A ski resort in China is no longer a novelty; it is a serious winter option with modern lifts, long seasons, and locations from Beijing to the far north.

Thanks to Olympic-standard venues and steady investment, the country now rivals regional favourites for snow quality, terrain variety, and value.

You can pair a Beijing ski resort weekend with city sightseeing, or fly north for deep-winter conditions at a Harbin ski resort such as Yabuli.

Prices for passes, rentals, and lessons are often lower than in Europe, which helps first-timers and families plan with confidence.

Ready to plan? Read on for the best places to ski in China, when to go, where to stay, and how to get around.

Choosing a ski resort in China offers a blend of world-class facilities and cultural variety.

Modern slopes in regions like Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Beijing now feature Olympic-standard lifts and well-groomed trails for every skill level.

Compared with Europe or Japan, prices for passes, lessons and rentals remain appealing, giving beginners and families excellent value.

Off the slopes, travellers can combine winter sports with local experiences such as hot springs, regional cuisine, and historic sites.

Whether looking for a quick escape to Beijing ski resort or a longer holiday in the northeast, China offers an accessible and memorable winter adventure.

The main season for any ski resort in China runs from late November to March, when snowfall is reliable and temperatures stay below freezing.

Meanwhile, in the far north, such as Harbin and Changbaishan, snow often arrives by late October and can last until early April.

January and February bring the best powder, though they are also the busiest months, especially around Lunar New Year.

Early December or March can be ideal for smaller crowds and softer weather, while indoor venues like the Shanghai ski resort allow skiing year-round.

For a tip, checking forecasts and booking accommodation in advance ensures the best mix of snow quality and value.

Read also: Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to China from Singapore

An official 2022 Winter Olympics venue, Wanlong is popular for stable snow and various pistes. 

Advanced skiers appreciate its vertical drop and challenging trails, while beginners can join certified lessons.

The resort is a short transfer from the high-speed rail station serving Chongli ski resort.

Famed for excellent powder and an 870-metre vertical drop, Beidahu suits both intermediate and advanced skiers.

The resort also provides freestyle areas and cross-country trails for varied experiences.

Its long season and well-maintained lifts make it a consistent choice for serious winter travellers.

This destination mixes rich Silk Road history with gentle weather and reliable snow.

The high-altitude setting allows skiing from early November to May.

Visitors can combine their trip with a tour of Urumqi or other Xinjiang cultural highlights.

Xiling offers one of the largest alpine ski areas in the southwest region.

The resort provides trails for all levels plus snowmobiles and dog-sled rides.

Convenient access from Chengdu makes it a good choice for a short break.

A favourite for city residents and visitors, Nanshan is the largest Beijing ski resort and only about 1–1.5 hours from the city centre.

It features more than 20 trails, a snowboard park, and efficient chair lifts.

Prices for day passes start around ¥320 (about SG$60), and the resort also offers night skiing for those who want extra time on the slopes.

Set against the backdrop of the Great Wall of China, Huaibei ski resort provides a unique view.

It offers well-maintained beginner and intermediate runs and operates a reliable snow-making system to keep conditions steady.

Entry and lift tickets start near ¥260 (SG$50), making it an affordable option for a day trip.

Close to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, this resort mixes sightseeing with winter sports.

Trails cover all skill levels, and the location makes it easy to combine a cultural visit with skiing. 

Day passes average ¥280 (SG$52), and shuttle buses are available from Beijing.

Located beside the Songhua Lake, this resort is ideal for families and mixed-ability groups. 

Here, visitors can find well-groomed pistes, comfortable chairlifts, and reliable snow create a smooth experience. 

Night skiing is popular here, extending the fun into the evening.

Set at high altitude near the Russian border, Alshan offers dependable natural snow and both downhill and cross-country trails.

Competition-grade slopes and freestyle zones keep advanced skiers engaged, while the quiet setting suits travellers seeking space and fresh air.

Close to Altay City, Jiangjunshan provides more than 50 varied trails and long seasons that often run from October to April.

The resort’s sweeping mountain views and convenient city access make it a strong choice for those wanting wilderness and comfort.

Day passes range from about ¥200–600 (SG$38–115) depending on the resort and season.

Multi-day tickets often include small discounts and can be purchased online in advance.

Peak periods such as Lunar New Year may add a surcharge, so early booking is recommended.

Most ski resorts in China offer a complete set of gear for hire, such as skis, snowboards, boots, poles, helmets, and goggles.

Clothing rental (jackets, pants, gloves) is available at larger resorts such as Nanshan Ski Resort and Changbaishan Ski Resort.

Payment is typically cashless through WeChat Pay or Alipay, though international cards are accepted at major sites.

Many travel platforms and resorts in China sell bundles that combine lift tickets, equipment, and lessons at lower rates.

For a tip, check seasonal promotions on Traveloka for combined hotel and ski-pass savings.

Major resorts such as Nanshan Ski Resort, Changbaishan Ski Resort, and several Chongli ski resorts provide certified coaches who speak English fluently.

Private or group lessons can be booked by the hour or for a full day, with rates starting around ¥400 (about SG$75) per hour.

Instructors give personalised feedback and clear safety guidance to suit every skill level.

Large Beijing ski resort areas and well-known northern resorts operate structured courses that teach balance, turning, and safe stopping.

Multi-day programmes often include equipment rental and lift passes in a single fee, which helps visitors save time and money.

Class sizes are kept small so learners receive close attention from their instructors.

Many ski resorts in China offer family-focused deals that combine lessons for adults and kids.

These packages often include discounted lift tickets and rental gear for everyone.

Some resorts also provide childcare or snow-play areas so parents can enjoy the slopes.

Surrounded by striking alpine scenery, Hemu provides gentle pistes and attentive instructors who specialise in teaching young learners.

Here, modern base facilities and a calm atmosphere allow families to spend full days on the snow without feeling rushed.

Fulong pairs well-groomed trails with a spacious beginner zone and a central food court that keeps mealtimes simple.

The nearby town adds cafes and small shops, giving parents and children a pleasant place to unwind after skiing.

With broad nursery slopes and straightforward lift access, Saibei Ski Resort suits families taking their first turns on snow.

Efficient rental counters and quieter mid-week conditions create a relaxed environment for kids to build confidence while parents ski nearby.

Club Med Yabuli offers an all-inclusive experience that combines slopes with upscale comforts.

Guests can enjoy ski-in ski-out accommodation, gourmet dining and entertainment, as well as book private lessons with professional instructors

After a day on the mountain, heated pools and a full-service spa provide a relaxing finish.

Set in the Changbai Mountain area, this resort blends premium hotels with natural hot springs and snow that lasts from mid-November to April.

Visitors can choose between boutique lodges and international five-star properties, all located just minutes from the lifts.

The volcanic landscape adds a striking backdrop to every run.

An Olympic venue during the 2022 Winter Games, Yunding pairs world-class grooming and high-speed lifts with stylish hotels and dining.

amilies and couples appreciate the easy high-speed rail connection from Beijing.

The evening entertainment also keeps the resort lively long after the lifts close.

Thaiwoo combines a well-planned ski village with luxury hotels, on-site hot springs, and a wide choice of international restaurants.

Long maintained pistes keep skiers busy through the day, while attentive service and elegant accommodation create a comfortable atmosphere.

Located in Changping District, this compact site is ideal for families and first-time skiers. 

Well-groomed slopes, modern lifts, and on-site instructors ensure a smooth learning experience. 

Expect lift tickets to cost roughly ¥240 (SG$45) per day.

Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Snow World suits beginners and casual skiers seeking a quick escape from the city.

It maintains several short but enjoyable runs, with rental gear included in many ticket packages. 

A typical day pass is about ¥200 (SG$38).

China’s extensive high-speed rail network makes travel to ski destinations quick and convenient. 

Routes from Beijing to Zhangjiakou’s Chongli district, for example, take about 1 hour and serve popular resorts such as Yunding, Thaiwoo, and Wanlong.

From Beijing, travellers can take a fast train to Changchun and Jilin City, a journey that takes roughly 3–4 hours.

From there, they can continue their trip by local transport to reach resorts like Beidahu or Songhua Lake.

Major airports in Harbin, Changchun, Urumqi, and Chengdu connect directly with China’s main cities and many regional hubs.

Flights from Beijing to Harbin for Yabuli or to Urumqi for the Silk Road Ski Resort take around 2–3 hours, keeping transfer times manageable.

Many resorts run dedicated shuttle buses from nearby train stations or airports, making it easy to cover the last leg of the journey.

Services are frequent during peak season and cost between ¥30–80 depending on distance.

For tourists seeking convenience, private transfers are available and can be booked in advance.

For example, Traveloka offers airport transfer services that allow you to arrange door-to-door transport to ski resorts across China.

It’s a practical option if you are travelling with bulky equipment or a large group.

Read also: Apps you need to have for your visit to China

China proves that a memorable ski holiday doesn’t have to mean travelling to Europe or Japan. 

From Olympic-grade slopes to beginner hills, the country offers a blend of thrilling runs, striking scenery, and welcoming après-ski culture.

Last but not least, excellent transport links and various accommodation make planning simple.

Secure your flights, hotels, and attraction tickets through Traveloka for an effortless trip.

This leaves you free to focus on fresh powder and mountain views instead of the details.