After months of anticipation, the Winter Olympics are finally upon us. While many countries will be looking to redeem themselves from past disappointments, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the host city, Beijing.
With the 2022 Winter Olympics less than two years away, it’s time to figure out where to visit, what to do, and who to watch.
While the city is unquestionably beautiful, it’s far from pristine. With over 100 years of history behind it, Beijing is a showcase of modern culture mixed with ancient traditions. If you are visiting the city during the winter, make sure to check the weather before you go – it can be extremely cold and snow-filled, even in July and August.
With the 2022 Winter Olympics just around the corner, where is the best place to watch skiing? Let’s take a look.
The Slopes Of Beijing
Beijing is home to a massive ski resort that is relatively unexplored by tourists. If you are looking for the greatest skiing opportunities, then Beijing is the place to be. The resort features numerous rails, parks, box-slopes, and back bowls, as well as a terrain park and a spectacular ice-skating rink.
The resort, known as Summer Olympics Mountainside, features 24 trails that cover an area of 21,600 square meters. The trails are well maintained and feature some great scenery, providing a paradise for mountain lovers. Many visitors travel from all over China to take a holiday at Summer Olympics Mountainside, boasting that it is the best ski resort in the country.
The resort is located in the northwestern part of the city, making it accessible from the Summer Olympic Park. It can be reached by cable car or ropeway, which allows for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. Even in the summer, the temperature is usually in the high 20s to low 30s, making it chilly on the slopes. You will need warm clothes, even in the summer, and it’s advisable to bring a jacket, hat, and gloves along.
Other Valuable Ski Resorts In China
While Summer Olympics Mountainside is the largest and arguably the most famous of the resorts in Beijing, there are other ones that are just as worthwhile. One of the best is located in the city’s south, in the Xiangshan Mountains. Similar to the Summer Olympics resort, the southern resort offers a large variety of trails that branch out onto spectacular terrains and provide for some fantastic backcountry exploring. The resort even has a snowboard park and a half-pipe.
Another great resort is located in the eastern part of the country, in the Jiangsu Province. With a little over a year to go before the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, it’s a good idea to start making plans to visit this popular resort. The resort features more than 25 trails, with expert snowboarding instructors on hand to help you progress on the mountain. In the summer, it is located on the outskirts of the city and not directly accessible by tourists, but you can get there by car through the small Chinese city of Yongjia. The road is closed during winter, however, so make sure to plan your trip during the off-season or you might have trouble getting there.
The City At The Center Of It All
While the provinces and the city of Beijing each have their own distinct charms, it is the center of the country that really stands out. Known as the “Olympic City,” Beijing is where the winter and summer Olympic Games are held. It is a city of modernity, tradition, and passion.
An area within the city is designated for tourists and is open to everyone. The Beidong Snow and Ice Festival, which features various sporting events and cultural displays, is one of the biggest attractions in the city. The festival takes place every year in February and attracts a large number of spectators, making it one of the most prominent attractions in the city every winter. The Winter and Summer Olympics were originally scheduled to be held in Beijing in 2022, but due to the pandemic, they were postponed to November 2021 and July 2028, respectively.
Beijing is a beautiful city and has a lot to offer visitors. If you are a fan of winter sports, then there are plenty of places to witness the action first-hand. If you are looking for the greatest skiing experience in the country, then Summer Olympics Mountainside should be on your list. If you have never been to China, then this is the perfect opportunity to visit the country and catch a glimpse of its magnificence.