Great news! The most detailed first-skiing dates for major ski resorts in 2015 are finally here.

Last week, Chongli saw a snowfall that got all the ski enthusiasts excited—and now, major ski resorts are gradually starting their snowmaking operations in preparation for the 2015 ski season. The opening schedules for each resort this year have also been released, so if you’re already pumped about hitting the slopes, be sure to check out the first-day skiing dates at your favorite spots. And don’t forget, the SkiNet team has even listed the resorts’ contact numbers—so if you’re eager to book or ask questions, you can give them a call ahead of time!

Rankings are based on the opening schedules of major ski resorts in 2015:

First Place: Chongli Wanlong Ski Resort

Snowmaking completed: October 26, 2015

Expected first ski run: November 1, 2015

Consultation hotline: 400-6822-999

Located in Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, Wanlong Ski Resort is approximately 60 kilometers by car from downtown Zhangjiakou and about 250 kilometers from central Beijing. With its prime location—its highest point sits at an elevation of over 2,000 meters—the resort boasts more than 20 meticulously designed ski runs, including one that stretches a remarkable 3 to 4 kilometers in length. As one of the most prestigious, largest-scale, and earliest-opening ski destinations near Beijing, Wanlong has earned a stellar reputation among winter sports enthusiasts. The ski season typically runs from November each year through around April of the following year, drawing crowds of visitors eager to hit the slopes. Wanlong’s intermediate and advanced trails are widely regarded as some of the most professional in the entire Beijing region, making it an ideal spot for experienced skiers and snowboarders seeking a challenging yet rewarding experience. Meanwhile, beginners need not worry—qualified instructors are available on-site for private lessons or group sessions. Beyond its world-class skiing opportunities, the resort offers a full range of amenities, including comfortable accommodations at nearby hotels, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit for all guests.

Second place: Vanke Songhua Lake Ski Resort

Snowmaking began at 4:00 AM on October 24, 2015.

Confirmed first ski run date: November 14, 2015

Consultation hotline: 4006-880-999

Located in the Daqingshan area, which is part of the lingering peaks of the Changbai Mountains, Songhua Lake Ski Resort boasts abundant snow with a perfectly balanced hardness and a fine, granular texture. Situated adjacent to Songhua Lake, the resort benefits from moisture evaporating off the lake surface, which condenses into frost on the cooler slopes of Daqingshan at night. This natural phenomenon not only replenishes the ski area with fresh powder but also creates one of China’s "Four Great Natural Wonders"—rime ice, resembling a silvery-white forest that transforms the landscape into a breathtaking sight. Surrounded by towering, densely wooded mountains, the resort offers crisp, clean air, moderate wind conditions, and pristine, pollution-free surroundings. With excellent snow quality, an extended ski season, and substantial snowfall—averaging around 37 snow events annually—the resort enjoys a long winter season, typically spanning from mid-November to late March. Winter temperatures here average a chilly -9.7°C, making it an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts seeking both thrilling slopes and serene, frost-kissed scenery.

Second-place tie: Miyun Yunding Ski Resort

Snowmaking completed: October 26, 2015

Expected first ski run: Mid-to-late November 2015

Consultation hotline: 0313-47777777

Located in Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, Miyun Yun Ding Ski Resort is nestled amidst the majestic Dagroup Mountains, where the Taihang and Yanshan mountain ranges converge. Developed through a joint investment by Malaysia’s Genting Group and China’s Excellence Group, the resort boasts an average annual temperature of just 3.3°C and benefits from a snow season that lasts up to 150 days. Thanks to its exceptional geographical advantages, the resort provides the perfect setting for a wide range of ice and snow entertainment activities. The ski area features an extensive development plan, encompassing 87 meticulously designed ski runs totaling approximately 70 kilometers in length, with a total skiing area spanning 262 hectares. The facility can comfortably accommodate up to 19,610 skiers at any given time. To enhance the experience, the resort is equipped with 22 state-of-the-art cable car systems, stretching over 30 kilometers in total. These lifts have a rated capacity of 32,520 skiers per hour, though their optimal operational capacity is set at 18,270 guests. Once fully operational, the "Yun Ding Ski Center" will become China’s premier destination for snow enthusiasts—offering unforgettable opportunities to enjoy, explore, and revel in the magic of winter amid pristine, snow-covered landscapes.

Third place: Dolomiti Ski Resort

Snowmaking completed: October 26, 2015

Expected first ski run: mid-November 2015

Consultation hotline: 4000-610-210

Located 226 kilometers from Beijing in Chongli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, Duolemeidi Ski Resort is just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital—and it’s the closest alpine natural snow resort to Beijing. Surrounded by nine towering peaks exceeding 2,000 meters in height, the resort features terrain that gracefully rises from an elevation of 1,500 meters all the way up to 2,174 meters. With over 3 million square meters of snow-covered terrain and natural snow depths averaging more than 1.5 meters, combined with a remarkable snow retention period lasting over 150 days, Duolemeidi boasts a rare and pristine natural snowscape. The resort offers an impressive array of ski runs—ranging from beginner to advanced levels—including over 8 kilometers of slopes such as cat jumps, wave runs, and expert trails. Additionally, it has carefully designed recreational areas like a snowboarding park, a forest-themed park, and a dedicated kids’ playground, making it one of China’s premier national-level ski training facilities.

Fourth place: Beidahu Ski Resort

Snowmaking begins: Early morning of October 25

Estimated first ski date: around November 21, 2015

Consultation hotline: 400-606-7070

Beidahu Ski Resort boasts exceptional natural advantages. The slopes are gently rolling, with few steep cliffs or precipitous walls, and its main peak stands at 1,408.8 meters above sea level. Notably, there are nine peaks in the area that rise more than 1,200 meters in elevation. During winter, the average temperature hovers around -10.2°C, while the first snowfall typically occurs in late October and the last snow of the season melts by late April—resulting in approximately 160 days of snow cover annually. Snow depths vary significantly across the terrain: about 0.5 meters near the base of the mountains, rising to roughly 1 meter in the middle sections, and reaching up to around 1.5 meters at elevations above 1,000 meters. Thanks to the region’s unique topography—surrounded on three sides by towering mountains—the area experiences minimal winter winds, often resembling calm, still conditions. This favorable climate makes Beidahu Ski Resort an ideal location for hosting a wide range of alpine and Nordic skiing events, as well as specialized disciplines like ski jumping, freeriding, biathlon, and even winter sports such as bobsleigh and luge. As a result, the resort fully meets the stringent requirements for international-level snow sports venues.

Beidahu in autumn is stunningly beautiful—simply breathtaking!

Fifth place: Wanda Changbaishan International Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking date: October 28, 2015

Expected first ski run: November 14, 2015

Consultation hotline: 4000-987-666

Wanda Changbaishan International Ski Resort was designed by Canada's Ecosign, the world’s No. 1 company renowned for crafting competition venues for five Olympic Winter Games. Covering a total area of 7 square kilometers, the resort features 43 ski runs in all—9 advanced slopes meeting Olympic standards, 14 intermediate trails, and 20 beginner-friendly runs. The combined length of these slopes spans approximately 30 kilometers, with a total surface area of 935,000 square meters, capable of accommodating up to 8,000 skiers simultaneously. The resort boasts 7 lift systems, including cable lines totaling 7.1 kilometers in length. Among them are three state-of-the-art Austrian Doppelmayr 6-person detachable chairlifts equipped with grip technology, two French Poma 8-person detachable gondola lifts also featuring grip mechanisms, and two domestically produced 4-person fixed-grip chairlifts. Additionally, there are 12 magic carpets tailored specifically for beginners, offering an impressive hourly transport capacity of 22,000 people.

Sixth place: Beijing Yuyang International Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking period: Mid-to-late November 2015

Expected first ski run: mid-December 2015

Consultation hotline: 400-168-8885

Located in the scenic Jingdong Green Capital of Pinggu, near the nationally recognized 4A-level Qinglong Mountain attraction, Beijing Yuyang International Ski Resort is just over 60 kilometers from Beijing. Accessible via the Jingping Expressway in about 40 minutes, the resort boasts convenient transportation and breathtaking natural surroundings. Today, Yuyang International Ski Resort features 1600 meters of advanced slopes (2 runs), 700 meters of intermediate slopes (3 runs), 600 meters of beginner slopes (2 runs), and a 300-meter instructional slope—all designed to cater to skiers of all skill levels. The resort also offers two thrilling snow tubing runs, one exhilarating snowmobile track, a dedicated snowboard park, and a charming children’s playground. To enhance guest comfort, the resort is equipped with one 4-person chairlift, one 2-person chairlift, six small and large tow lifts, and three magic carpets—ensuring smooth and efficient access for skiers of every ability level. The spacious and well-lit ski equipment hall spans an impressive 9,000 square meters, providing an ideal, private space for individuals, groups, and VIP guests. Currently, the resort stocks 7,000 sets of top-brand imported ski equipment, 6,000 sets of ski apparel, and over 600 specialized ski outfits and gear tailored specifically for children.

Beijing Yuyang International Ski Resort has created a Snowboard Park tailored specifically for snowboarding enthusiasts, with a focus on introducing beginner and intermediate riders to the thrill of snowboard parks—enabling more enthusiasts to truly start enjoying the fun and excitement they offer.

Seventh place: Beijing Huaibei International Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking start date: Early November 2015

Expected first ski run: Late November 2015

For inquiries, please call: 010-89696677

Beijing Huaibei International Ski Resort is Beijing's safest ski resort, with staff available to assist visitors within about 50 meters. The resort boasts three cable cars—making it the only ski area in Beijing with a cable car serving its beginner slopes—four large tow lifts, and one "magic carpet." It features seven slopes in total: one advanced run, three intermediate runs, three beginner runs, and one practice slope. Guests can rent equipment at the on-site ski shop, enjoy a cozy Western-style restaurant, and choose from over 3,000 pairs of alpine skis, 3,000 pairs of snowboards, and 200 single boards. The resort even offers children’s equipment suitable for the youngest skiers as young as 3 years old. Additionally, 60 professional instructors are on hand to provide tailored lessons for skiers of all levels.

Eighth place: Shenyang Guai Po International Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking period: Early or mid-November 2015

Expected first ski run: mid- or late November 2015

Consultation phone: 024-89657799

The Shenyang Guai Po International Ski Resort is located within the Guai Po Scenic Area in the northeastern part of Shenyang City, Liaoning Province. It’s just 35 kilometers from downtown Shenyang and easily accessible by car—taking only about 40 minutes to reach. After exiting at the Qingshuitai interchange on the Beijing-Harbin Expressway, it’s a mere 10-minute drive to the resort. Built in 2010, the ski resort has been operational for four years now and currently stands as the closest ski destination to Shenyang city center. Covering an expansive area of over 500 mu, the resort boasts a total snowmaking area of 200,000 square meters, featuring seven ski runs tailored for beginners, intermediate skiers, and advanced enthusiasts alike. It’s also the largest ski resort in the Liaoshen region in terms of land area.

Ninth place: Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking period: mid-November 2015

Expected first ski run: Mid-to-late November 2015

Consultation hotline: 010-89091909

Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort is currently the largest, most advanced, and most versatile ski resort in North China, offering a wide variety of slopes to suit skiers of all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The resort boasts 21 meticulously designed ski runs, ranging from easy to challenging, making it perfect for skiers at every stage of their journey. Notably, Nanshan is home to China’s very first snowboard park—NANSHAN MELLOW PARK, developed in collaboration with the renowned Austrian company MELLOW. This cutting-edge facility features an array of exciting attractions, including four jumps, a 6m x 3m snowboard wall, six iron poles, and a U-shaped halfpipe. Additionally, the resort has introduced the country’s only "Mogul" slope—a thrilling advanced trail—and the unique WavesSlope, ideal for wave-style snowboarding practice. There’s also a dedicated children’s snowmobile track, along with China’s first-ever six-person snow soccer field.

Tenth place: Beijing Jundu Mountain Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking period: Mid-to-late November 2015

Expected first ski run: late November or early December 2015

For inquiries, please call 010-60725888

Beijing Jundu Mountain Ski Resort is the closest ski resort to downtown Beijing, located in the renowned Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Scenic Resort area of Changping. With a snowmaking area of 150,000 square meters and over 6,000 square meters of comprehensive service facilities, it stands as one of the largest ski resorts in the Beijing region. The resort features a high-capacity double chairlift capable of transporting up to 3,500 people per hour, along with eight dedicated ski lift systems and 3,100 sets of imported ski equipment. It can accommodate between 6,000 and 10,000 visitors daily. Additionally, a newly installed, ultra-high-power professional lighting system transforms nighttime skiing into an enchanting experience, bathing the slopes in a warm, golden-orange glow.

11th: Sichuan Taiziling Ski Resort

Expected snowmaking period: Mid-to-late November 2015

Expected first ski run: December 2015

Consultation phone: 0837-8709999 / 6680009 (currently not yet open)

Sichuan Taiziling Ski Resort seamlessly blends tourism, leisure, and sports, offering a full range of European-imported snowmaking equipment that ensures visitors can fully enjoy the thrill of skiing—even on days when natural snow is scarce. Even beginners can head to the beginner slopes to experience the exhilarating rush of gliding down from higher elevations, or venture into the expansive snow play area to build snowmen, engage in snowball fights, and relive cherished childhood memories. What’s more, the resort provides top-quality, imported ski gear that’s not only advanced and easy to handle but also perfectly suited for all skill levels. And don’t worry about staying warm—your comfort is always prioritized, thanks to the resort’s state-of-the-art drying rooms available at all times.

12th Place: General Mountain Ski Resort, Altay City

Expected snowmaking start date: Early November 2015

Expected first run: mid-November 2015

Consultation phone: 0906-2139999

Alashankou City’s General Mountain Ski Resort is seamlessly connected to the city center, located just 1,600 meters from Jinshan Square, the heart of Alashankou. It stands out as one of the rare ski resorts nestled within an urban area across China. The resort boasts a peak elevation of 1,325 meters and a maximum vertical drop of 405 meters, offering three advanced slopes along with a total of 16 intermediate and beginner trails stretching over 17 kilometers in length. Additionally, the resort features more than 1,000 sets of high-quality ski equipment and can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors daily. With its ideal mountain terrain, excellent snow conditions, long effective skiing season, comfortable temperatures, and consistently wind-free weather, General Mountain Ski Resort not only hosts international competitions but has also become the top winter tourism destination for both local and regional travelers.

The editor has already checked the approximate timing for all you skiing enthusiasts—since snowmaking depends heavily on favorable temperatures, ski resorts will begin artificial snow production around the dates mentioned above if temperatures continue to drop in the coming days. If you’re eager to hit the slopes, feel free to call the ski resort’s customer service hotline for more details.

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