Skiing in Beijing: How Do the Slopes Stack Up
Beijing may have high hopes for its slopes as China’s bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics but how do the summits suit the capital’s recreational skiers?
Christoph Mueller says there are plenty of options for newbies near the capital. Yet he prefers Secret Garden, in Hebei’s Chongli cluster, where China hopes to host many of its Olympic events. But Mueller, owner of the Hidden China tour company, says the 3.5-hour drive makes Chongli less than ideal. “From Shunyi, I usually just take the Airport Expressway to ski at Yuyang because my son’s four years old.”
Mueller sometimes skis solo at Jundushan, which has one of Beijing’s few black diamond expert trails. But Michael Furst (a longtime Beijing expat who skied for the University of Vermont), says he prefers another Chongli resort called Wanlong, adding: “It has large vertical drops.” Thomas Tillotson, founder of China Ski Tours, says Wanlong is also his favorite, noting that it has “great elevation.”
Furst says China’s ski scene has its merits, but notes it is far from flawless: “The Olympic bid has improved Chongli’s roads, so it’s quicker to get there. But China has mediocre ski patrols, so slopes are very crowded with poorly trained skiers.”
Below, the Beijinger provides a more detailed rundown of our region’s slopes.
Chongli Cluster
This trio of resorts lies 60km west of Hebei province’s Zhangjiakou, which is sharing the Olympic bid. They provide more challenging slopes that will appeal to seasoned skiers. Several trains run from all of Beijing’s stations to Zhangjiakou (the trip takes about four hours. Click here for more information). Upon arrival, skiers can hire a local van or bus to the ski resort of their choice.
Genting Secret Garden
Rundown: The main site for China’s Winter Olympic bid. In addition to 35 trails, it has added a snowboard park that aims to dwarf that of Jundushan.
Perfect for: Beginners to intermediate (who are willing to splurge)
Cost to ski: One day ski and lift rental: RMB 500 (adults), RMB 250 (children)
Accommodations: Five-Star Genting Hotel: Room rates start at RMB 928 (Mon-Fri) and RMB 1,888 (Sat-Sun). More luxurious suites (costing up to RMB 4,788) are also available.
Hours: 8am-4pm
Contact: 400 168 1234
Wanlong
Rundown: This resort is adjacent to Secret Garden (tickets must be purchased separately). Mueller praised Wanlong’s 400-meter vertical drop.
Perfect for: Intermediate to advanced skiers.
Cost to ski: Day pass (including lift price): RMB 530 (Daily).
Accommodations: The nearby Shanding Hotel: Rooms start at RMB 838 (Mon-Fri), RMB 1,108 (Sat-Sun).
Hours: 8.30am- 4.30pm
Contact: 031 3478 5111/8888
Duolemeidi
Rundown: Mueller noted this resort’s backing from Italy’s prestigious Dolomiti ski resort, equipping it with pristine six-passenger chair lifts and lessons with experienced coaches.
Perfect for: Beginner to intermediate.
Cost to ski: Eight-hour day pass (including equipment rental and lift price): RMB 258 (Mon-Fri), RMB 358 (Sat-Sun), 538 (Holiday).
Hours: 9am-4.30pm
Contact: 400 080 1810
Greater Beijing
The outskirts of Beijing offer many daytrip ski options that mostly cater to beginners and intermediates. Lodging options are available, but unnecessary, considering the relative closeness to downtown Beijing.
Nanshan
Rundown: Mueller says “Nanshan is the most famous place to ski near Beijing. Beware of long lines, though.”
Perfect for: Snowboarders (from beginner to freestyle expert). Beginner to intermediate skiers.
Cost to ski: Day Pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 350 upon arrival, RMB 185 if booked in advance (Mon- Fri), RMB 450 upon arrival, RMB 285 if booked in advance (Sat-Sun).
Getting There:
By car: Take airport south line to Jingping Express-Muyan Road. Turn left at the Muyan Road exit, then turn right at the Henanzhai intersection (look for the signpost pointing to Nanshan Ski Resort). Takes one hour.
By shuttle bus: Shuttle buses depart daily at 8.30am from two both Sanyuanqiao and Wudaokou subway stops. Return fares are RMB 40 per person (call 010-89091909 to book).
Accommodations:
Lodging: RMB 530/night
Villas: RMB 2880/night (one floor/3 rooms)
Hours: 8.45am- 5.30pm
Contact: 8909 1909
Jundushan
Rundown: A reviewer for China Radio International praised Jundushan’s challenging black diamond. Tour-beijing.com noted Jundushan’s wooden cabins, built from timber imported from Finland.
Perfect for: Beginners and experts (Mueller criticizes its lack of intermediate options).
Cost to ski: Day pass (including equipment rental): RMB 145 (Mon-Fri), RMB 225 (Sat- Sun), RMB 290 (Holidays).
Getting There:
By car: Take the Badaling Expressway north of Beijing to exit 16. Takes approximately 45 mins.
By public bus: At Deshengmen bus station take bus No. 345 zhi (345支), then get off at 东关环岛 station. Transfer to Bus 21 and get off at Jundushan Ski Resort.
Accommodations:
Wooden cabin: RMB 2,400 (daily), RMB 3,200 (holidays).
Nearby Qidan Youth Hostel: four people/room, RMB 80/bed
Hours: 8.30am-5pm
Contact: 6072 5888
Yuyang
Rundown: Manager Lin tells the Beijinger that this is an ideal place for skiers to bring their little ones: “We have a specially designated area where kids can play in the snow.”
Perfect for: Kids, beginners, families.
Cost to ski: Day pass (includes equipment rental): RMB 260 upon arrival, RMB 160 if booked in advance (Mon-Fri), RMB 360 upon arrival, RMB 280 if booked in advance (Sat-Sun).
Getting There:
By car: Take the Airport Expressway, and then turn onto the Jingping expressway. Exit on Pingsanlu (平三路), before turning right and following the road signs leading to Yuyang Ski Resort. Takes 40 mins.
By public bus: At Dongzhimen’s long distance bus station take bus No. 852. Get off at Chang Guan Lou stop, transfer to No. 48 and take it to the end of the line. Takes 3.5 hours.
Accommodations: Lodging: Two bedroom RMB 560/night upon arrival, RMB 320 in advance
Hours: 8.30am- 5.30pm
Contact: 8485 6362
Photos: Nanshan Ski
