China is a pioneering destination for Europeans and Americans, and massive sums of money have been and are being invested in its infrastructure. China's internal ski tourism is massive. The resort is located in North East China about 56km from Jilin city (and 141km from the capital city of Jilin province called Changchun). It is in the county of Yongji at Songhuahu Lake at around an altitude of 1400m (4600ft). Low altitude compared to Europe - no concerns over altitude sickness - but this is because in the North East of China it gets cold! The average temperature in winter is minus 10C - that said it is a drier cold than we are used to in Europe. The resort was China's first professional ski resort, established in 1993, and it has plenty of off piste, and plenty of mountainside to choose from for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. The lifts are imported mainly from America and the capacity reaches 3300 people an hour so lift queues are not an issue unless it is festival time. It has an area of 30 square km and total length of 18242m of ski-runs. There is also cross-country skiing trails (a 10km one that runs through the forests). For the more adventurous, having hosted the 2007 Asian Winter Games, it boasts 50m, 90m and free style jumping stands.
Location: Songhuahu Lake. An hour and a half drive out of Jilin City - Jilin Province, North East China.
Lifts: There are 6 double chair lifts, 1 six man trunk lift and 1 surface lift. This may not sound much but they are long lifts! - the total length is 9400m of cable.
Altitude: The highest peak inside the resort is at 1400m (around 4600ft), and there are 9 peaks that are over 1200m (around 3937 ft).
Ski season: From 1st November until 1st April. Snow in China can be unpredictable and it is not for lack of cold weather! It is best to travel in China with an open mind to any changes in schedule.
Recommended time to visit: Despite the fact that the resorts are potentially open for skiing in Nov. it is better to plan for travel from mid December until mid March.
Ski standard: For very advanced skiers Beidahu will give you two days interesting skiing. A suggestion is to take a guide for the day if you want to go and find more good off-piste skiing. Intermediates will enjoy Beidahu and beginners will be very happy, as there are plenty of gentle, empty slopes to learn on and good ski instruction. The qualifier with this is that the temperature is colder than we are used to in Europe, so individual instruction and to keep moving are important. If you are in a group, pay the bit extra not to be taught as a group, but split up and maybe two of you go with an instructor, but no more. This way you will improve quickly and not be waiting around while others are falling over!
Ski Pass: This varies. It depends on your level and where you want to ski. Please check the form below.
Ski Hire: The equipment is of an international standard and is hired up on the ski slopes. You can also hire snowboards. For the rental cost, please check the form below.
Nightlife: The locations for nightlife are considerably lacking. You visit these resorts to ski hard and get tired! - but bring a good book or a large group so you can entertain yourselves!
Accommodation: Depends on your budget, but the hotels we choose are in the resorts and are either 3 or 5 star.
Food: The breakfast is included in the hotel room. For lunch and dinner there are some restaurants inside the resort - possibly not as good as may be found in the cities, but actually very passable for the cost. A useful tip is to ask your guide for an opportunity to purchase some snacks and fruit for having out on the slopes during the day, especially if you are skiing hard. Do this before arriving in the ski resort.
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