Level 1:Ski only once every few years to stretch your muscles and relax.
Then just wear a cotton hat and gloves, put on your down jacket and jeans, and go for it—fall as much as you like.
Level 2:If you can ski two or three times each season, at least buy a pair of ski boots—the free ones from ski resorts have been worn by thousands of people before you.
One-time consumption, total: approximately2000 RMB
ü Hat:10 RMB, buy at roadside stalls
ü Ski goggles (non-anti-fog):100 RMB
ü Ski jacket and pants (waterproof and warm):700 RMB, varies by grade-40%to+100%
ü Ski gloves (waterproof, generally warm):50 RMB
ü Protective gear (elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards):80 RMB
ü Ski boots:400 RMB(for snowboarding),700 RMB(for alpine skiing), varies by grade-20%to+100%. Mine were leftover stock I bought at a ski shop one summer,400 RMB; my friend bought discounted ones from Decathlon,200RMB
Ongoing consumption: Beijing suburban ski resorts,200 RMB(weekday price including transportation)/per trip,250 RMB (weekend and holiday price including transportation)/per trip
Level 3:If you can ski in the Beijing suburbs more than5times per season and occasionally visit Zhangjiakou or the northeast, then you should own your own skis.
One-time consumption, total: approximately6000 RMB
ü Hat: same asLevel 2
ü Helmet:250 RMB
ü Face protection (neck gaiter):20 RMB
ü Ski goggles (anti-fog, wide field of view):200 RMB
ü Ski jacket and pants (waterproof and insulated): sameLevel 2
ü Moisture-wicking base layers:200 RMB
ü Ski socks:30
u Ski gloves (waterproof, insulated, optimized fit):150 RMB
ü Protective gear (elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards): sameLevel 2
ü Butt pad:100 RMB
ü Ski boots: sameLevel 2
ü Snowboard(with bindings):2000 RMB(snowboard),2500(alpine skis)
ü Walkie-talkies:400 RMB/pair
ü Ski bag:200 RMB
ü Travel backpack:500 RMB, 70L
Recurring cost: Beijing suburban ski resorts,200RMB(weekday, including transportation)/per trip,250 RMB (weekend and holiday, including transportation)/per trip, going to either Beidahu or Yabuli for about3days of skiing,2500RMB/per trip
Level 4 and above:Just get the most expensive ones
Please go to any ski shop and ask the owner for the best equipment.
About
ü Regarding safety, first learn how to fall. If you're on a quality ski slope, falling can actually be good for you.
ü About snowboarding versus skiing. The fun is the same, and skiing has slightly better adaptability to terrain. It’s just that I once got flung dozens of meters while skiing, and when I looked back, all my gear (skis, poles, hat, goggles) was scattered everywhere. Plus, ski boots are heavy, and the overall equipment is expensive, so I chose the relatively simpler and lighter snowboard.
ü About athletic ability, no matter how clumsy you are, after2,3runs, you’ll be able to handle wider steeper slopes. Believe in yourself.
ü About ski gear performance, the most important things are waterproofing and moisture-wicking; warmth is secondary. Because during intense activity, your body stays warm. In temperatures below10degrees, try not to expose your skin or get it wet.
ü About helmets, for those who don’t seek extreme thrills, they’re really not necessary, because it’s rare to crash and spin uncontrollably headfirst (“helicopter” crash) while cruising at a steady speed. But still, it’s better to have one than not—there’s always a chance you might hit a railing or get taken out by someone else’s board. I don’t wear one, mainly because I haven’t found an affordable, properly sized, and lightweight option. The only time I had a helicopter crash, luckily, it was in deep1-meter powder snow.
ü About ski boots, in professional competitions, the tighter the better, as it allows full control. But we’re spending all day at recreational resorts, not competing in a few-minute race like athletes, so it’s crucial to wear boots that fit well. I was misled and bought a pair that were too small—absolute agony. Thankfully, they’ve stretched out by now.
ü About luxury, our sport definitely doesn’t require thousands of dollars’ worth of gear. If you want, you can hit the nearby ski resort in jeans—no problem at all. Would you really splurge on a8000-plus-dollar ski jacket just to slide around in the snow? My ski pants are already done for—they were bought back when400, and now it’s time for a replacement.
ü About energy replenishment, carrying a few small packs of Dove chocolate and beef jerky, along with one or two small bottles of water, is a solid choice.
ü About enjoyment—I think this is the closest feeling to flying that regular folks can experience. Come and try it out for yourself.
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