There's no doubt that two of the most fun winter activities are skiing and going to hot springs. Skiing makes you sweat and exercises every muscle in the body that is strained from long hours in front of the computer. Taking a hot spring bath wraps the body in soothing warmth and replaces the sweat with fragrant massage oil. Now you can do both in one day. The following four ski resorts located in Beijing's suburbs are all located near spa resorts. Go check them out.

 

Nanshan (southern mountain) Ski Resort: meet pop stars

 

Complemented by Chunhuiyuan, a Japanese spa resort, Nanshan has two special ski runs for coaching in addition to beginner courses, middle level courses and high-level courses.

 

This ski resort is known for it's celebrity clientele, so for fans who want to catch a glimpse of a star, try going to the resort during the week, as celebs are known to avoid the weekend rush. Celebrities aren't usually on the beginner slopes either, so you'd better brush up on your skiing skills and keep your eyes peeled.

 

Visitors can dine at the Lutaisi Cafe, the Nanshan Cafeteria or have tea at the Lavender Teahouse. Standard rooms are priced at RMB320 per night on weekdays and RMB 360 on weekends. There is also traditional 'kang' lodging that fits eight to ten people for RMB 500 per room.

 

Entrance: RMB 20 for adults. Students, soldiers and children under 1.2 meters will enjoy a 50 percent discount.

 

Lift tickets: RMB 50 per adult per hour or RMB 220 for the full day on weekdays. RMB 70 per adult per hour or RMB 340 for the full day on weekends.

 

Location: Shengshuitou Village, Henanzhai, Miyun

 

How to get there: Take the Jingcheng Highway and get off at Shunmi Road Exit (Exit No.15). Make a right turn and follow the road signs to Nanshan (southern mountain) Ski Resort.

 

Shijinglong Ski Resort: take a bath in outdoor hot springs surrounded by snow

 

The spa in Shijinglong is a bit different in that its hot spring pond is not only in the open air but is also surrounded with snow. Visitors can enter the pond outside in swimsuits, and once submerged in the warm water, they will find it was worth it. Be careful not to catch cold when stepping out of the pond!

 

Surrounded by star-rated hotels and sophisticated restaurants featuring both western and Chinese dishes, skiers have many options for food and lodging here, among them the specialty Huoguopen, a unique hot pot dish whose broth is prepared by following secret recipes.

 

Entrance: RMB 20 per person; RMB 30 per person on holidays like the Spring Festival Holiday.

 

Lift tickets: RMB 100 per person for two hours, RMB 120 for three hours, RMB 140 for four hours, RMB 220 per person for the whole day on weekdays.

 

RMB 150 per person for two hours, RMB 180 for three hours, RMB 200 for four hours, RMB 360 per person for the whole day on weekends.

 

Location: Zhongyangfang, Zhangshanying Township, Yanqing County

 

How to get there: Take Badaling Highway to Madianqiao and get off at Exit No.19 to Yanqing County. Take the Longqingxia section of the 110 National Highway to Huangbai Temple. Continue west for 1km to Shijinglong Ski Resort.

 

Badaling Ski Resort: for the best coaches

 

Like the Nanshan Ski Resort, the Badaling Ski Resort also has a special 3,000 square meter ski course for coaching. Basic instruction is free, unlike other resorts. Badaling also provides coaching services for skiers of different levels. Foreign coaches charge a little more than Chinese coaches.

 

Badaling also is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 6PM to 10 PM charging RMB 40 per person. Any group of 40 or above may also order night skiing.

 

Guests at the Badaling Ski Resort can eat at Grandma's Kitchen, a western food restaurant that offers fast food sets starting at just RMB 25.

 

Longmai hot spring resort and Tianlongyuan hot spring resort are both nearby. Skiers choosing the Badaling Ski Resort also have another bonus -- the Yanqing Longqingxia Ice Lanterns Exhibition.

 

Entrance: RMB 20 per person; RMB 30 on holidays.

 

Lift tickets: RMB 80 per person for two hours, RMB 140 for four hours, RMB 170 for the whole day on weekdays;

 

RMB 100 per person for two hours, RMB 180 for four hours, RMB 240 for the whole day on weekends.

 

Location: 3 km west of the Badaling Great Wall

 

How to get there: Take the Badaling Highway and get off at Exit No.11. Make a right turn at the first crossroad and continue following the road east until you get to Xiaotangshan Township.

 

Jundu Mountain Ski Resort: Beijing's first ski resort

 

Jundu Mountain Ski Resort has free ski classes everyday, and for new skiers at Jundu, there is always a coach standing by to give them necessary instructions. Night skiing is from 5 PM-10 PM every day for RMB 80.

 

Guests can try various mutton dishes or relax at the Sunshine Smell Coffee House.

 

This ski resort is surrounded by spa resorts such as Jiuhua mountain village, Longmai spa resort, Fulaigong spa village and Fengshan spa, all just ten minutes' drive away.

 

Entrance: RMB 20 per person.

 

Lift Tickets: RMB 100 for two hours, RMB 120 for three hours, RMB 140 for four hours, RMB 220 for the whole day on weekdays;

RMB 150 per person for two hours, RMB 180 for three hours, RMB 200 for four hours, as well as RMB 360 for the whole day at weekend.

 

Location: No.588 Zhenshun Village, Cuicun Township, Changping District, Beijing

 

How to get there: Take the Badaling Highway and get off at Exit No.13C. Continue through Xiguan Island and Dongguan Island to the Jundu Mountain Ski Resort.

 

(lifestyle.com, January 25, 2007)