Skiing in China?
Jan 31, 2016 | 1:26 pm
#61
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 353
Got it. Sounds like we won't stay outside for long during the winter, but the hot springs looks like a way to pass some time. We'll plan for 4 hours minimum from Baihe to Dunhua by bus. There might be a train on this route, which I'm inclined to take if it's more reliable than driving.
The only train I know from Baihe to Dunhua needs about 22 hours.
It stops in Changchun and Jilin before so no need to go to Dunhua.
There are 2 trains going to Shenyang.
Or you take the train to Longjing, then a taxi to Yanji (short distance ) to fly out or take the HSR.
But in this area it is faster to take the bus or a private driver.
And if you have time I would suggest you to visit the border city Tumen.
Jan 8, 2017 | 12:26 am
#62
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,088
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.
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
Jan 8, 2017 | 12:33 am
#63
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,088
Visiting CBS Heaven lake and getting out
If you're at CBS, of course you'll visit Heaven lake (Tianchi). That's where Kim Jong Il was born after all!
During summer, I suggest hitting the West slope, since it has more greenery and you can stay in CBS ski village.
In winter, the North slope has more variety (geysers/hot springs, waterfalls, and more), although the Heaven lake view is similar. (For photographers, your portraits will be overcast in the morning.)
To get to N slope, we took the afternoon train (2h) from Songjianghe (30m from CBS ski village) to Erdaobaihe. (A new Crowne Plaza is supposed to open here, with a natural hot spring spa.)
From Baihe, you can ride a taxi to the gate (30 yuan/person) and pay fees 3 times before getting a jeep ride to the top.
To go from Baihe to Changchun, there's a regular bus (30 yuan/person) and private taxis (50 yuan pp) for the 2h ride to Dunhua. Try some Korean food there and grab the high speed to Changchun. From Changchun, we went to Harbin.
During summer, I suggest hitting the West slope, since it has more greenery and you can stay in CBS ski village.
In winter, the North slope has more variety (geysers/hot springs, waterfalls, and more), although the Heaven lake view is similar. (For photographers, your portraits will be overcast in the morning.)
To get to N slope, we took the afternoon train (2h) from Songjianghe (30m from CBS ski village) to Erdaobaihe. (A new Crowne Plaza is supposed to open here, with a natural hot spring spa.)
From Baihe, you can ride a taxi to the gate (30 yuan/person) and pay fees 3 times before getting a jeep ride to the top.
To go from Baihe to Changchun, there's a regular bus (30 yuan/person) and private taxis (50 yuan pp) for the 2h ride to Dunhua. Try some Korean food there and grab the high speed to Changchun. From Changchun, we went to Harbin.
Jan 8, 2017 | 9:15 am
#65
Ambassador: China
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Malibu Inferno Ground Zero
Programs: UA AA CO
Posts: 4,836
CBS vertical drop 1200 ft.
867 m - 1210 m(Difference 343 m)Slopes
If you want vertical go to France
2799m vertical Charmonix.
867 m - 1210 m(Difference 343 m)Slopes
If you want vertical go to France
2799m vertical Charmonix.
Last edited by anacapamalibu; Jan 8, 2017 at 9:22 am