As winter approaches, major ski resorts in Beijing have begun trial operations. Due to slightly higher temperatures this year compared to previous years, some ski resorts in Beijing are still in the snow-making phase and will open about a week later than usual. Compared to past years, to attract visitors, many ski resorts have introduced extreme sports activities such as snowmobiles and snow gliders.
High temperatures result in insufficient snowfall for opening
This year, temperatures in Beijing during the same period are slightly higher than in previous years, and many people have not even put on their down jackets yet in December. As a result, some ski resorts have postponed their opening.
According to reports, over 20 ski resorts of various sizes around Beijing, including Yunfo Mountain and Nanshan Ski Resort in Miyun, and Shijinglong in Yanqing — about 10 resorts in total — have already opened. The remaining resorts are expected to open this week or next. However, it may take a few more days for the ski conditions to reach their best.
“We’ve waited so long, just hoping the ski resort would open.” Mr. Gong, a skiing enthusiast, had his skiing gear ready at the start of winter, eager to hit the slopes once the resort opened. Prompted by eager skiers, some resorts opened ahead of schedule last week. “We’ve started trial operations,” a spokesperson from HuaiBei Ski Resort told us. Due to the warm winter this year, more snow has been produced than in previous years. Initially, there aren’t many skiers on weekdays, but weekends see a larger crowd. To attract office workers to ski during the week, the resort has specially introduced night skiing sessions from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., priced about 50 yuan cheaper than daytime rates.
“We’re opening about a week later than usual,” said He Ping, chairman of JunDuShan Ski Resort. This winter’s high temperatures have led to snow machines running day and night, but the temperatures haven’t been low enough, and the snow volume hasn’t met opening standards. If temperatures drop in the coming days, it will aid snow production, and the resort is expected to open around next week.
New activities: ski resorts introduce extreme sports
As the number of skiers in Beijing grows and their skills improve, traditional options like snowboarding and sleds can no longer satisfy many. In recent years, aside from family-friendly activities, ski resorts have come up with various strategies to attract visitors. This year, thrilling snow-based extreme sports are one way to draw customers.
It is reported that snowmobiles, snow tanks, snow paragliding, and snow hot air balloons are among the new offerings introduced by many ski resorts this year, all aimed at providing skiers with more exciting and novel experiences.
“This year we’ve added snow tanks and snow hot air balloons,” a ski resort in Miyun told us. The snow hot air balloon rises about ten meters, allowing passengers to watch people and objects on the ground gradually shrink as they ascend. At the highest point, visitors can see the entire ski resort. The entire ascent, descent, and time spent aloft takes about 10 minutes, and those who try it say it’s incredibly thrilling.
“We’ve added a snow glider,” said HuaiBei Ski Resort, which introduced this exciting extreme sport this year. Visitors can experience this adrenaline-pumping activity on the snow. It is reported that various ski resorts have introduced unique programs this year to attract guests, such as snow adventure training, dry-land sledding, snow frisbee, and real-life snow CS battles, offering something for everyone to try.
Competing for visitors
Ski resorts don’t rely on group tours
“Just after opening, the number of visitors doesn’t show much difference compared to previous years.” Many ski resorts are not worried about the impact of this year’s “Eight-point Regulation.” Numerous resorts stated that in the past, there wasn’t much public spending on skiing, with few government departments visiting ski resorts. Only some companies organized employee trips to ski. Therefore, this year they are not counting on group visitors either, focusing instead on attracting individual families and leisure skiers.
It is reported that most ski resorts that have announced ticket prices this year have not raised them, while a few have increased prices by about 10–20% due to rising labor costs. Aside from purchasing tickets on-site, many group-buying websites have also started selling discounted tickets for major ski resorts this year, typically about 10–20% cheaper than buying at the gate. However, when buying ski tickets, it’s important to note that prices vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as between daytime and evening sessions.