Strap on Yer Skis! the Best Slopes in Greater Beijing

Instead of only catering to the well-to-do, Beijing’s ski resort owners are now racing to make winter sports mainstream with as much momentum as an Olympian hurtling down a slope. But what did you expect after Beijing’s successful 2022 Winter Olympic bid? We can’t complain though, as the chance to ski and board in Beijing has never been better, with numerous resorts popping up to cater to your every snowy need.

Genting Resort Secret Garden

Long before Beijing was considered a winter sports hub, much less the host of the winter Olympics, Genting Secret Garden lured skiers of all stripes from in and around the capital. It has continued to do so with a diverse terrain made up of two beginner slopes, 15 intermediate slopes, 12 advanced slopes, six wild slopes, and two terrain parks. On top of that, Secret Garden has newer additions like a slalom (in which skiers weave between poles) and an Olympic slopestyle area. Snowboarders will also enjoy the Olympic sized halfpipe.
Open until March 15, 2020. Tickets start at RMB 616 for a day pass (entry and equipment) (031 3569 8865, www.secretgardenresorts.com)

How to get there:
· By car: At Jianxiangqiao take the G6 Expressway to the Chongli South Exit and keep going until you reach Genting Resort Secret Garden.
· By bus: At Beijiao station go to Jianxiangqiao, transfer at Chongli District station, then change again to Genting Resort Secret Garden.

Chongli Fulong

One of the newer resorts on this list, having only opened in 2016, this 750,000sqm resort boasts a snow park, night skiing, and an art and musical snow ground. The ski area itself comes packed with 37 slopes at varying levels of difficulty. Open until February 15, 2020. Ticket prices vary from RMB 350-1,280 depending on whether you rent ski equipment, ski at night, and so on (031 3569 0025). http://chonglihuaxue.cn/.

How to get there:
· By car: From the Chongli North toll, turn left and drive 1,000m (3-4 hours)
· By shuttle: There are shuttles buses from multiple destinations in Beijing which go to the venue, which drop you off at different parts of the complex. Details on the website.

Nanshan

Probably the best-known and popular skiing option in the greater Beijing area, Nanshan boasts 25 trails and a top-notch snowboarding park as well as posh amenities like their Shirton Inn log cabin and a Norwegian-style villa.
Open until Mar 15, 2020. Prices start at RMB 295 for the entire day (entry and equipment) on weekends and national holidays (8909 1909). http://www.nanshanski.com/

How to get there:
· By car: Take the Jingcheng Expressway to the 16 Miyun Downtown Exit (exit after the expressway). Go straight and follow the signs to Nanshan Ski Village.
· By shuttle bus: Buses day depart from three stops: Sanyuan Bridge (8:30am), Shaoyaoju subway station (8:15am), and Wudaokou subway station (8:30am) (Wed-Sun RMB 45 return, Mon-Tue RMB 25 return, book in advance on 8909 1909).
· By bus: Take bus 980 at Dongzhimen and get off at West Bridge (every five minutes, RMB 14), and then go to Nanshan Ski Vacation Village by taxi (approximately RMB 25)

Thaiwoo Ski Resort

Aside from its 18km of ski trails and 500m of vertical drops, this resort also has a large terrain park for visitors looking to enjoy off-piste skiing. It’s also no slouch in the amenities department, boasting five top-of-the-line hotels.
Open until Mar 29, 2020. Prices start at RMB 532 for a weekend day pass (entry and equipment) (400 627 2525). http://www.thaiwoo.com/

How to get there:
· By high-speed train: The Beijing-Zhangjialou train can be taken at Beijing North Railway Station to the entrance of Thaiwoo Ski Resort (Chongli, Zhangjiakou). Approximately 50 minutes.

Other local slopes

Cuiyunshan Ski Resort (6400 9569, www.bjdeming.com), Wanlong Ski Resort (031 3478 5111/8888), Duolemeidi (400 080 1810), Jundushan (6072 5888, www.bjski.com.cn), Vanke Shijinglong Ski Resort, Wanlong (031 3478 5111, www.wlski.com), Yuyang (8485 6362, www.yuyangski.com.cn), Huaibei International Ski Resort (8969 6677, http://www.hbski.com/index.asp)

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Photos: Courtesy of the resorts