It's a long, cold slippery slope for many come winter in Beijing - and that's just how the capital's growing legion of skiers like it.
A number of ski resorts have sprung up in recent years to cash in on the precious three-month season.
The slopes may not rival the more professional resorts in China's northeast provinces, but their convenient proximity to the city has won over diehard ski buffs.
Beijing Weekend this week offers some suggestions for those of you just itching to get out on the piste...
Shijinglong Ski Slopes
As one of the first to open near Beijing, Shijinglong is widely considered the most convenient slope due to the size, advanced facilities and good service.
About 80 kilometres northwest of the centre of town, Shijinglong Ski Area spans 50 hectares of skiable terrain, including slopes for beginner to expert.
Tow lifts, dog-drawn sledges and snowmobiles can all be found by those who fancy an alternatives to the piste. Up to 3,000 visitors can ski here at one time.
How to get there: Take bus 919 at Deshengmen (10 yuan/US$1.20) to the town of Yanqing County and then book a miandi or taxi (usually 12 yuan/US$1.40) to the slopes. Tell the driver you'll go to Shijinglong Huaxuechang.
You can also drive along the Badaling Highway to Yanqing and then ask a local people the direction of Shijinglong Huaxuechang.
Telephone: 6919-1617
Nanshan Ski Resort
The resort was completed towards the end of last winter. Nanshan is considered better than most. It is favoured by those who complain Beijing's ski slopes tend to be too short for them to fully exploit their skills.
Covering an area of 133 hectares, Nanshan offers a wide range of activities including skiing, water-skiing sledging and gliding.
Snow slopes for veteran skiers and novices are available.
Snowboarders can test out their skills on a U-shaped slope. Snowmobiles and sledges are available for children. Though the ski slopes and facilities are better equipped than many others around Beijing, Nanshan remains competitively priced.
The cost for skiing here is 140 yuan (US$17) for two hours, 160 yuan (US$19) three hours and 180 yuan (US$22) for four hours.
It will take you 90 minutes from downtown Beijing to get to the ski slopes (depending on traffic). It is three kilometres from the town of Miyun, a suburban city 75 kilometres northeast of Beijing.
How to get there: Take the Dong-Mi (Dongzhimen to Miyun) Bus Route at Dongzhimen to Xidaqiao Station (10 yuan/US$1.20) and then a taxi (10 yuan/US$1.20) to Nanshan Huaxuechang.
Huaibei International Ski Resort
It is located in Jiugukou Natural Scenic Spot. Many natural and historic sights like Jiabianlou, the only rectangular tower of the Great Wall, are nearby.
It spans an area of more than 30,000 square metres.
The ski trails at Huaibei International Ski Resort total more than 3,100 metres and drop a total 238 metres. The ski trails are made up of two advanced tracks, one intermediate track and three beginners' tracks. The ski tow is 1,200 metres in total. It's the longest at present in Beijing.
The general store provides a convenient service. Food and ski-related equipment are available for sale. The bar can accommodate 500 people.
How to get there: Take 936 bus route at Dongzhimen to Huaibei Huaxuechang.
Cost: The cost is 60 yuan (US$7.20) per hour from Monday to Friday and 80 yuan (US$9.60) on Saturday and Sunday.
Telephone: 6606-8831 6966-1177
Snow World Ski Resort
This is the nearest ski resort to downtown Beijing. About 36 kilometres from Madian Overpass on the North Third Ring Road, the Beijing Snow World Ski Resort is located in Changping District.
Skiing, snowmobiles, snowman making and sledge riding are the typical winter pursuits here. An effort has been made to cover most tastes and levels of ability.
The ski slopes are relatively slow and geared towards amateurs, ranging from eight degrees to 15 degrees.
To warm up, there's always the option of sample hotpot as well as Chinese and western fast food in the restaurant.
Cost for skiing here is 80 yuan (US$9.60) per hour, including rental fees.
Telephone: 6708-3218
Xiangshan Snow Resort
The resort has three different slopes.
How to get there: Buses 360, 318, 333, 904 arrive to the slopes.
Telephone: 6259-1666
Cost: 50 yuan (US$6) per hour per person.
Lingshan Ski Slopes
It is located in Lingshan Mountain and spans 20,000 square metres.
How to get there: Take 929 at Pingguoyuan Subway Station. You can also drive to there along No 109 State Road according to road signs.
(Beijing Weekend December 14, 2002)
