Beidahu Ski Resort

Beidahu Ski Resort

Beidahu Ski Resort is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Hearing this name—Beidahu—one might think there must be a crystal-clear lake here. But that’s not the case at all. It is said that the original name was “Beidahu” (literally “Big North Pot”), derived from the mountainous terrain and hydrological conditions. After the ski resort was built here, “Beidahu” (the pot) was changed to “Beidahu” (the lake).

Cities in northern China all claim to be the homeland of ice and snow. But having ice and snow alone isn’t enough—you also need excellent facilities suitable for winter sports. Beidahu Ski Resort meets these criteria. Its most notable feature is its proximity to the city center—a rare trait among ski resorts worldwide. The ski season here is long, typically starting in late October and ending in late April, spanning about 160 days. Snow depth ranges from approximately 0.5 meters at the base, 0.8 meters midway up the mountain, to over 1 meter above 1,000 meters in elevation. The snow is granular and loose in texture. According to expert assessments, if snowfall is unusually low, there are six year-round mountain springs and a radial water system centered around the main peak that can supply water for artificial snowmaking. The area receives an average annual precipitation of 670 mm.

According to expert assessments, if fully and extensively developed, the Beidahu mountainous area could cover up to 100 square kilometers; medium-term comprehensive development could span 57 square kilometers; and initial development could cover 17.5 square kilometers. These three phases of development would fully support the construction of facilities for all alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, modern biathlon shooting ranges, as well as bobsleigh and luge tracks, along with necessary living areas—meeting international competition standards. In addition, further exploration of tourism resources, additional ski runs and cableways, and the establishment of ski clubs, swimming pools, fishing ponds, tennis courts, golf courses, racetracks, hunting grounds, and forest parks could transform the area into a comprehensive sports and tourism hub. In January 1993, the Jilin Provincial Government and the Jilin Municipal Government decided to develop and build Beidahu Ski Resort in preparation for hosting the Eighth National Winter Games in 1995 and bidding to hold the alpine skiing events of the Third Asian Winter Games in 1996. By May of that year, the overall layout and preliminary engineering plans were formed, and on June 27, the first phase of construction began, concluding in December 1994.

The three alpine ski runs at Beidahu Ski Resort are distributed across Nanlou Mountain and Dadingshan Mountain.

The first run is located on the northern side of Nanlou Mountain, stretching 3,409 meters in length with a width of 30 to 60 meters and an average gradient of 14°. The total elevation difference is 850 meters. This run is divided into three sections: the middle section is suitable for intermediate skiers, while the summit and lower sections are ideal for beginners. The entire first run is equipped with three uphill chairlifts. Lighting has also been installed at the lower part of the run to allow for night skiing. The second run is situated on the southwestern side of Nanlou Mountain, almost following the mountain’s contour line, and is 3,310 meters long with a width of 20 to 30 meters and an elevation difference of 534 meters. Its average slope is around 10°. The third run is a slalom course, beginning at 1,161 meters above sea level on the northeastern side of Dadingshan Mountain and descending to 655 meters, covering a length of 1,327 meters with a width of 50 meters and an elevation difference of 506 meters. The slope is 22°. This run has two chairlift segments. Jilin Beidahu Ski Resort is located in Wulihetown, Yongji County, Jilin City, 56 kilometers from the city center. Nestled within the Changbai Mountain range and the Songhua Lake Scenic Area, it is one of China’s key bases for skiing sports and a major ski tourism destination.

Beidahu Ski Resort boasts unique natural advantages. The slopes here are gentle, with few cliffs, and there are nine peaks exceeding 1,200 meters in elevation. The area enjoys about 160 days of snow cover each year. Snow depth varies between the mountain top and base, reaching up to 1.5 meters in the thickest spots. The entire resort area is surrounded by mountains on three sides, offering excellent wind protection in winter—sometimes nearly windless—and a relatively mild climate. Beidahu Ski Resort can accommodate alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, biathlon, as well as bobsleigh and luge events. Its supporting living facilities also meet international competition standards. As a sports and tourism hub integrating competitions, training, tourism, fitness, and rehabilitation, the resort has hosted China’s Eighth and Ninth National Winter Games and is considered one of the country’s top ski resorts.

Beidahu Town: Beidahu Town (Beidahu Zhen), Code: 220221114, Postal Code: 132224. Located in the southern part of the county, it lies 22.5 km south of Kouqian Town, the county seat. It borders Wangqi Town in Fengman District to the east and is mountain-bound with Hengdaohezi Township of Huadian City to the south, covering an area of 444.56 square kilometers. The town government is based in Beidahu. It administers the Beidahu Community and the villages of Xiangyang, Chaoyangbao, Chaoxianzu (Korean Ethnic), Caomiaozi, Xiaoshan, Wulihexiang, Guangzigou, Nangou, Xijia, Guofan, Xiaotun, Sanjiazi, and Baima. The town was originally named “Wulihexiang” (Five-Li River Town) after the resident Wulihetun Village… More detailed information about Beidahu Town++