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The warm weather is not helping the recently opened ski slopes around Beijing to invite the recreational acolytes to the joys of winter. But they are still open for business, even though the daily temperature can reach as high as nine degrees.
According to Beijing's local Chinese media, some ski slopes are suffering a financial loss of 1 million yuan (US$125,000) every day, as they fight to make more snow for those die-hard fans.
Prices to enter the recreational parks have risen 10 per cent to compensate.
Last year, skiing in Beijing cost between 50 to 70 yuan (US$6 - 8.4) per hour. For now, no slope will accept less than 70 yuan (US$8.5) per hour.
Nevertheless, customer service has never been higher, with staff being more professional. The recently built slopes around the city has also increase competition.
Here are the slopes on different ski parks around Beijing. We hope it can help you decide which is the best destination for you, and your friends, to have a fun ski trip on weekends.
Shijinglong Ski Slopes
Located near the Longqingxia scenic spot, Shijinglong was the first slope in the area to open, in 1999.
This is renowned for both novice and veteran skiers to test their skills navigating the giant alpine slalom.
Trails: 7.
Total length: 5,000 meters.
Vertical drop: 150 - 300 meters.
Trail slope: 1 - 30 degrees.
Trail width: 40 -100 meters.
Usual ski fee: 140 yuan (US$16.8) for two hours on weekends, 190 yuan (US$23) for four hours. This includes ski facility rental, parking and a personal locker.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6 PM.
To get there: Take bus 919 from Deshengmen, on the North Second Ring Road, to Yanqing, then take a taxi or mini-bus to the slopes. If you are driving, take the Badaling Highway to Yanqing, then the State Road 110 to the ski resort.
Tel: 86-10-69191617, 86-10-69191615.
Nanshan Ski Resort
Located in Miyun County, about 80 kilometers northeast of downtown Beijing, Nanshan Ski Resort offers a large trail assortment and 3000 pairs of skiing equipment, 150 of them snow-boards, for rental.
The skiing resort boasts trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, and the first half pipe of international standard, China's first advanced moguls slope, and the first snow football ground for six players.
Trails: 10.
Total length: 7,000 meters.
Trail vertical drop: 100 - 350 meters.
Trail slope: 1 - 35 degrees.
Trail width: 400 meters.
Usual ski fee: 220 yuan (US$26.5) a day on weekdays, 360 yuan (US$43) on weekends.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM.
To get there: Take the Dongzhimen - Miyun special bus route. It leaves Dongzhimen every five minutes. After arriving at Dongdaqiao Station in Miyun, take a taxi. It costs about 10 yuan (US$1.2).
Tel: 86-10-64450990
Huaibei International Ski Slopes
Located in Jiugukou Natural Scenic Spot, 70 kilometers from Beijing, this is an ideal tourist spot linking natural and historic sights. You'll also see Jiabianlou, the only rectangular tower of the Great Wall.
The whole ski park covers more than 30,000 square meters, with slopes made for those ready to shake off their novice status.
Trails: 6.
Total length: 3,100 meters.
Trail vertical drop: 238 meters.
Trail slope: 1 - 30 degrees.
Trail width: 300 meters.
Usual ski fee: 220 yuan (US$26.5) a day on weekdays, 360 yuan (US$43) on weekends.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6 PM.
To get there: Take bus route 916 from Dongzhimen, which leaves every five minutes, direct to the destination.
Tel: 86-10-69661177
Badaling Ski Resort
This park was just completed last winter, in Yanqing County, 70 kilometers north of downtown Beijing.
Covering an area of 150 hectares, Badaling Ski Resort offers a wide range of activities including skiing, water-skiing, sledging and gliding, and there is a large artificial pond for ice-skating fans.
Trails: 6.
Total length: 5,000 meters.
Trail vertical drop: 350 meters.
Trail slope: 1 - 35 degrees.
Trail width: 250 meters.
Usual ski fee: 50 yuan (US$6) per hour, or 220 yuan (US$26.5) per day on weekdays, 70 yuan (US$8.5) per hour, or 340 yuan (US$41) per day, on weekends.
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 6 PM.
To get there: Drive along Badaling Highway to Badaling Huaxuechang, or take bus route 919 at Deshengmen direct to the ski site.
Tel: 86-10-65010330
Other ski park sites
Beijing Snow World Ski Slopes in Changping District,
Pinggu Ski Slopes in Pinggu District,
Lianhua Mountain Ski Slopes in Pinggu District,
Xiangshan Ski Slopes in Haidian District,
Beijing Lingshan Ski Slopes in Mentougou District,
Beijing Yunfo Ski Slopes in Miyun County.
All these destinations offer ski services, but are relatively smaller than the above four detailed sites.
(Beijing Weekend December 10, 2004)
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