Changchun Skiing Guide｜A Local's Guide to Winter Fun

As an outdoor blogger with five years of travel experience, I spend at least half a month every winter at various ski resorts in Changchun. This underrated ski city holds so many surprises: professional ski resorts just 30 minutes from downtown, affordable skiing experiences for around 100 yuan, and fairytale slopes surrounded by rime ice. This comprehensive guide will unlock the best way to experience skiing in Changchun.

【In-depth Reviews of Three Ski Resorts】Choose the Right One for You

1. Jingyuetan Ski Resort (Beginner-friendly)
- Transportation: Direct access via Subway Line 3, 20 minutes by taxi from downtown
- Highlights: A natural oxygen bar within the National Forest Park, 8 beginner/intermediate slopes with gentle gradients, and a popular snow tubing area for families
- Insider Tip: After skiing in the morning, take the forest train to the Jingyuetan ice surface for ice dragon boating (tickets include skiing + scenic area access)
- My Experience: The ski equipment hall is a bit old but very well-heated. It gets crowded on weekend afternoons, so arrive early.

2. Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort (Top Choice for Advanced Skiers)
- Transportation: Driving is recommended (1 hour from downtown) or take the ski resort shuttle bus
- Key Stats: The 225-meter vertical drop of the advanced "Chasing Wind" slope, Northeast China's first intelligent anti-collision system
- Night Skiing Surprise: The illuminated slopes from 5pm to 9pm are incredibly romantic, and the mountaintop coffee shop is a perfect stargazing spot
- My Experience: The terrain park equipment is professionally maintained, and you'll often see provincial team athletes training here.

3. Lotus Hill Ski Resort (Comprehensive Resort Experience)
- Hidden Benefit: Free access to the mountaintop hot springs with your ski ticket (bring your own swimwear)
- Unique Itinerary: Skiing → Snowmobile through the forest → Ice fishing → Iron pot stew (Liujiatun firewood stove restaurant at the ski resort entrance is a must-try)
- Tip: Advanced slopes require a shuttle bus, so allow plenty of time.

【Money-Saving Tips】Enjoy a Full Day for 300 Yuan per Person
✔️Early Bird Tickets: Get 40% off on tickets from 7am to 8:30am on major platforms
✔️Equipment Rental: Beginners can choose the 98-yuan package (ski boots + skis + poles), bring your own waterproof gloves and face mask
✔️Private Lessons: 1-on-2 lessons are more cost-effective than individual lessons at 200 yuan/hour

【Photography Guide】Golden Hours for Perfect Shots
⏰9:00am-10:30am: Capture the misty atmosphere before the morning fog dissipates
⏰3:00pm-4:30pm: The setting sun paints the slopes a champagne gold
📍Recommended Spots: The birch forest in the magic carpet area of Jingyuetan Ski Resort / The bend in the middle section of Ropeway B at Miaoxiangshan

【Local Food Recommendations】Must-try Dishes After Skiing
- Yuanshengju Hot Pot (Xinmin Street Branch): Copper pot mutton hot pot with freshly fried chili oil
- Tiantian Paper-Wrapped Chicken: A 20-year-old restaurant that's a must-try after skiing
- Guilin Road Night Market: Frozen pear sashimi + iron plate snow clothes red bean paste

【Winter-only Bonus】
Every Saturday, Jingyuetan hosts an intangible cultural heritage performance of "Da Tie Hua" (iron flower striking). After the Ice and Snow World opens on December 20, you can exchange any ski resort ticket for a shuttle bus ticket.

This winter, skip the crowded popular ski resorts! Changchun offers private lessons for 40 yuan/hour, soft powder snow, and warm Northeastern hospitality, guaranteeing you'll fall in love with winter sports.