A Super Detailed Guide to Skiing in Changchun
Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province, boasts abundant ice and snow resources and a long history of skiing.
1. Choosing a Ski Resort
- Jingyuetan Ski Resort: Located within Jingyuetan National Forest Park, it offers convenient access by bus and light rail. The ski resort is relatively small, with gentle slopes and average facilities, making it suitable for beginners. It has 2-3 slopes, including a beginner slope, a cross-country ski trail, and reportedly an intermediate slope. The regular price for a ski ticket is CNY 140, currently discounted to CNY 80, plus a CNY 30 park entrance fee.
- Tiandingshan Ski Resort: Situated approximately 20 km from both downtown Changchun and the airport, it's the closest large-scale ski resort to the city. It features new facilities, comprehensive amenities, restaurants, and homestays, but lacks advanced slopes. It offers 16 ski slopes, two cable cars, and three magic carpets. Weekday tickets for adults are CNY 210, while weekend and holiday tickets are CNY 230 (including ski equipment).
- Lianhuashan Ski Resort: Located 48 km from downtown Changchun and over 30 km from Changchun Airport, public transportation is less convenient. Driving or taking a club bus is recommended. It offers a wide variety of ski slopes for all levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes. The buffet is excellent, and there's a professional training area. Weekday tickets for adults are CNY 240, while weekend and holiday tickets are CNY 260.
- Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort: Situated about 50 km from downtown Changchun and less than 30 km from Changchun Longjia Airport, it offers convenient transportation. It has a variety of ski slopes for all levels. The beginner slopes have two magic carpets, providing efficient uphill transportation for beginners. The restaurant offers a wide selection of delicious food at reasonable prices. C-ropeway (beginner + intermediate) tickets are CNY 260 for both weekdays and nights, CNY 290 on weekends, and CNY 390 on holidays. B-ropeway (beginner + intermediate + advanced) tickets are CNY 280 for both weekdays and nights, CNY 320 on weekends, and CNY 420 on holidays.
2. Transportation Guide
- Driving: From Changchun, drive along Jingyue Street to Jingyuetan Ski Resort; or take the Changji Expressway, exit at Jiutai, and proceed to Miaoxiangshan Ski Resort. Pay attention to road conditions and traffic safety while driving, and plan your route in advance.
- Public Transportation: Take Light Rail Line 3 to Changying Century City Station and transfer to a ski resort shuttle bus to reach Jingyuetan Ski Resort; or take a bus to Dongfang Square and transfer to a ski resort shuttle bus to Tiandingshan Ski Resort.
3. Equipment Preparation
- Essential Equipment: Helmets, ski goggles, ski suits, gloves, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and other protective gear, as well as warm clothing and shoes. If you don't know how to ski, it's recommended to hire an instructor to avoid blindly following others.
- Optional Rentals: Some ski resorts offer equipment rentals, such as skis, boots, and poles. However, pay attention to the quality and hygiene of the rental equipment.
4. Accommodation
- City Center Accommodation: Choose hotels or homestays in downtown Changchun for convenient access to transportation, shopping, dining, and other amenities. Transportation from the city center to various ski resorts is also convenient, suitable for those who prefer not to stay near the ski resorts.
- Accommodation near Ski Resorts: Some ski resorts also offer hotels, resorts, or homestays nearby, such as the Jingyuetan Forest Villas near Jingyuetan Ski Resort and the hot spring hotels near Lianhuashan Ski Resort. Staying near the ski resorts can save on travel time, but the prices may be relatively higher.
This Changchun ski guide covers various aspects, including the selection of popular ski resorts, transportation guides, equipment preparation, and accommodation arrangements. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you can find the perfect ski destination in Changchun.