Slippery Slopes - Skiing & Snowboarding in Beijing
You don't have to go to Dongbei to enjoy skiing and snowboarding this winter. Check out Beijing's snow sports options.
Snow Festival at the Bird’s Nest
With the aim to seek "more non-profit social benefits" while "hosting top-level events," the Bird’s Nest is running a two-month snow festival starting from December 19. People can ski and snowboard on 20 man-made slopes and also have the opportunity to enjoy games and performances. The festival will coincide with countdown events for both the Western and Chinese new years. RMB 120(RMB 180 on weekends and holidays).
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, weekends and holidays 9am-9.30pm. National Stadium. Olympic Green, Beichen Lu, Chaoyang District. 国家体育场. 朝阳区朝阳区北辰路奥林匹克公园
Nanshan Ski Village
The most popular ski resort in the area offers 21 trails to accommodate all skill levels and terrain preferences. The largest snowboard park in the country, Quicksilver Nanshan Mellow Park, is sure to tame even the wildest daredevils out there. It also has the latest rental equipment, 150 certified instructors in its snow school, two modern high-speed quad lifts, a double lift, and 13 rope tows. Prices vary depending on how long you want to ski or ride. RMB 100-220 per person (Mon-Fri); RMB 150-360 (Sat-Sun). Entrance fee: RMB 20. A RMB 200 deposit is required for rentals; if none are needed, there’s a 40 percent discount on the overall price. Located 62 km from Wanghe Bridge, it’s a 30-minute drive on the Jingcheng Expressway. Daily round trip shuttles (RMB 30) leave from Wudaokou and Sanyuanqiao.
Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County. (8909 1909) www.nanshanski.com 南山滑雪场, 密云河南寨镇圣水头村
Jundushan Ski Resort
Located just 30 km from downtown Beijing, this resort is great for seasoned skiers who just want to get some runs in. Also ideal for beginners and intermediates. The seven trails, which meet international standards, are served by two-person cable tows. Night skiing is an option during the week. RMB 60-240 (Mon-Fri), RMB 80-380 (Sat-Sun). Entrance fee: RMB 20. Night skiing: RMB 100 (including dinner).
588 Zhenshun Village, Cuicun Town, Changping District (6072 5888) www.bjski.com.cn
Wanlong Ski Resort
For the more serious skiers and boarders, this resort offers 19 runs, 13 of which are for advanced skill levels. This was the first resort to open in China and remains popular with its longer season and favorable conditions. RMB 400 for a whole day. Rentals: RMB 660 for a whole day.
Congli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei. (+31 3461 7676) www.wlski.com 万龙滑雪场, 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁
Duolemeidi Mountain Resort
Italian companies Leitner and Dolomi Superski Group have created a resort in the Western mold and a 4-star hotel called I-Snow that offers shuttle bus transport from Beijing (every Friday and Saturday evening) to Duolemeidi and back(every Sunday afternoon) at RMB 130/person for round trip – call 8453 5186 to reserve a seat. They have one beginner trail serviced by a magic carpet (conveyor belt), two intermediate trails about 2,000 meters long each, and one advanced run that is 980 meters long. A six-person, wind-blocking, high-speed chairlift takes skiers and boarders to the peak. Thirty experienced teachers (all with basic English skills) can get you started. Mon-Fri RMB 140-380 (two days); Sat-Sun RMB 160-430. Rentals, with both basic and advanced gear available, are RMB 66-280 (Mon-Fri), RMB 80-290 (Sat-Sun). It’s located a three-hour drive (226 km) northwest of Beijing.
Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei (400 612 4567, 8453 5186; English 158 1099 2506) www.dolomitiski.cn 多乐美地, 河北省张家口市崇礼县四台嘴乡喜鹊梁
Qiaobo Ice and Snow World
Named after the first Chinese person to win a Winter Olympic medal, Qiaobo is an indoor, year-round resort in Beijing. It’s great for beginners, with instructors and rentals ready to help you down 200-meter and 300-meter long runs. There is also a five-obstacle snow park and a 30-meter long children’s trail. Prices come in all sorts of different packages depending on what activities you want to do (RMB 180-898).
6 Shun’an Lu, Shunyi District (8497 2568) www.qbski.com 乔波冰雪世界, 顺义区顺安路6号
