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 snowboard 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 Resort 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 Feb 24, 2019
Tickets start at RMB 609 for a day pass (entry and equipment)
(031) 3569 8865
secretgardenresorts.com
How to get there:
By shuttle: Shuttles leave every morning from Guomao Station (7am departure), Huixinxijie Nankou Station (7.45am), and Jiandemen Station (8am). Shuttles also leave the resort at 4pm and make the same stops on the way back.
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 Mar 1, 2019
Ticket prices vary from RMB 350-1,280 depending on whether you rent ski equipment, ski at night, and so on
(031) 3569 0025)
How to get there:
By car: From the Chongli North toll, turn left and drive 1,000m (3-4 hours)
Nanshan Ski Village
Probably the best-known and popular skiing option in the greater Beijing area, Nanshan Ski Village 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 10, 2019
Prices start at RMB 295 for the entire day (entry and equipment) on weekends and national holidays
(010) 8909 1909
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: Day buses depart at 8.30am from three stops: Sanyuanqiao, Shaoyaoju subway station, and Wudaokou subway station (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 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 31, 2019
Prices start at RMB 492 for a weekend day pass (entry and equipment)
400 627 2525
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, bjdeming.com), Wanlong Ski Resort (031 3478 5111/8888), Duolemeidi (400 080 1810), Jundushan (6072 5888, bjski.com.cn), Vanke Shijinglong Ski Resort, Wanlong (031 3478 5111, wlski.com), Yuyang (8485 6362, yuyangski.com.cn).
This article originally appeared on the November/December 2018 print issue of the Beijinger magazine. Tap on the image above to access the full issue.
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Photos: Courtesy of the resorts
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