Leaping off to discover local skiing options

Amid chilly winter temperatures, many skiing enthusiasts — especially those from southern China — are busy packing for "a migratory trip" to catch the last couple weeks skiing before the snow melts as spring arrives.

China's skiing industry is currently undergoing a boom period.

According to the China Ski Association, China had 20 million skiers last year — compared to 5 million in 2005.

Once known as an elite sport, skiing has become increasingly popular among affluent middle-class families looking for new entertainment.

And with China bidding to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, interest in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding is sure to grow further.

While ski resorts in northern Chinese provinces — such as Yabuli in Heilongjiang, Wanlong in Hebei and Beidahu in Jilin — are among the most popular destinations, there are some mostly artificial ski resorts in southern China offering beginner and mid-level runs.

In this week's Travel, we review four ski resorts around Shanghai. They might not offer competition to the top resorts in the north with regards to scale and facilities, but they can surely satisfy southerners' cravings for fun in the snow, and expand the options for a weekend getaway.