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Old Jan 8, 2017 | 12:26 am
  #62  
eethan
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Changbaishan ski resort review - 12/28/16

I was in CBS for two days (12/27 - 28) and glad I didn't stay longer. Even though the runs are nearly perfectly groomed, they're simply too short (1 min top to bottom) and not challenging enough (the hardest single black diamond runs are similar to blue runs at top US resorts). There is also no off-piste skiing, and they refuse to open prime areas with fresh snow. - When I asked, they were still compressing the snow to make the run more "safe."

On the plus side, there are NO lines since most visitors never hit the slopes, and of those that do, >90% are on the bunny slopes. A ski instructor I met claimed that a lot of the resort hadn't yet been opened, so there appears to be room to grow. Heck - they have 3 Holiday Inns, 2 Hyatts, Sheraton, Westin, and Ibis, all with direct access to slopes.

Equipment-wise, I can only speak about snowboards: The ~2 year old rentals were poorly maintained (never waxed) and dangerous (loose bindings and uneven bottom surface). I asked the manager and he got me the new Rossignol EXP, which is much better. They are in process of rotating in these new boards.

What I would have done instead:
Two "locals" suggested getting cross-country ski tickets at the Western entrance to CBS. At a very reasonable 3000 yuan for 2 days, motorcycles/snowmobiles? will take you up the Western slope. I believe this package also includes food and Western-slope ?accommodations?
When I asked the Hyatt concierge to book this for me, he refused stating that "wild snow" activities were "not normal" and they cannot take responsibility. Such is the state of skiing in China.

Some of my fellow CBS skiers suggested Beidahu (longer runs) and Yabuli (more technical). However, since I'm located in the US, I'll just visit Japan.

Last edited by eethan; Jan 8, 2017 at 12:45 am
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