When you think of skiing, do your thoughts immediately jump to Scandinavia or northern Chinese cities? Though Sichuan is generally considered part of southern China, in winter we’ve got everything the north has—like ski resorts—and most of our resorts are surrounded by breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and relaxing hot springs. Today, we’re recommending eight stunning ski resorts in Sichuan.
1. Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort
The highest peak of Xiling Snow Mountain, Miaojiling, stands at an elevation of 5,353 meters, making it the tallest peak in Chengdu. Towering into the sky, it is covered in snow all year round. Under the sunlight, its pristine white brilliance is both beautiful and majestic. The Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu was inspired by this view to write the classic line: “The window frames the snow-crowned Xiling Mountains; the door moors ships from eastern Wu that have sailed ten thousand li.” Hence, the mountain got its name. The resort has 2,000 sets of world-renowned ski equipment and 10 international-standard ski runs, capable of accommodating 2,000 skiers simultaneously.
Address: Rear Mountain Leisure and Sports Area, Xiling Snow Mountain National Scenic Area, Xiling Town, Dayi County, Chengdu
Route: Chengdu – Chengwen Expressway, exit at Dayi onto the Xiling Snow Mountain Huashuiwan Tourist Expressway – Hemiao Road, Hemingshan (Dao Yuan Sheng Cheng) – Huashuiwan Hot Spring Resort Town – Xiling Town (turn right) – Xiling Snow Mountain Ski Resort (approximately 110 km in total).
Local Food: Stewed Pork Knuckle from Xiling, Rainbow Trout
2. Mianyang Jiuhuangshan Ski Resort
In winter, Jiuhuangshan is blanketed in silvery white, with glistening snowflakes dancing gracefully in the cold wind, like soft willow catkins floating across the vast sky. Skiing here feels like gliding alongside gentle, snow-like Qiang women hidden within the snowy landscape, dancing along with the falling flakes.
Address: Jiuhuangshan Scenic Area, Jinbaoshi Village, Guixi Township, Beichuan Qiang Autonomous County, Mianyang City
Route: Chengdu – Chengmian Expressway – Jiangyou – Pingwu – Jiuhuangshan Scenic Area (approximately 170 km in total)
Local Food: Qiang-style Cured Pork, Qiang Mountain Dried Tofu, Overlord Rabbit Leg, Stir-fried Wild Boar, Spiced Buckwheat Rolls
Shopping: Beichuan Moss Tea, Beichuan Beige Marble, Beichuan Konjac, Beichuan Cured Meat
3. Meishan Hongya Wawu Mountain Ski Resort
Wawu Mountain Ski Resort is a naturally-formed ski destination. It’s called “natural” because Wawu Mountain is covered in snow for up to 190 days a year, with snowfall starting as early as mid-October. Even if you’re not into skiing, quietly admiring the snowy landscape here is a delight. The thick snow and gentle slopes make it perfect to gear up and enjoy skiing down the runs.
Address: Hongya County, Meishan City
Route: Chengdu – Beijing-Kunming Expressway – Chengle Expressway – Suiziyu Expressway – Chongqing Ring Expressway – Hongwa Road – Wawu Mountain Ski Resort (approximately 233 km in total)
Local Food: Wild Delicacies from Wawu Mountain, Hongya Cured Pork, Hot Pot Chicken, Li’s Pickles, Danling Frozen Cake, Pengzu Health Porridge
Shopping: Dongpo Song Brushes, Qingcheng Bamboo Weaving, Pengzu Crystal Products
4. Mount Emei Gaoshan Leidongping Ski Resort
The winter scenery of Mount Emei is poetic and picturesque. From November to the end of March each year, the southern snow paradise of Mount Emei showcases the charm of ice and snow, presenting a unique multi-layered snowy landscape. At the Mount Emei Gaoshan Leidongping Ski Resort, soft white snow covers the entire recreational skiing area.
Address: Mount Emei Scenic Area, Leshan City
Route: Chengdu – Beijing-Kunming Expressway – Chengle Expressway – Chongqing Ring Expressway – Lehuan Expressway – Emei-Hong Road – Ski Resort (approximately 213 km in total)
Local Food: Mount Emei Tofu Pudding, Ye’er Pa, Hot Pot Chicken, Braised Duck from Mount Emei, Tofu Skewers
Shopping: Mount Emei Snow Buds Tea, Zhuyeqing Tea, Snow Konjac
5. Guangyuan Zengjia Mountain Ski Resort
Zengjia Mountain Ski Resort sits at an altitude of 1,750 meters, covering an area of over 2,000 acres. The first phase includes nine ski runs and the largest snow play area in Sichuan and Shaanxi. Winter snow, hail, and rime together create a stunning view at the resort.
Address: Zengjia Town, Chaotian District, Guangyuan City
Route: Chengdu – Qinglong Elevated Bridge – Beijing-Kunming Expressway – Mian-Guang Expressway – Beijing-Kunming Expressway – Guangqi Expressway – Zengjia Mountain Ski Resort (approximately 348 km in total)
Food: Jiange Tofu Banquet, Steamed Cold Noodles, Sesame Oil Rice Candy
Shopping: Jiange Ham, Sesame Oil Rice Candy, Walnut Cakes
VI. Bipenggou Ski Resort, Li County, Aba Prefecture
Bipenggou has undergone a complete renovation of its ski slopes, not only widening the runs and increasing the height of the gentle slope at the finish, but also installing safety fences and constructing an engaging uphill chairlift. This ensures visitors can enjoy skiing while also guaranteeing their safety.
Address: Putou Township, Li County, Aba Prefecture
Route: Chengdu ― Ring Expressway ― Chengguan Expressway ― Duwen Expressway ― Futang Tunnel ― Duwen Expressway ― National Highway 317 ― Bipenggou Ski Resort, total distance about 212 km
Food: Pot Rings, Tibetan Hot Pot, Monk’s Buns
Shopping: Matsutake Mushrooms, Tibetan Knives, Qiang Embroidery
VII. Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort, Mao County, Aba Prefecture
As one of the top ten “lesser-known” mountains selected by China National Geography, Jiuding Mountain is known as “admiring azaleas in spring, enjoying the cool in summer, viewing colorful forests in autumn, and speeding across snowy plains in winter.” The scenic area boasts extremely high concentrations of negative oxygen ions, with PM2.5 levels consistently below 50. During the ski season, sunny weather prevails 70% of the time, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 25°C and nighttime temperatures around -10°C. With no severe cold in winter or intense heat in summer, the climate is pleasant, making it a rare natural eco-resort near Chengdu.
Address: Qinglongping, Jiuding Mountain Scenic Area, Nanxin Town, Mao County, Aba Prefecture
Route: Chengdu ― Chengguan Expressway ― Duwen Expressway ― Jiuding Mountain Taiziling Ski Resort, Mao County, total distance about 153.8 km
Food: Fried Noodles, Maoxian Apples
Shopping: Highland Barley Wine, Qiang Embroidery, Tibetan Handicrafts
VIII. Chengdu American Four Seasons Ski Resort
Chengdu American Four Seasons Ski Resort is the only sports facility in China offering an outdoor all-season ski slope, and is currently one of Asia’s largest urban outdoor dry ski slopes. The resort uses advanced “Peak Dry Snow” mat technology to ensure skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of skiing all year round.
Address: Intersection of Minfeng Avenue and Xinyuan Avenue, Chengdu High-Tech Zone
Route: Yiguanmiao Interchange ― Chuangye Road ― Chengya Expressway ― exit at Shiyangchang ― turn right onto Yixin Avenue, then turn right again after crossing the highway overpass, and turn right at the Guofang Leyuan intersection onto Xinyuan Avenue, continue straight to reach the destination.
Food: Dan Dan Noodles, Husband-and-Wife Lung Slices, Long Chao Shou, Lai Tangyuan
Shopping: Shu Embroidery, Shu Brocade, Chengdu Lacquerware