Yangtze Delta surprises with variety of ski resorts

Skiing is a growing sport in China. In Shanghai, skiers need to travel as the only indoor skiing venue is currently closed for a revamp. Somewhat surprisingly there are some ski resorts fairly close by in the Yangtze River Delta. Here are some of the best.

Wansongling Ski Resort

This resort within the Daming Mountain Scenic Area in Hangzhou is one of the best outdoor ski resorts in eastern China. Its main run stretches about 1,000 meters on a mountain measuring 1,200 meters high. The resort has a capacity for 3,000 skiers. Professional coaches are available for beginners.

Opening hours: 8am-8pm

Address: Daming Mountain Scenic Area, Hangzhou,

Zhejiang Province

Price: 150 yuan (US$24)/hour or 600 yuan/day from Monday to Friday; 220 yuan/hour or 800 yuan/day on weekends; 260 yuan/hour or 1,000 yuan/day on holidays

Diyijian Ski Resort

Established in December 2012, the resort is at the top of the 900-meter-high Diyijian Peak of Zhenting Mountain. The resort has three runs with artificial snow to meet the needs of different levels of skiers.

Opening hours: 8:30am-4:30pm

Address: Diyijian Scenic Area, Ninghai County, Zhejiang Province

Price: 160 yuan/hour or 480 yuan/day from Monday to Friday; 220 yuan/hour or 640 yuan/day on weekends; 280 yuan/hour or 810 yuan/day on holidays

Jiangnan Tianchi Ski Resort

Hidden on Tianmu Mountain in Anji County of Zhejiang Province, it is famous for its high safety factor and magnificent view. Built in 2006, it's the first outdoor ski hill in the Yangtze River Delta region.

It has a main run of 400 meters with the steepest slope giving an incline of 30 to 40 degrees.

There's also a hot spring resort so skiers can relax tired and achy muscles after a long day on the slopes.

Opening hours: 8am-8pm

Address: Tianhuangping Scenic Area, Anji County,

Zhejiang Province

Price: 150 yuan/hour from Monday to Friday; 220 yuan/hour on weekends; 250 yuan/hour on holidays (not including 50 yuan for admission to the scenic area)

Shanglianggang Ski Resort

It is in the central area of Siming Mountain in Ningbo City of east Zhejiang Province and is 7 kilometers from the famous Xuedou Temple.

Aside from the ski slopes, the resort provides more than 20 other activities including sleigh rides and tobogganing.

Opening hours: 8am-4:30pm

Address: North of Xikou Scenic Area of Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province

Price: 180 yuan/hour or 400 yuan/day from Monday to Friday; 200 yuan/hour or 450 yuan/day on weekends (not including 50 yuan for admission to the scenic area)