Nanshan Ski Village 南山滑雪
One of Beijing’s most popular ski areas, Nanshan is about 70km from downtown Beijing in Miyun County. The area boasts 21 ski runs, huge equipment rental and purchase facilities, a ski and snowboard school, and a terrain park by Mellowparks. Nanshan is also well-equipped on the snowmaking front, with 20 snowmaking machines, you won’t have to worry about natural snow conditions. If someone in the family isn’t big on skiing, Nanshan also offers sledding and tobogganing on a dry luge track. No one will go hungry with Western and Chinese food options. It’s also easy to stay overnight at the resort’s Shirton Inn. Avid skiers can also become part of Nanshan’s VIP skiing club for additional perks.
Daily 8.45am-5.30pm (winter), 8.45am-6pm (spring). Open from Nov 24, 2012. Entry ticket: RMB 20. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 260 (Mon-Fri), RMB 370 (Sat-Sun), RMB 390 (holidays). 30 percent off if skiers bring their own equipment. Damage deposit: RMB 200. Shengshuitou Cun, Henanzhai Zhen, Miyun County (8909 1909) www.nanshanski.com
密云县河南寨镇圣水头村
Jundushan Ski Resort 军都山滑雪场
Nestled in the scenic hot spring area of Changping District, Jundushan is a short 34km jaunt out of Beijing for those with the itch to ski or snowboard. With seven ski runs, a slalom run, and a cross-country snowmobile path, Jundushan is at a slightly lower elevation, which makes it the ideal place for beginning or intermediate skiers. For those less inclined to try out skiing, Jundushan rents out sleds, snowmobiles, and inner tubes. The nearby hot springs and nearby Russian or Mongolian-style yurts mean it’s easy to turn this trip into a ski weekend.
Daily 8.30am-5pm. Open from Dec 5, 2012. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 145 (Mon-Fri), RMB 225 (Sat-Sun), RMB 290 (holidays). Damage deposit :RMB 30. 599 Zhenshun Cun, Cuicun Zhen (5m north of Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Holiday Village), Changping District (5128 6080, 5126 9705) www.beijingski.com/intro/jds.com 昌平区崔村镇真顺村588号
Yuyang Ski Resort 渔阳滑雪
Advanced skiers will find a decent challenge at Yuyang Ski Resort, which has a long
advanced run with a panoramic view. If you’re renting equipment and getting an advanced pass, the resort may request that you pass their skill test. Located in Pinggu District 60km from the city, Yuyang has a total of 11 runs with options for beginners, though there’s less to offer for intermediate-level skiers. Those just starting out can attend the resort’s ski school, which boasts more than 50 instructors.
Daily 8.30am-5.30pm (winter), 8.30am-6pm (spring). Open from Dec 1, 2012. Entry ticket: RMB 20. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 240 (Mon-Fri), RMB 340 (Sat-Sun), RMB 380 (holidays). 40 percent off if skiers bring their own equipment. Damage deposit: RMB 300. East corner of Dawangwu Cun, Donggao Cunzhen, Pinggu District (8485 6362)
www.yuyangski.com.cn 平谷区东高村镇大旺务村东侧
Get Out of Beijing
Secret Garden Genting Resort 密苑云顶乐园滑雪场
Escape the metropolitan bustle and make for Secret Garden Genting Resort in Zhangjiakou, Hebei. The park opened more ski runs this year for a grand total of 35 runs and a beginner’s slope. Though the area gets roughly 150 days of snow per year, the park maintains snow safety with state-of-the-art imported snowmaking machines. The hotel on the premises is a five-star Alpine-style resort with an Irish pub, Cantonese food, hot pot, a buffet, and more. Little ones will especially love the candy and toy stores.
Daily 8am-4pm. Open from Nov 2012. Day pass (does not include equipment rental): RMB 338 (Mon-Fri), RMB 340 (Sat-Sun), RMB 458 (holidays). Equipment rental: RMB 218 (Mon-Fri), RMB 280 (Sat-Sun), RMB 420 (holidays). Wutong Dadao, Sandao Gou, Sitaizui Xiang, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province (400 1681 234) www.secretgardenresort.com 河北省张家口市崇礼县四台嘴乡三道沟梧桐大道云顶大酒店
Yabuli Ski Resort 亚布力滑雪旅游度假区
The first and largest destination ski resort in China, Yabuli is a great getaway that has every aspect of your vacation covered. Two hours from Harbin up in Heilongjiang Province, Yabuli has a number of lodges and resorts, including the ClubMed Yabuli Sun Mountain Lodge. There is no lack of options, and the enormous facilities and numerous ski runs means that those of all skills and ski appetites will be satisfied.
Daily 8am-4pm. Open from Nov 24, 2012. Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 500 (Mon-Fri), RMB 600 (Sat-Sun), RMB 700 (holidays). Damage deposit: RMB 1,000. Shangzhi City, Heilongjiang Province (+451 5345 8888) www.yabuliski.com 黑龙江省尚志市亚布力滑雪旅游度假区
The ski/snowboard season for all the aforementioned ski resorts ends in February or March; it largely depends on the weather.
Photo by Flickr user: Zach Dischner
This article originally appeared on p28 of the beijingkids January/February 2013 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.
