Carving Out Some Family Time at Thaiwoo Ski Resort

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Whizzing down powdery slopes between experienced snowboarders and a unicorn-onesie-clad toddler on baby skis was not something I ever thought I’d do in China, yet that’s exactly how I spent last weekend at the Thaiwoo Resort in Chongli. While Europe, Japan, and the US are famous for their ski resorts and culture, China is not… but with the 2022 Winter Olympics just around the corner that is changing faster than you think.

Thaiwoo Resort is one of the more popular locations for a ski in the Chongli District of Hebei, and with the high-speed train connecting it to Beijing now fully in function, it’s never been easier to get out there for a weekend. If you and your family are planning on heading out there this winter, here’s what you should know:

The many slopes of Thaiwoo… and yes, it gets real snow too!

Getting There and Around

The closest train station to the Thaiwoo Resort is Taizicheng 太子城, and the new high-speed train from Beijing North gets you there in just one hour. When looking on CTrip, the Taizicheng stop can be found under the list of stations for Zhangjiakou 张家口, which is the closest city. When booking your tickets pay close attention, because not all return trains return to Beijing North, and instead stop at Qinghe 清河 which is west of Olympic Park.

The train has a dining car with basic hot meals and coffee, but recently it was announced that adult-sized ski and snowboarding equipment were not allowed on the train so if you are planning on taking your own skis, call ahead to check.

Once at Taizicheng, you can either take a shuttle bus that goes to the resort every half hour or so or grab a cab. The ride should cost about RMB 10. Note: Didi cars are not allowed to enter the resort, so don’t bother calling one, and when you are ready to leave, it’s best to ask the hotel to call a cab for you.

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A child at Thaiwoo gets ready for a lesson

Skiing

If you’re used to carving it up in the Swiss Alps, Thaiwoo may not bowl you over, but for everyone else, it’s more than enough fun. There is a large “bunny slope” area for learners and a ski academy, and a range of green, blue, and black slopes to ensure that you won’t get bored. The slopes are conveniently named after dances (think Cha Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa) which makes it easy to identify and coordinate with your friends. The runs are clearly signed, but it’s best to check the map in advance to ensure you don’t end up on a slope you aren’t ready for. The ski lifts and carpets are modern and ultra-safe, and there are many attendants on hand ready to assist if you need a boost or have difficulty getting into position.

The people of China are taking up skiing in droves, and the skill level on the slopes is increasing daily. That said, always exercise correct ski etiquette and safety, and be sure to hire a qualified instructor if you or your children are learning. Skiing safety officers cruise the slopes, watching out for those in trouble (as well as people lingering in thoroughfares), and in my experience, other skiers were very quick to offer assistance and help me up when I wiped out. The slopes close at 4.30pm before it gets dark, and skiing after drinking alcohol is forbidden.

Thaiwoo Resort map 2020. Click to expand in a new tab.

If you don’t have your own equipment: never fear! Everything can be rented from ski suits to helmets (which are obligatory), goggles, boots, skis, poles, and snowboards. You just need to bring your own gloves, and there are plenty of big brand name retail ski stores around happy to lighten your wallet if you forget them. The rental area is also equipped with large lockers, so you can leave your gear there overnight. Remember to pack your thermals and long johns, because it frequently drops well below 0°C during the day.

Some hotels (including Hyatt Place where I stayed) offer a discount on equipment rentals and ski passes. Check the resort homepage for pricing, but be aware the English version of the site is quite out of date so it’s best to stick to the Chinese.

The resort caters to learners of all ages, with plenty of experienced coaches.

Dining and entertainment options

Thaiwoo is not a village, (although they are working on changing that) so the resort feels more like a mall than a place where people actually live. There are no convenience stores or supermarkets, so remember to bring all supplies you might need such as extra milk or diapers. There is one western-style pub with beer, grub, and live music, and a range of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and fusion restaurants, a KFC and Starbucks. Options are very limited for vegans and vegetarians.

Facing the slopes is a range of snack options, and in the afternoon you can expect live music and entertainment.

The resort also has a dedicated kids entertainment area, with dining and play options, and a movie theatre, but beyond that, there isn’t much to do for kids that aren’t of skiing age (or just want a break). The entire area is pretty stroller friendly, but one father who visited recently warned that the food options are not catered to children, so it pays to research and to plan your meals in advance.

For more details, check the official Thaiwoo Resort website.

Coincidentally, you can snatch up your tickets to the slopes by following the steps below:

1. Follow the Beijinger‘s official WeChat account (ID: thebeijinger).

2. At the bottom of their post about the Thaiwoo Resort from yesterday, December 14, comment with your answer to the question: What does a snowy holiday season mean to you?

3. Get as many of your friends to like your comment as possible.

4. We will choose the winners from the top four most liked posts in just a few short hours.

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Photos: Anna Pellegrin Hartley, Thaiwoo Resort 

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