Beijing might not be the first place you think of for skiing in China, but it offers some surprisingly good options—Nanshan Ski Resort being one of the most popular. It's well-developed, easy to reach, and has terrain for all levels, from first-timers to experienced skiers.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to plan your trip to Nanshan: what to expect on the slopes, how to get there, rental costs, food options, and the best times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
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- Is It Worth Skiing at Nanshan?
- What to Expect
- A Suggested 1-Day Itinerary
- When to Go Skiing
- What and Where to Eat
- How to Get There
- Costs
Is It Worth Skiing at Nanshan?
Yes, especially if you're looking for a smooth, beginner-friendly ski day just outside Beijing.
Nanshan Ski Resort is one of the most accessible and well-equipped resorts in northern China. It's a good choice whether you're skiing with kids, trying the sport for the first time, or looking to keep your skills sharp.
Located only about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing by car, Nanshan offers a quick and easy escape into the snow. You don't need long transfers or overnight stays.
The ski season usually runs from late November to early March, depending on weather conditions. Day skiing is available from 9:00 to 17:00. Night skiing, on select slopes, is available from 18:30 to 22:00.
If you're only in Beijing for a few days and want to add a quick winter adventure, Nanshan is a reliable choice. No complicated planning. Just fun in the snow.
What to Expect—Slopes, Facilities & Services
Nanshan Ski Resort features 30 ski slopes of all levels, including 15 beginner, 9 intermediate, and 4 advanced trails, plus freestyle areas like wave, cat jump, and platform slopes. There are 3 chairlifts, 6 tow lifts, and 17 magic carpets. It's easy to get around, even for first-timers.
You'll also find a 1,318-meter toboggan run designed in Germany, two freestyle park zones, and snow play zones for kids.
ChairliftFor Beginners
Nanshan is one of the best places to start for beginners. You could enjoy wide, gentle slopes, with separate areas for adults and children.
If you've had a lesson or two before, there are slightly more advanced runs with smooth curves and gentle gradients to help you build confidence.
You could also join in private or small-group lessons for skiing, snowboarding, and freestyle.
For Kids & Families
Nanshan is very kid-friendly. There are dedicated slopes for kid's ski and snowboard lessons, as well as children's learning trails.
Besides skiing, you'll also find sledding areas, snow flying saucers, and large snow play zones where kids could just have fun in the snow.
Ice plowingA Tip: If you're not skiing but want to accompany your kids, you could buy a USD 4/SGD 5 companion ticket at the entrance.
For Intermediate & Advanced
For experienced skiers, Nanshan offers a solid mix of intermediate trails, moguls, and freestyle zones. Whether you prefer smooth carving runs or want to test your balance on wave slopes, there's something here to keep you challenged and engaged.
Ski jumpingA Suggested 1-Day Itinerary for First-Time Skiers
If it's your first time skiing, here's how you could spend a day at Nanshan.
- 8:00 - 9:30: Departure from the hotel in Beijing
- 9:30 - 10:00: Get your gear and get ready
- 10:00 - 13:00: Take a ski lesson
- 13:00 - 14:30: Have lunch and take a break
- 14:30 - 17:00: Free ski
- 17:30 - 19:00: Return to the hotel in Beijing
If you'd like to ski longer, you could stay for dinner at the resort and take a short rest before joining the night session. And you'll still be back in Beijing before 22:00.
SkiIf you prefer to stay overnight or plan a full 3 to 5 days ski trip, Nanshan offers two accommodation options.
Shirton Inn is a great choice if you want something comfortable and convenient. It's just a 5-minute walk from the slopes and offers both standard rooms and family suites. It is a good option for couples and families due to its value and location.
If you're looking for something more private and upscale, consider the Norwegian Villas. These two standalone chalets offer a higher level of comfort, with six bedrooms and a spacious living room in each unit. They're ideal if you're traveling with a larger group or want a more exclusive experience.
The villas are about a 15-minute walk from the slopes and offer more space, quiet, and privacy, at a higher price point.
If you want to experience skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort, we can help you combine it with other Beijing attractions. you're interested in. We can customize a private Beijing tour for you to fully enjoy the winter charm of the city. Feel free to contact us.
When to Go Skiing
The ski season at Nanshan runs from early December to early March.
The best time to visit is from early December to mid-January or from late February to early March. It's advisable to avoid New Year's Day and the school holiday period from mid-January to mid-February, as these weeks tend to be crowded with many local families during winter break.
Weekdays are much quieter. For a more relaxed experience, we suggest planning your visit between Monday morning and Friday afternoon.
If weekends are your only option, consider night skiing. The slopes are usually much quieter in the evening, and the snow stays smooth thanks to regular grooming.
What and Where to Eat
Nanshan Ski Resort has 4 restaurants and 2 cafés. Most are located at the base of the slopes, except for the Peak Performance Café, which is on the mountain.
If you're in the mood for Western food, try the Terrace Restaurant & Pub. It serves steaks, pizza, salad, and beer in a cozy, American country-style space, and other familiar Western dishes, too.
For classic Chinese meals, head to the Nanshan Restaurant. You'll find hot pot, stir-fried dishes, Taiwanese braised pork rice, and more warm, comforting dishes.
Hot potThe Outdoor Snack Plaza offers quick bites like beef noodles, Xinjiang baked buns, and Mutton Soup. It is great if you're looking for bold flavors and something fast.
When you want a short break on the mountain, stop by the Peak Performance Café. They serve coffee, drinks, and snacks, just enough to recharge before heading back down.
Other options include the Nanshan Café, which offers burgers, pasta, and coffee; and the Northeastern Style Restaurant, where you'll find rich stews, sweet and sour pork, and other hearty Northeastern dishes.
All these places don't require reservations, but lunch hours can get busy. We recommend starting from 13:00 if you want to avoid waiting.
How to Get There From Beijing
You could take a high-speed train from Beijing Chaoyang Station to Miyun Station. From there, it's a 10-minute taxi ride or a free shuttle bus to the resort. This option is affordable but may feel inconvenient, as it requires transferring and some waiting.
A more direct way is to take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like DiDi. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and costs USD 28-42/SGD 36-54. Fares are usually higher on weekends or holidays, and cars might be hard to find at night.
If you prefer a relaxed start to your ski day, our private transfer service is the easiest option. You'll be picked up at your hotel and dropped off right at the resort entrance. No crowds, no delays, and no need to figure out local transport. It's a good choice if you're traveling with kids, visiting during peak season, or planning to ski at night.
Costs
Ticket prices at Nanshan vary by weekday, weekend, and holidays. You could choose from several packages depending on your needs and gear.
A regular weekday day ticket (9:00–17:00) costs about USD 30/SGD 37 and includes skis, boots, and poles. Night skiing is cheaper, around USD 20/SGD 26, and offers a quieter experience. Holiday prices are higher.
There are four main ticket types:
- Basic (for those with their own gear)
- Standard ski package (most popular)
- With ski suit
- With VIP Equipment Room access, which includes a private lounge and fast-track entry
Ski suits and accessories can also be rented on-site. Prices range from USD 6-21/SGD 7-27 for suits, with small fees for goggles, helmets, gloves, and protective gear.
Tips:
- Book on WeChat at least one day in advance for lower prices than buying on-site.
- For great photos, you could rent colorful, stylish snow outfits and fun accessories like rabbit-ear or elephant-ear helmets.
If you want to explore more ski resorts in Beijing, see our Beijing's Top Ski Resorts.
See our Beijing tours for more ideas. We can customize or adjust the itinerary according to your needs.
