s Beijing endures some of the coldest spring weather I’ve witnessed in a decade, I thought why not turn lemons into lemon popsicles and talk about the renaissance of ice and snow sports in China.
The winter sports frenzy kicked off when Eileen Gu swished her way into our hearts during the 2021 Beijing Winter Olympics. Now, I must confess, I’m a bit of an Eileen Gu fanboy – not in a weird way, mind you; I don’t have posters of her plastered on my ceiling or anything! But I do appreciate that young girls in China (like my daughter) can look up to a role model who champions both sports and education.
Since Gu’s Olympic glory, ski resorts have been popping up everywhere, ranging from Beijing to Urumqi. My first ever ice and snow experience took place right here in Beijing at Huaibei Ski Resort. To say I was skeptical would be an understatement; cold weather and my lack of balance have always been nemeses. However, my frown quickly flipped upside down after I hit the slopes. First off, the instructors were fantastic – patient and safety-obsessed like a mom watching her kid play on the beach. They shouted “DON’T DO THAT!” with such enthusiasm every time I found a new and creative way to fall down.
What I didn’t expect was how family-friendly these resorts would be. Sure, there are plenty of sprightly youths zipping around, but tons of families bring their little ones. My wife and I were delighted to watch our kids make new friends while we sipped warm boba tea on a cold winter afternoon.
Now that I’ve gotten my (frozen) feet wet with skiing, I’m eager to explore other frosty pursuits in Beijing. The Shichahai Ice Rink – on a frozen lake – in particular caught my fancy, but let’s be honest: A faceplant on snow is one thing, while crashing into hard ice is an entirely different “adventure.” Still, the combination of gliding on ice and the stunning backdrop of Shichahai Temple is worth the risk (or the inevitable fall).
The fact I have a bevy of winter activities that I can now enjoy in the center of Beijing raises a very important point: Ice and snow activities have never been this accessible before. While you can find a few resorts requiring a bit of travel, and possibly an overnight stay, there are numerous smaller spots that are perfect for a delightful family frolic.
Now, while my ramblings have mostly centered around my escapades in Beijing, it would be a huge mistake to think that ice and snow sports are exclusive to the capital and Northeast China. One particular resort has piqued my interest: the Altay Ski Resort in Northern Xinjiang. As a proud bargain hunter, the idea of skiing in Xinjiang, combined with the prospect of indulging in delicious ethnic food and exploring its charming streets, sounds like the ultimate value holiday. Plus, the Altay marketing team has cranked up their advertising to eleven on social media, and I think I’m starting to hear their subliminal messaging in my dreams! To top it off, many of China’s professional winter athletes train there, and you know I would be down for a selfie with Eileen Gu.
As I write this story, I find myself asking one question: are ice and snow sports merely a fleeting fad, or will they become a staple of domestic tourism for years to come?
The spark of enthusiasm ignited by professional athletes may have lit the fire, but for ski resorts and frosty ventures to thrive, everyday consumers need to set aside their ping-pong paddles for skis. If they’re ready to embrace new forms of winter exercise, the industry will continue to grow.
Second, it will take a collective effort from organizers and adventurers alike to keep these new resorts in tiptop shape. As long as consumers treat the winter sporting grounds with respect, they should be able to remain in pristine condition and continue to grow in popularity.
I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the opportunities I’ll have to tumble down the slopes for many winters to come. For too long, Beijing’s winters have been a thorn in what has otherwise been an amazing adventure in China. My mental image of Chinese winters has historically involved down jackets and long johns under my jeans. But as the next winter approaches, I’m thrilled to say that a much more pleasant picture will be taking its place.
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