort is located in Xiqueliang, Sitaizui Township, Chongli County, 226 kilometers away from Beijing and 18 kilometers away from the county seat. It is surrounded by 9 mountains over 2,000 meters high. The terrain spans from 150 meters to 2,174 meters above sea level. The snow area exceeds 300,000 square meters, with natural snow accumulation of more than 1.5 meters thick and a snow storage time of up to 150 days, forming a rare natural snow vein. It has built a variety of ski entertainment areas such as fashionable ski parks, forest trails and children's playgrounds. It is one of the national ski training bases.
Tips:
Snow trails: There are 10 snow trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, and wild ski trails, equipped with a high-speed 6-person cable car, 2 magic carpets, 2 special tow ropes, a snowboard park, a forest park and a children's entertainment area, which can meet the needs of different ski enthusiasts.
Comfort: The cable car is a chairlift with a windshield. The slopes face north and the snow quality is good.
Price: Weekday/weekend prices (excluding skis and snowboard equipment) are NT$280/NT$398, which is less than 30% off on Taobao, making it quite affordable. Children under 1.2 meters are half price. Women are free on Wednesdays; all you need is a NT$20 insurance policy.
Dining: Filling up is easy with noodle bowls, rice bowls, and pizzas on the second floor of the ski equipment hall, priced between 40 and 100 yuan per person. Edelweiss Western Restaurant offers a variety of Chinese and Western cuisine, especially authentic Italian pizza with Italian cheese and bacon. The Magpie House Mountaintop Restaurant and Bar, a stop atop the snowy mountain, offers a coffee overlooking the ski slopes.
Accommodation: Birch Hotel, a four-star hotel-style apartment with Tuscan style, is built on the mountainside and blends in with the snow-capped mountains, showing a tranquil and classical atmosphere. It has a total of 105 rooms.
Comments: Duole is affordable, has a wide selection of slopes, and offers excellent value. However, most slopes are a bit slanted, which many find awkward. Wednesdays are a unique feature for women, as they offer free admission.
Fulong Ski Resort
Official website: http://www.seasonstown.com/
Fulong Ski Resort is located on the east side of Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, bordering the Zhangcheng Expressway to the west and Wanlong Road to the north. Just a five-minute walk from the city center, it is the closest ski resort to Chongli County, seamlessly connecting the resort to the city. Fulong Ski Resort is the first ski resort in Chongli to offer nighttime access and seamlessly connect residential areas with the slopes, offering true ski-in, ski-out access. It is also China's first large-scale urban leisure ski resort focused primarily on families and children.
Tips:
Trails: The snow quality is generally firm, similar to that of Taiwu. As of 2016, 25 beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails were open. Eight magic carpets (two of which are enclosed), six high-speed cable cars, one of which is a 3.6-kilometer-long "City Skybus" that runs directly from the city center to the resort, are available. A total of 37 trails are planned, with the number expected to reach around 40 to 50 in the future. The trails are well-groomed, with the red-labeled sections rated for advanced difficulty but rather short. The summit and steep slopes are narrow, while the long beginner slopes below are quite spacious. The beginner area is well-segregated, with two trails barely sufficient. The terrain park is large, with well-maintained terrain and a relatively centralized location. There is currently no backcountry skiing.
Comfort: The L1 cable car consists of a chairlift and gondola, with the chairlift equipped with a windshield. The L2 cable car is just a chairlift, without a windshield. The slopes face north. The equipment hall is very spacious, especially the changing area, which is the most comfortable of all the ski resorts in Chongli. The temperature is also perfectly adjusted, unlike other resorts where you'll sweat just wearing ski boots.
Price: A bit pricey. A full-day weekend ride costs 579 yuan with your own board. Currently, there's a 15% discount online (same price on Taobao and WeChat). Children under 1.5 meters are half price. A 20 yuan insurance policy is required.
Catering: The town has an ecological restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a French restaurant, and a revolving restaurant, offering multiple choices. Only electronic and cash payments are accepted.
Accommodation: The town has 7 different types of hotels with the InterContinental Hotel as its core, including children's hotels, theme hotels, Mediterranean serviced apartments, etc., and provides rich supporting facilities such as gyms, business centers, swimming pools, etc.
Positioning: Beginner and intermediate, technical practice, parent-child
Self-driving Chongli route
It is 260 kilometers away from Beijing, less than a three-hour drive. After the new section of Xingyan Expressway is completed in the future, it will only take one hour to drive from Beijing to Chongli. After the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-speed Railway is opened to traffic, it will only take 50 minutes to take the high-speed rail from Beijing North Station to the entrance of Taiwu Town.
Friends who drive from Beijing need to drive to the Qinghe toll station on the G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway, follow the signs (162 kilometers on the G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway and 57.4 kilometers on the Zhangcheng Expressway), and exit the expressway from Chongli South to reach Chongli County. The total distance is 221.1 kilometers, the toll is 90 yuan, and there are 6 service areas along the way.
From the county seat to the major ski resorts:
County seat - Wanlong Ski Resort 11.8 km
County seat - Yunding Ski Resort 23.7 km County seat
- Taiwu Ski Resort 23 km County seat
- Fulong Ski Resort 2.9 km County seat
- Duolemeidi Ski Resort 22 km
County seat - Changchengling Ski Resort 18.3 km
County seat - Cuiyunshan Yinhe Ski Resort 5 km
ski equipment
A complete set of equipment is essential for you to go to the ski resort.
Snowboard
There are two types of skis: single and double. Simply put, the difference is whether you have one or two skis. For beginners, double skis are recommended. Also, choose short, not long. A board that's 10 to 15 centimeters shorter than your height is fine.
ski poles
Stand with your ski poles in hand, with your forearms perpendicular to your body and your arms in an "L" shape for best results.
ski boots
Make sure the boots fit tightly and don't allow your feet to move around inside the boots. Also, check if there are any foreign objects inside the shoes and whether they are dry.
ski goggles
It is recommended to wear resin glasses with frames as much as possible, and the lens colors are preferably yellow or brown. Skiers with myopia who wear glasses should choose OTG model snow goggles. Wearing contact lenses is not recommended.
helmet
Choose a professional ski helmet that is neither too tight nor too loose when worn.
clothing
Wear a waterproof underwear layer, or you'll be uncomfortable after sweating. Wear a fleece layer over your underwear for warmth. The outer layer should be breathable and waterproof. The color should stand out against the snow, preferably brightly colored. And don't, don't, absolutely don't, wear jeans!
face towel
Winter weather is generally dry and windy, so a face towel can effectively protect your facial skin. At the same time, you can also bring some skin care products to prevent sunburn and dry skin.
gloves, socks
Gloves should be waterproof, breathable and non-slip, socks should be warm and snowproof, and longer wool socks are best.
Skiing skills
Skiing is exciting, enjoyable, healthy and cool... However, you can't just ski whenever you want. You need to be fully prepared.
It's hard not to fall when you first start skiing. There are techniques to reduce falls and tips to mitigate secondary injuries, but there's no single way to completely avoid them. Embrace a learning mindset, approach falls rationally and calmly, and ski boldly, experiencing countless falls and getting back up. Persevere, and you'll fall in love with skiing. So, this time, I'll show you how to fall properly.
Falling also requires skills
You must know how to fall when skiing. From novice to expert, falling is inevitable. Learning the correct falling posture can help you avoid injuries as much as possible:
1. Sit down to the left or right rear;
2. Never sit backwards, as your buttocks will not be able to touch the ground.
3. Place your hands on both sides, avoid being pressed by your hips;
4. After your buttocks touch the ground, the steel edge of the snowboard will also scrape the snow, causing resistance and stopping the snowboard from sliding.
Stand up where you fell
Standing up on your own after falling:
1. Hips on top, skis on the bottom;
2. The skis come together and merge at a 90-degree angle to the slope;
3. Use your hands to support your hips and body, squat on the snowboard and stand up;
4. You can also place the snowballs behind you and use them to support yourself.
How to turn around while gliding for beginners:
1. When you are a beginner, use the figure eight braking method to slow down to a certain speed;
2. If you want to turn left, shift your weight toward your right foot and keep the board parallel to the snow.
3. At this time, you can open your arms to feel the gravity and direction.
Skiing Tips
Be fully prepared
You should have all the necessary equipment for skiing. If you don't ski regularly, you can rent some instead of buying it. Also, bring skincare products, a bottle of hot water, some dry food, and medication.
Familiarity with the ski resort environment
Be familiar with the specific area layout of the ski resort where you ski to avoid being caught off guard when an accident occurs.
Be accompanied by a reliable instructor or a skiing buddy
In order to better avoid sports injuries, beginners are advised to find a more skilled coach or companion to guide them, and then skate alone after mastering the essentials.
Keep a safe distance
When skiing, you should keep a certain distance from the skiers around you and do not chase your companions. When you or the people around you cannot stop, you can also take emergency measures within this safe distance to avoid collision or sports injuries.
Slow stop
When skiing, you cannot stop at the bottom of a steep slope. You should stop at the side of a gentler snow track and pay attention to skiers sliding down from above.
Anti-slip
When walking on ice, your knees should be slightly bent and your body's center of gravity should lean forward to avoid falling.
Avoid dangerous actions
As a beginner, remember not to do difficult movements (jumping, etc.) or movements that may hinder others from sliding. Do not place sharp objects such as nail clippers and knives, or fragile glass bottles in your pockets or around your waist to prevent falls and injuries.
Wait patiently
During peak ski season, you'll likely have to wait in line for everything from buying a ski pass to picking up your gear and waiting for the lift. Avoid cutting in line or complaining loudly. Sometimes, waiting in an orderly and quiet manner is the best way to shorten your wait. Also, remember to maintain a clean environment.
Abnormality Check
If you are unclear about the situation ahead or feel something is wrong with your ski equipment while skiing, you should check it in time and never take it lightly.
Injury Assistance
If you find someone injured, do not move them at will. The most sensible way to provide assistance is to report it to the ski resort management immediately.
Conclusion
This concludes our guide. While there are still many ski resorts we haven't covered, this introduction is sufficient for some ski enthusiasts. We hope this guide will be helpful for those just getting started. Of course, this guide is only a supplementary reference; further skiing techniques require more practice and exploration. We hope everyone enjoys skiing safely.
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