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| Meiguoxing.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Beijing, China |
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| Meiguoxing.com, Your Ultimate Guide to Beijing, China |
A Guide to Best of Skiing and Snowboarding Resorts around Beijing
The best way to enjoy skiing around Beijing is to rid yourself of notions that you’re heading to France’s Chamonix,
Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb or Tahoe's Squaw Valley – you aren’t. However, there are few big cities in the world with
more ski resorts within a few hours’ drive, and the competition has driven standards up in recent years.
Though many have artificial snow, it’s generally not bad, especially for beginners. However, temperatures have to be
below zero degrees for the snow to stick – if the weather’s not been below freezing for a few days, it’s worth calling the
resorts to check how many runs will be open (some resorts have been known not to open all their runs until January).
All resorts offer rental gear, usually starting at around 20RMB per item, with deposits starting at 200RMB – by most
accounts, the gear is of variable quality but does the job. If you have size 12 (UK), 13 (US) or above feet, it’s worth calling
ahead to see if the resort has your size.
There are a lot of travel companies that run ski and snowboard trips from Beijing, from Local Noodles to adventure
companies like CnAdventure.
With our handy guide, though, you shouldn’t need to bother.
Nanshan is not only the slickest and best-organized of the Beijing resorts, but the best thing around for snowboarders.
The Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park boasts five sizeable jumps, an international standard half-pipe, seven rails and five
kickers.
Though the resort’s 12 trails aren’t long, they’re well maintained and have some of the most reliable snow around the city.
The resort has its own instructors to help beginners, and has formed its own Nanshan International Snowboarding School,
led by an Austrian ski instructor and with quality instructors like Yin Di – ski lessons start at 150RMB/ two hours, but go
down depending on the size of the group and up for snowboarding or lessons with foreign.
Weary bones can rest at the nearby Shirton Villas, with 24 rooms to rent (388RMB/night; 580RMB/night public holidays,
8909 3301/2). There are several restaurants at the resort that sell a variety of Western and Chinese food. This month
(Jan. 2009) sees the Red Bull Nanshan Open snowboarding event, the only China stop on the TTR World Snowboard
Tour and the biggest snow event on the Chinese calendar.
Address: Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County, Beijing, China
Chinese Address: 密云县河南寨镇圣水头村
Phone: 010-8909-1909
Getting there by car: Take Exit 15 off the Jingcheng Expressway to Shunmi, turn right and follow the signs to Nanshan
Ski Village. It’s about 62 kilometres from Beijing.
Getting there by bus: Take the 980 express bus from the Dongzhimen bus station to Miyun Taiyangjiayuan or Xidaqiao
(14RMB). Then hop a taxi to Nanshan Ski Village (approximately 10 minutes, 15RMB).
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100RMB/2 hours; 120RMB/3 hours; 140RMB/4 hours; 220RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150RMB/2 hours; 180RMB/3 hours; 200RMB/4 hours; 360RMB/full day
Gear Rental: Snowboards, skis, poles, boots, jackets, pants, gloves, goggles and helmets are all available for rent. A full
set should run you about RMB200 including entrance fee and a half day of skiing/snowboarding. Deposits starting at
200RMB (bring your credit card or extra cash).
Hours: Winter 8.30am-5.30pm; Spring 8.30am-6pm
Number of runs: 21
Number of lifts: 3, with 13 rope tows
Season: November to March
Website: www.nanshanski.com/english/index.htm
The Shijinglong Ski Resort has the best of both worlds for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders looking for a
day trip out of the city. Less busy than the nearby Nanshan, its beginner-friendly bottom slopes are easy on the boards
and skis of those taking to the hills for the first time, and there’s a good number of instructors on hand.
The lone intermediate run is steep and long enough to satisfy the more advanced and the Crystal Snowboard Park has
kickers, rails, boxes and China’s first boardercross run. The resort boasts some of the worst rental suits ever – a choice
between one-size-fits-all lime green or purple jumpsuits, which complement the worn out boards and skis for rent. If you
have your own gear, bring it.
A small restaurant serves Western-style food, such as curry and pizza, alongside Chinese dishes.
Address: Zhongyangfang, Zhangshanying Zhen, Yanqing County
Chinese Address: 延庆县张山营镇中羊坊
Phone: 010-6919 1614/15/17
Getting there by car: Exit at gate 19 off the Badaling Expressway and drive to Yanqing. Take 110 road to Longqingxia
Park, then follow the signs to Shijinglong. It’s about 80km from Beijing.
Getting there by bus: Take the number 919 bus from Deshengmen station to Yanqing.
From there either hop a cab to the resort (approximately 15RMB), or catch the 920 bus.
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100 RMB/2 hours; 140 RMB/4 hours; 220 RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150 RMB/2 hours; 200 RMB/4 hours; 360 RMB/full day
Hours: 8am-5pm Number of runs: 6 Number of lifts: 2
Season: December to February
Website: www.sjlski.com (Chinese only)
Wanlong Ski Resort, about four hours from the city, is the highest resort around Beijing at over 2,000 metres, meaning a
long season and good snow. The runs are long and challenging enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders
interested, with the Jade Dragon piste running 2,500 metres.
If the snow’s not good, the resort can also call on the snow cannons used by other resorts, so it’s always a sure bet.
Though the lifts are achingly slow, there’s a reward at the top of the mountain in the form of a cosy café with a fireplace
and panoramic views.
The new three-star resort hotel on site (498RMB/ night weekdays; 658RMB weekend, 031 3461 8889) is close enough to
the lifts that you can ski there from your room.
Address: Wanlong ski resort, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
Chinese Address: 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁
Phone: 010-6553-6830 (Beijing Office), 0313-5912515, 0313-4785111 (Zhangjiakou office)
Getting there: The resort offers a van service for groups of three or more (160RMB for a round trip, or a group can
rent the van with up to ten people for 500RMB each way). The ride takes about four hours. A bus runs from Beijing to
Chongli for 60RMB/person, but will take almost all day. After arriving in Chongli, you’ll have to hire a car to take you to
the resort, about a 30-minute drive away. It’s around 250km from Beijing.
Number of lifts: 4
Number of runs: Minimum of seven, with new additions expected this year
Lift tickets: 287RMB/full day. Weekend rates are about 10 per cent higher, and multi-day passes are available at
discounted prices
Season: November to late March
Website: www.wlski.com
The first local(ish) ski resort backing from foreign investors, Dolomiti is the new kid on the Beijing skiing block. About
220km out of town, it earns points for having the fastest ski lift in town and some of the best facilities, including a decent
full-service ski equipment shop and a bistro at the bottom of the slope serving Italian coffees and pizzas that we’ve heard
great things about.
Like its neighbour Wanlong, the four runs are long and the snow is generally pretty good, but it’s still a work-in-progress.
The Italian owners want to add more lifts and hotels, but at the moment there’s nowhere to stay, an issue when it’s a four-
hour drive from the city. We’d recommend taking a couple of days, staying in either Chongli or Wanlong, and coming
here for the day.
Address: Xiqueliang, Sitaizui Village, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei P.C.076350
Chinese Address: 河北省张家口市崇礼县四台嘴乡喜鹊梁
Beijing Office: 2308 Tower B Lead International Building, A2 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Lu,Chaoyang District,Beijing
Chinese Address for Beijing Office: 北京市朝阳区望京中环南路甲2号佳境天成B2308室
Phone: 010-8453-5186 (English-speaking hotline 158 1099 2506)
Getting there by car: Head out on the Badaling Highway, which will turn into the Jingzhang Highway. Exit onto Shengli
Road, and continue on over the Qingshui Bridge. Turn right just before the petrol station and follow the road to Dolomiti.
It’s about 226km from Beijing. There is a RMB75 toll charge from Beijing to Zhangjiako for small vehicle. (Location map
of Dolomiti)
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100RMB/2 hours; 120RMB/3 hours; 140RMB/4 hours; 220RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150RMB/2 hours; 180RMB/3 hours; 200RMB/4 hours; 360RMB/full day (all prices include ski and board
rentals) Hours: Winter 8.30am-5.30pm; Spring 8.30am-6pm
Season: November to late March
Number of runs: 4
Number of lifts: 3, with 13 rope tows
Season: November to late March
Website: www.dolomitiski.cn
Beijing Jundushan Ski Resort is the one closest to the city centre, and offers night skiing with views across the city. The
slopes, including runs for both beginners and intermediates, are south-facing and can get a little slushy.
If the snow’s not great, however, this is one of the best Beijing ski spots for larking around, with sleds, inner tubes and
snowmobiles all available for rent.
There are Russian-style villas at the resort (388RMB/night, 770RMB/night for 2-person apartment, 6072 5888). The
resort is also just five kilometres away from the Jiuhua Spa and Resort at Xiaotangshan (Rooms from 480RMB- 22,600
RMB/night, 6178 2288; www.jiuhua.com.cn), which has 21 types of hot springs.
Address: 588 Zhenshun Cun, Cuicun Zhen (5 km north of the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Holiday Village), Changping
District
Chinese Address: 昌平区崔村镇真顺村588号
Phone: 010-6072-5888
Getting there by bus: Take either the 345 or 919 bus from Deshengmen station to Dongguang Guandao, then the
number 21 bus to the resort, which is about 34km from Beijing.
Getting there by subway: Option A)Take subway line 2 to JiShiuTan. From exit A, walk east to the DeShengMen bus
station and take express bus 919 to ChangPing then hire a driver or taxi to the resort for around 40RMB. The bus takes
50 minutes in good traffic. Option B) Take subway line 13 to LongZe, exit and cross the road. Hire a driver for around 80
RMB. Do NOT take noisy, crowded and slow bus 21 which takes an hour long circuitous route and still leaves you a
20RMB ride shy of the resort.
Getting back: The last 919 bus leaves from dongGuan at 19:40. If you’re heading to LongZe, factor in the drive time so
you don’t miss the last train.
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Season: December to February
Number of runs: 7
Tickets: Weekday 180RMB/day; weekend 280RMB/day; holidays 320RMB/day
Website: www.bjski.com.cn (Chinese only)
Huaibei Ski Resort caters to both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, but its main feature is the stunning
view of the Great Wall. The resort also hosts a variety of other snow-based activities: you can take a horse-drawn sled
ride, rent a snowmobile, try a bit of archery or take a cable ride over the Great Wall, all of which makes it a good option
for families and those who want to do more than ski and snowboard.
There is a decent ski school co-run by the French Ski Association (120RMB/hour), and night skiing is available.
Address: 548 Hefangkou Cun, Huaibei Zhen, Huairou District
Chinese Address: 怀柔区怀北镇河防口村548号
Phone: 010-8969 6677
Getting there by bus: Hop a free shuttle bus to Huaibei from Dongzhimen subway station. It’s about 70km from Beijing.
Lift tickets: Weekdays: 150RMB/full day; Weekends: 200RMB/full day; Holidays: 240RMB/full day
Runs: 7
Lifts: 4
Hours: 8.30am-9.30pm
Website: www.hbski.com (Chinese only)
The best way to enjoy skiing around Beijing is to rid yourself of notions that you’re heading to France’s Chamonix,
Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb or Tahoe's Squaw Valley – you aren’t. However, there are few big cities in the world with
more ski resorts within a few hours’ drive, and the competition has driven standards up in recent years.
Though many have artificial snow, it’s generally not bad, especially for beginners. However, temperatures have to be
below zero degrees for the snow to stick – if the weather’s not been below freezing for a few days, it’s worth calling the
resorts to check how many runs will be open (some resorts have been known not to open all their runs until January).
All resorts offer rental gear, usually starting at around 20RMB per item, with deposits starting at 200RMB – by most
accounts, the gear is of variable quality but does the job. If you have size 12 (UK), 13 (US) or above feet, it’s worth calling
ahead to see if the resort has your size.
There are a lot of travel companies that run ski and snowboard trips from Beijing, from Local Noodles to adventure
companies like CnAdventure.
With our handy guide, though, you shouldn’t need to bother.
- Beijing Nanshan Ski Village - Best For Snowboarding in Beijing 南山滑雪场
Nanshan is not only the slickest and best-organized of the Beijing resorts, but the best thing around for snowboarders.
The Nokia Nanshan Mellow Park boasts five sizeable jumps, an international standard half-pipe, seven rails and five
kickers.
Though the resort’s 12 trails aren’t long, they’re well maintained and have some of the most reliable snow around the city.
The resort has its own instructors to help beginners, and has formed its own Nanshan International Snowboarding School,
led by an Austrian ski instructor and with quality instructors like Yin Di – ski lessons start at 150RMB/ two hours, but go
down depending on the size of the group and up for snowboarding or lessons with foreign.
Weary bones can rest at the nearby Shirton Villas, with 24 rooms to rent (388RMB/night; 580RMB/night public holidays,
8909 3301/2). There are several restaurants at the resort that sell a variety of Western and Chinese food. This month
(Jan. 2009) sees the Red Bull Nanshan Open snowboarding event, the only China stop on the TTR World Snowboard
Tour and the biggest snow event on the Chinese calendar.
Address: Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County, Beijing, China
Chinese Address: 密云县河南寨镇圣水头村
Phone: 010-8909-1909
Getting there by car: Take Exit 15 off the Jingcheng Expressway to Shunmi, turn right and follow the signs to Nanshan
Ski Village. It’s about 62 kilometres from Beijing.
Getting there by bus: Take the 980 express bus from the Dongzhimen bus station to Miyun Taiyangjiayuan or Xidaqiao
(14RMB). Then hop a taxi to Nanshan Ski Village (approximately 10 minutes, 15RMB).
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100RMB/2 hours; 120RMB/3 hours; 140RMB/4 hours; 220RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150RMB/2 hours; 180RMB/3 hours; 200RMB/4 hours; 360RMB/full day
Gear Rental: Snowboards, skis, poles, boots, jackets, pants, gloves, goggles and helmets are all available for rent. A full
set should run you about RMB200 including entrance fee and a half day of skiing/snowboarding. Deposits starting at
200RMB (bring your credit card or extra cash).
Hours: Winter 8.30am-5.30pm; Spring 8.30am-6pm
Number of runs: 21
Number of lifts: 3, with 13 rope tows
Season: November to March
Website: www.nanshanski.com/english/index.htm
- Shijinglong Ski Resort - Best for Beginner 石京龙滑雪场
The Shijinglong Ski Resort has the best of both worlds for beginner and intermediate skiers and boarders looking for a
day trip out of the city. Less busy than the nearby Nanshan, its beginner-friendly bottom slopes are easy on the boards
and skis of those taking to the hills for the first time, and there’s a good number of instructors on hand.
The lone intermediate run is steep and long enough to satisfy the more advanced and the Crystal Snowboard Park has
kickers, rails, boxes and China’s first boardercross run. The resort boasts some of the worst rental suits ever – a choice
between one-size-fits-all lime green or purple jumpsuits, which complement the worn out boards and skis for rent. If you
have your own gear, bring it.
A small restaurant serves Western-style food, such as curry and pizza, alongside Chinese dishes.
Address: Zhongyangfang, Zhangshanying Zhen, Yanqing County
Chinese Address: 延庆县张山营镇中羊坊
Phone: 010-6919 1614/15/17
Getting there by car: Exit at gate 19 off the Badaling Expressway and drive to Yanqing. Take 110 road to Longqingxia
Park, then follow the signs to Shijinglong. It’s about 80km from Beijing.
Getting there by bus: Take the number 919 bus from Deshengmen station to Yanqing.
From there either hop a cab to the resort (approximately 15RMB), or catch the 920 bus.
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100 RMB/2 hours; 140 RMB/4 hours; 220 RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150 RMB/2 hours; 200 RMB/4 hours; 360 RMB/full day
Hours: 8am-5pm Number of runs: 6 Number of lifts: 2
Season: December to February
Website: www.sjlski.com (Chinese only)
- Wanlong Ski Resort - Best for long runs 万龙滑雪场
Wanlong Ski Resort, about four hours from the city, is the highest resort around Beijing at over 2,000 metres, meaning a
long season and good snow. The runs are long and challenging enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders
interested, with the Jade Dragon piste running 2,500 metres.
If the snow’s not good, the resort can also call on the snow cannons used by other resorts, so it’s always a sure bet.
Though the lifts are achingly slow, there’s a reward at the top of the mountain in the form of a cosy café with a fireplace
and panoramic views.
The new three-star resort hotel on site (498RMB/ night weekdays; 658RMB weekend, 031 3461 8889) is close enough to
the lifts that you can ski there from your room.
Address: Wanlong ski resort, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province.
Chinese Address: 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁
Phone: 010-6553-6830 (Beijing Office), 0313-5912515, 0313-4785111 (Zhangjiakou office)
Getting there: The resort offers a van service for groups of three or more (160RMB for a round trip, or a group can
rent the van with up to ten people for 500RMB each way). The ride takes about four hours. A bus runs from Beijing to
Chongli for 60RMB/person, but will take almost all day. After arriving in Chongli, you’ll have to hire a car to take you to
the resort, about a 30-minute drive away. It’s around 250km from Beijing.
Number of lifts: 4
Number of runs: Minimum of seven, with new additions expected this year
Lift tickets: 287RMB/full day. Weekend rates are about 10 per cent higher, and multi-day passes are available at
discounted prices
Season: November to late March
Website: www.wlski.com
- Dolomiti Mountain Resort - Best for pretending to be in Europe 多乐美地度假山庄
The first local(ish) ski resort backing from foreign investors, Dolomiti is the new kid on the Beijing skiing block. About
220km out of town, it earns points for having the fastest ski lift in town and some of the best facilities, including a decent
full-service ski equipment shop and a bistro at the bottom of the slope serving Italian coffees and pizzas that we’ve heard
great things about.
Like its neighbour Wanlong, the four runs are long and the snow is generally pretty good, but it’s still a work-in-progress.
The Italian owners want to add more lifts and hotels, but at the moment there’s nowhere to stay, an issue when it’s a four-
hour drive from the city. We’d recommend taking a couple of days, staying in either Chongli or Wanlong, and coming
here for the day.
Address: Xiqueliang, Sitaizui Village, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei P.C.076350
Chinese Address: 河北省张家口市崇礼县四台嘴乡喜鹊梁
Beijing Office: 2308 Tower B Lead International Building, A2 Wangjing Zhonghuan Nan Lu,Chaoyang District,Beijing
Chinese Address for Beijing Office: 北京市朝阳区望京中环南路甲2号佳境天成B2308室
Phone: 010-8453-5186 (English-speaking hotline 158 1099 2506)
Getting there by car: Head out on the Badaling Highway, which will turn into the Jingzhang Highway. Exit onto Shengli
Road, and continue on over the Qingshui Bridge. Turn right just before the petrol station and follow the road to Dolomiti.
It’s about 226km from Beijing. There is a RMB75 toll charge from Beijing to Zhangjiako for small vehicle. (Location map
of Dolomiti)
Lift tickets: Monday to Friday: 100RMB/2 hours; 120RMB/3 hours; 140RMB/4 hours; 220RMB/full day.
Weekends: 150RMB/2 hours; 180RMB/3 hours; 200RMB/4 hours; 360RMB/full day (all prices include ski and board
rentals) Hours: Winter 8.30am-5.30pm; Spring 8.30am-6pm
Season: November to late March
Number of runs: 4
Number of lifts: 3, with 13 rope tows
Season: November to late March
Website: www.dolomitiski.cn
- Beijing Jundushan Ski Resort - Best for night skiing 军都山滑雪场
Beijing Jundushan Ski Resort is the one closest to the city centre, and offers night skiing with views across the city. The
slopes, including runs for both beginners and intermediates, are south-facing and can get a little slushy.
If the snow’s not great, however, this is one of the best Beijing ski spots for larking around, with sleds, inner tubes and
snowmobiles all available for rent.
There are Russian-style villas at the resort (388RMB/night, 770RMB/night for 2-person apartment, 6072 5888). The
resort is also just five kilometres away from the Jiuhua Spa and Resort at Xiaotangshan (Rooms from 480RMB- 22,600
RMB/night, 6178 2288; www.jiuhua.com.cn), which has 21 types of hot springs.
Address: 588 Zhenshun Cun, Cuicun Zhen (5 km north of the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Holiday Village), Changping
District
Chinese Address: 昌平区崔村镇真顺村588号
Phone: 010-6072-5888
Getting there by bus: Take either the 345 or 919 bus from Deshengmen station to Dongguang Guandao, then the
number 21 bus to the resort, which is about 34km from Beijing.
Getting there by subway: Option A)Take subway line 2 to JiShiuTan. From exit A, walk east to the DeShengMen bus
station and take express bus 919 to ChangPing then hire a driver or taxi to the resort for around 40RMB. The bus takes
50 minutes in good traffic. Option B) Take subway line 13 to LongZe, exit and cross the road. Hire a driver for around 80
RMB. Do NOT take noisy, crowded and slow bus 21 which takes an hour long circuitous route and still leaves you a
20RMB ride shy of the resort.
Getting back: The last 919 bus leaves from dongGuan at 19:40. If you’re heading to LongZe, factor in the drive time so
you don’t miss the last train.
Hours: 8am-10pm daily
Season: December to February
Number of runs: 7
Tickets: Weekday 180RMB/day; weekend 280RMB/day; holidays 320RMB/day
Website: www.bjski.com.cn (Chinese only)
- Huaibei Ski Resort - Best View 怀北滑雪场
Huaibei Ski Resort caters to both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, but its main feature is the stunning
view of the Great Wall. The resort also hosts a variety of other snow-based activities: you can take a horse-drawn sled
ride, rent a snowmobile, try a bit of archery or take a cable ride over the Great Wall, all of which makes it a good option
for families and those who want to do more than ski and snowboard.
There is a decent ski school co-run by the French Ski Association (120RMB/hour), and night skiing is available.
Address: 548 Hefangkou Cun, Huaibei Zhen, Huairou District
Chinese Address: 怀柔区怀北镇河防口村548号
Phone: 010-8969 6677
Getting there by bus: Hop a free shuttle bus to Huaibei from Dongzhimen subway station. It’s about 70km from Beijing.
Lift tickets: Weekdays: 150RMB/full day; Weekends: 200RMB/full day; Holidays: 240RMB/full day
Runs: 7
Lifts: 4
Hours: 8.30am-9.30pm
Website: www.hbski.com (Chinese only)
