Come to Papa: a father teaches his son to ski. Photo: Courtesy of Jundushan Ski Resort

The early November snowfall was unexpected and unwanted by most people, except perhaps the Beijing Weather Modification Office – and winter sports fans. The skiing and snowboarding season has officially started a month earlier than previous years.

The Yabuli Ski Resort was the first to open its beginner's trails on November 5, with the rest of its 17 runs to follow later this month. Other major ski resorts, especially those in Hebei, where the temperature is even lower, are following Yabuli's lead, and soon expect to begin their first ski try-outs.

Wanlong Ski Resort in Zhangjiakou told us that their official opening date this year was November 7, although only part of the up-mountain trial on the advanced mogul run will be available. Dolomiti Ski Resort will begin business in the next week with a series of "promotional rates", according to marketing assistant Fanny Feng.

The good news is that the stops have been pulled out for this year. The newish foreign-backed Dolomoti have 12 snowmakers, a recently constructed water reservoir and a snow well. They have also converted the lounge room into a food court area, with more meal choices including Oden, Malatang, and the Shabu Shabu hotpot – perfect for a post ski warm-down.

Meanwhile, snowboarders' favourite Nanshan Ski Resort have announced that their intermediate mogul run has been equipped with a new climbing pull and a wider, longer trail. One advanced run at the back of the mountain has been converted to a slalom, ending with a medium jump. They're also teaming up with professional ice climbing clubs and constructed a new ice climbing wall that offers state-of-the-art facilities, as well as trainings and other activities (see also page 7 for more information about ice climbing). "The facilities at Nanshan and Judushan are the best," said experienced skier Wang Xiaolong, 26. "Their lift is especially comfortable and the advanced runs are extremely challenging."

But the question remains whether the sports' increasing popularity and better facilities will mean that prices start heading up the slippery slopes towards becoming elitism. Some, such as Dolomiti and the Tiwei Ski Court at Yabuli, for example, have confirmed their charges will remain at 2008 levels. Wanlong, however, has raised its weekday rate to weekend levels of between 570 and 980 yuan a day from November to February, an increase nearly of 25 percent on the previous year (the annual inflation rate is about 2 percent), but remains defiant on their value for money. "We are definitely better than other ski resorts around, with 22 runs, high quality equipments and great snow" a staff member surnamed Jin proudly told the Global Times.

Other resorts refused to comment or disclose their rates, saying that they were "undecided." The economic climate may be deterring some, but you will be sure to see rates skyrocket like Guo Dandan off a ski jump once the markets completely recover.

Nevertheless, many ski and snowboarding lovers are already showing their eagerness on Beijing ski forums such as bbs.beijingski.com, inviting others to join them share the fun. It seems that not even economic difficulties and higher overheads can get in the way of some adrenaline junkies. We asked two of them for their advice for the best local pistes.

Wang Xiaolong, 26 "I rate Nanshan and Judushan. I always have a great time there, even if it does get crowded during weekends and holidays. Taking the cable lift at Yuyang is painful, because it's halfway up the mountain, takes a long time and can be extremely cold. Huaibei's facilities aren't great, but I enjoyed their long, twisty advanced run. Plus it's pretty cool to see the Great Wall while skiing. I also recom-mend their spicy rice noodles! As an aside, there's an indoor ski court called Qiaobo that I'd like to recommend. It's possible to ski at any time of the year there but the slopes are flat and more suited to beginners."

Li Zhen, 28 "Nanshan is the best in terms of the quality of snow. Yuyang has broad slopes. I like the fun advanced run at Huaibei, which has extras like horse-drawn sled rides, snowmobile rental, even archery, plus romantic cable rides over the Wall. I'd give Nanshan and Huaibei the highest ratings, and recommend them to anyone who's planning a ski trip in Beijing, especially Huaibei for families and couples. The nearest place, though, is probably Wanlong Ski Resort."