SKI CHONGLI
Whether it is taking on Olympic slopes or snowboarding along the Great Wall, China’s number one ski destination has a lot to offer. Of the 697 ski resorts currently listed in China, there is one area that is quickly gaining an international reputation. Nestled in the heart of Hebei province, just a 90-minute train ride from Beijing, lies the Chongli district—a burgeoning winter sports haven that has seen an astronomical rise in popularity over the past decade.
There are seven ski resorts all within a 30-minute drive of the main town, providing different options for enthusiasts of all levels. This transformation is not just a testament to China’s growing love affair with skiing but also marks Chongli as a formidable competitor to the traditional ski destinations scattered across Asia.
Each resort is setup for short term stays with most booking apps offering a hotel room packaged with two breakfasts and two ski passes. Ski equipment, including clothing and helmets can be added to the hotel packages. The two reporters working on this story skied in five of the resorts in Chongli and found each extremely efficient at picking up passes, boots, and skis, making it quite possible to ski more than one resort in one visit. One reporter, who only speaks a little Chinese, had to visit the local hospital after a bad fall and found they too were well setup for international visitors.
With fast trains and expressways directly from Beijing combined with new hotels and expanded ski slopes Chongli now competes favorably with any of its competition in the Asia region and at a significantly cheaper rate.
Dolimiti
One of the smaller resorts, Dolimiti has matured into a family-friendly destination known for its attractive deals and New Zealand ski school. Despite its compact size, Dolomiti boasts 9 km of slopes, predominantly catering to beginners and intermediates. The Japanese-style hot springs for post-ski relaxation, and a cozy atmosphere are ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat. However, its seclusion from the main town means visitors without a car may find themselves limited to the hotel’s amenities.
Total Ski Slopes: 9 km | Lifts: 3 | Best for: Beginner skiers
Fulong
This is a lively hub at the edge of Chongli town. With 25 km of ski runs and a distinct favor towards blue and black slopes, Fulong caters to a younger more experienced crowd while still offering options for beginners. The resort’s proximity to the town enriches the après-ski experience with a plethora of dining and entertainment choices. Notably, Fulong prides itself on housing Asia’s largest snow park and offers night skiing (free for ladies on Tuesdays), making it a magnet for young snowboarders.
Total Ski Slopes: 30 km | Lifts: 12 | Best for: Intermediate skiers
Wanlong
A short drive outside the town centre, Wanlong Ski Resort stands out as Chongli’s largest, offering a wide array of 32 runs to suit all levels. Opening its doors in 2003, Wanlong was the first resort in town and has seen significant investment, boasting extensive snowmaking capabilities that ensure a long ski season. While ski passes here are pricier, the diversity of slopes and the option to explore neighboring resorts like Genting Resort Secret Garden via joint passes provide ample justification for the extra expense. Wanlong’s array of hotels and facilities underscore its ambition to cater to a wide audience, though this resort is very much targeting the more experienced skiers who want the most variety.
Total Ski Slopes: 37 km | Lifts: 7 | Best for: Advanced skiers
Secret Garden (Genting)
A hop over the hill from Wanlong, Genting, also known as Secret Garden, offers the prestige of skiing on an Olympic slope. Like Wanlong you can opt for a joint pass that lets you ski down the other side of the mountain into the Wanlong resort dramatically increasing the amount of runs available in one day. Despite the expected crowds and higher prices, the resort ensures a smooth experience with English-speaking staff and international signage. There is of course extra bragging rights to say you have taken on an Olympic ski run and if you have the ability you can also have a go at the Olympic half pipe which is also open to the public. With 16 km of runs and modern lifts that offer under seat heating, Genting blends the thrill of Olympic-grade slopes with the convenience of multiple ski-in, ski-out hotels built along the slopes.
Total Ski Slopes: 16 km | Lifts: 5 | Best for: Advanced skiers
Thaiwoo
Opened in 2016 Thaiwoo Ski Resort is uniquely positioned against the backdrop of the Great Wall and has traditionally been the most popular with international guests. International Thaiwoo distinguishes itself with 20 km of diverse runs and a vibrant ski village built on a model of Whistler in Canada, that adds a touch of charm. Thaiwoo stands out for its affordability, variety of foreign instructors, and a balanced mix of runs for all skill levels, alongside a snow park that caters to thrill-seekers.
Total Ski Slopes: 20 km | Lifts: 4 | Best for: Intermediate skiers
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