Huabei,
Not bad. Staff management has improved. The electric shuttle buses will proactively pick up and drop off board-carrying skiers when powered, the prices are reasonable, transportation is convenient, there are spare chairlifts, and the runs have improved. It’s worth a try for veterans like Old Worker who’ve been skiing for years but still aren’t that skilled. Note: on the new runs, when it’s windy, parts of the windward slopes have hard-packed icy patches blown smooth by the wind — you’ll need to be careful to avoid catching an edge.
Nanshan,
The snow is as good as ever, the crowds as packed as ever, the prices as high as ever, and the choices for skiers — such as various cat tracks, waves, and runs — remain as plentiful as ever.
Yuyang,
The chairlifts are still as slow as ever, although they’ve added a new one. If you don’t get hit by a west wind, Yuyang is still worth a visit. The snow quality is decent, and the runs are increasing in variety.
Jundu Mountain,
The ski equipment check-in process is maddening. Elderly visitors should check and remember their ski gear model and size beforehand to avoid ending up like Old Worker, who couldn’t answer smoothly when a pretty staff member asked for boot size, making him look senile — and then he argued back, asking why the resort was still sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong. If the air mattresses are open more often, it’s worth it for those showing off with freestyle boards to take a comfortable tumble :)
Qianshan,
On the way to Qianshan, you’ll be greeted by stunning and impressive runs. The reason they’re impressive is that the middle run closely resembles a famous overseas ski run that Old Worker has seen in other skiers’ photos — albeit in a compressed version.
The real test of stamina is the hike up using the V-step technique, then the magic carpet, and finally the base of the chairlift. And whether you get lucky enough to ride a lift without it shutting down mid-run for grooming is a test of luck. Waiting in the chairlift line while admiring beauties fresh from the shower is also a delightful sight. The lineup of skiers at the launch ramp above the air mattress area, ready to take off, is a spectacular sight rarely seen elsewhere. The nimble movements of skiers from Dalian tour groups and locals on the runs also make for quite a pleasing view for Old Worker, who’s just loitering on the chairlift.