Beijing's puny artificial slopes can be a serious disappointment to skiing fans trapped within the suburban hills. However, if you head northeast into Heilongjiang,Jilin and Lianing provinces, you can find some natural slopes waiting for exploration.

Dongbei is China's coldest region with winter temperatures as low as -3? At least three of the region's slopes are worth the trek.

The Yabuli Ski Resort is 195km east of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang Province. The resort is a great place to test one's skills. Skiing down from its high-level rails will be an experience you can be proud of.

The highest point of the resort is 1,375m with an average temperature of -10? At times, this can dip as low as -40? November to April is the slope's best season.

Ski trails

The Yabuli Ski Resort has 11 mountain ski runs for a total of 27km. The smallest slope is three degrees and the steepest is 18 degrees. Yabuli is China¡¯s only resor so far to conform to international standards. Besides mountain trails, the resort has special trails for high level, middle level and primary level ski fans, and langlauf trails.

Admission

10 yuan per person for entrance

Equipment rental from Monday to Thursday

Normal: 230 yuan per person for half a day; 380 yuan per person for a whole day
High quality: 240 yuan per person for half a day; 390 yuan per person for a whole day
Clothes: 50 yuan for half a day; 70 yuan for a whole day
Snowmobile: 60 yuan for ten minutes
Ski-Archery: 40 yuan for ten arrows

Professional coaching: 160 yuan for half a day; 240 yuan for a whole day (for one to two persons); 240 yuan for half a day and 360 yuan for a whole day (for three to six persons).

Tel: (0451) 5345 5126

Transportation

Take the city train from the Harbin Railway Station or a bus opposite the Station to Yabuli Town. Then take a mini-bus.

Take a mini-bus to the ski resort from Yabuli Railway station. It takes around 20 minutes.

Take a luxury bus from Harbin Railway Station to Yabuli Station. It takes around three hours and costs 80 yuan.

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