Written by Natalia |
When it comes to Harbin – China’s winter capital, besides the most attractive Ice and Snow World, skiing is also a highlight. Excellent snow quality, long snow season, and well-equipped facilities here make every winter is a joyful season for skiing enthusiasts.
Harbin boasts dozens of fantastic ski resorts, including the most famous Yabuli Ski Resort. These ski resorts not only offer a diverse selection of ski slopes, but are also equipped with thoughtful service facilities. Let’s follow this travel guide to learn about 8 great Harbin ski resorts and some ski tips.
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- Top Harbin Ski Resorts at a Glance
- Best Ski Resorts Around Harbin
- When Is the Best Time to Ski in Harbin?
- Skiing Tips & Travel Guide for Harbin
- FAQs About Skiing in Harbin
- Plan Your Harbin Winter Tour with China Xian Tour
Top Harbin Ski Resorts at a Glance
Harbin Ski Resort |
Feature |
Distance from Downtown Harbin |
Time Needed |
Best For |
Yabuli Ski Resort |
Top 1 ski resort in China |
About 200 kilometers, 3 hours’ driving |
1-2 days |
All level skiers, advanced, family vacations |
Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort |
A more comfortable 5S-level ski resort nearest to Harbin |
About 80 kilometers, 1 hours’ driving |
1 day |
Families, beginners |
Erlongshan Ski Resort |
A well-known place where locals often go skiing |
About 65 kilometers, 1-1.5 hours’ driving |
Half to one day |
Intermediate and beginners |
HotSnow Indoor Ski Park |
World’s largest indoor ski resort, suitable for year-round skiing |
Located in downtown Harbin, Songbei District, Wanda Sunac Mall |
2-4 hours |
Kids, families, beginners, off-season skiing |
Pingshan Shenlu Ski Resort |
Close to Royal Deer Park |
About 75 kilometers, 1.5 hours’ driving |
Half day |
Kids, family, ski experience |
Yuquan Ski Resort |
The earliest ski tour base in China |
About 85 kilometers, 1 hour’s driving |
1 day |
Beginners, hunting culture experience |
Mao’ershan Ski Resort |
Harbin Sport Universityski teaching base, 5s-level |
About 85 kilometers, 1.5 hours’ driving |
Half to one day |
Families, students, beginners |
Mingdu Ski Resort |
A garden-style affordable ski resort in Harbin |
About 25 kilometers, 30 minutes’ driving |
Half to one day |
Family, beginners |
Best Ski Resorts Around Harbin
1. Yabuli Ski Resort: The Largest Ski Resort in China
Harbin Yabuli Ski Resort, rated 5S level, is the largest, most well-equipped, and fully functional ski resort in China. It is mainly composed of Yabuli Sunshine Resort Ski Area and New Sports Commission Ski Area. Founded in 1980, Yabuli covers an area of 2,255 hectares, with the highest altitude reaching 1,374 meters. The average temperature in Yabuli is -10℃, and its ski season lasts for nearly 150 days (from mid-November to late March of the following year).
Yabuli, one of the best-known attractions in Harbin, has many ski instructors, professional ski slopes, and standardized management. Major international events such as the Asian Winter Games and the Winter Universiade are often held here.
- cAddress: 20 kilometers southeast of Yabuli Town, Shangzhi City, Harbin
- Facilities: As the best Harbin ski resort, Yabuli has international-standard areas for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, freestyle skiing and ski jumping. It is the only ski resort in China that has the qualification to bid for the Winter Olympics.
- Reference Price: RMB 240/3 hours (ski gear included)
- How to get to Yabuli: It is connected to downtown Harbin by expressways and railways. Taking a high-speed train directly to the Yabulinan Railway Stationis most recommended.
- Accommodation options: YaBuLi Mu Yun Lou Hotel, Yabu Loni Hotel Yabuli, Club Med Yabuli, Yiduoyaxue Hotel, Sunny Holiday Hotel, Yabuli Forest Hot Spring Resort, Yabuli RTV International Hotel, Yawans Hotel,
Popular Harbin Yabuli Ski Tours
- One Day Private Yabuli Skiing Tour from Harbin
- 4 Days Best Harbin Winter Tour: Ice-Snow World, Yabuli and Snow Town
2. Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort: 5-S Level Ski Resort Closest to Harbin
Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort is surrounded by mountains on all sides, forming a natural sheltered harbor. So it is more comfortable than other Harbin ski resorts. The ski resort has a maximum capacity of 5,000 people, and is also equipped with the largest single ski service center in Asia – “Changshou Palace”.
Operating throughout the winter until the following early April, Jihua Ski Resort is the 5S-level ski resort closest to Harbin. This ski destination has been awarded the titles of “Popular Ski Resort”, “One of Top 5 Ski Resorts in Harbin Loved by Locals”, and one of the 100 places worth visiting in Heilongjiang. You can freely ski in the vast snow-covered forest here on your China tour to Harbin.
- Address: Within Changshou Mountain National Forest Park, Bin County, Harbin City
- Facilities: 15 ski slopesof different levels, including children’s slopes, totally 30 kilometers, as well as ski Ski schools are also available.
- Price: RMB 180-320
- How to get to there: By self-driving or shuttle bus
- Accommodation options: Yingjie Hot Spring Hotel
3. Erlongshan Ski Resort: Affordable Choice, Nighttime Skiing
Erlongshan Ski Resort covers an area of 780,000 square meters and can accommodate 4,000-5,000 people skiing at the same time. The ski resort has introduced German equipment and technology to build its ski slopes, winding down the Wanglong Mountain. Skiing here during its 120-day snow period is one of the best things to do in Harbin.
High-quality snow resources, safe ski slopes, complete facilities, and economical prices are the main reasons why many skiing enthusiasts and locals have a special fondness for Erlongshan Ski Resort. Perfect for 1-day Harbin ski tour.
- Address: Western part of the Erlongshan Scenic Area in Bin County, Harbin City
- Facilities: 2 large beginner ski areas, 1 children ski area, 8 mid-to-high level ski slopes, 1 chairlift, and 4 tow lifts
- Reference Price: RMB 180/2 hours, RMB 260/half day, RMB 350/one day
- How to get to there: There are special tourist buses available, or you can self drive.
- Accommodation options: Longzhu Hotel
4. HotSnow Miracle Indoor Ski Park: Ski All Year Round
Harbin HotSnow Miracle (Sunac Snow World or Wanda Ski Park) is a Guinness-certified “world’s largest indoor ski resort” with a building area of 80,000 square meters and a capacity of 3,000 people. The ski park maintains a constant temperature of -5 ℃ throughout the year, providing a comfortable ski environment regardless of season. The ski slope design from beginner to advanced meets the needs of skiers at different levels. Even a relaxed and enjoyable children’s ski slope is provided for kids.
It is a great place for indoor skiing in Harbin. Many domestic and international ski training teams also use HotSnow Miracle as their summer training base. There are various snow-related entertainment activities here, suitable for family fun in one visit. When tired of skiing, a shopping mall is right outside.
- Address: F1, Wanda Sunac Mall (Gate No.2), 99, Shimao Avenue, Songbei District, Harbin City
- Facilities: 8 ski slopes of different inclinations, with a total area of about 60,000 square meters, a maximum vertical drop of 80 meters, and 2 ski lifts
- Price: RMB 128+
- How to get to there: Buses No. 35/47/213
- Accommodation options: Crowne Plaza Sunac, Steigenberger by Sunac, Aoluguya Hyatt Prisma, Aoxue Four Seasons Hotel, etc.
5. Pingshan Shenlu Ski Resort: Close to Royal Deer Park
Pingshan Shenlu Ski Resort was established in 2002 and can accommodate up to 3,000 people for skiing. The ski resort has complete professional facilities and a total length of over 8,000 meters of ski slopes, making it an ideal China winter destination. The ski equipment hall is spacious and bright, with over 3,000 pairs of snowboards from well-known brands such as Solomon and Walker. More than 20 ski coaches provide services for tourists.
You can also visit the Pingshan Royal Deer Park nearby to have intimate contact with various herbivorous animals such as sika deer, alpacas, ponies, etc.
- Address: Pingshan Town, Acheng District, Harbin City
- Facilities: 7 beginner/intermediate/advanced ski slopes, 1 ice rink, 3 chairlifts, 1 magic carpet, and 2 tow lifts
- Price: RMB 45+
- How to get to there: By self-driving, train, or shuttle bus
- Accommodation options: Pingshan Shenlu Holiday Hotel
6. Yuquan Ski Resort: The Land of Skiing in China
Yuquan Ski Resort is adjacent to the largest hunting area in Asia and is the earliest ski resort in China (established in the 1930s), known as “the Land of Skiing in China”. In winter, the vast forest sea is magnificent. As a well-known ski resort frequently visited by Harbin locals, it also has professional ski instructors and a 600-square-meter ski hall.
The ski resort has well-equipped facilities, including tourist ski slopes, competitive ski slopes, cross-country ski slopes, etc. Four newly built ski slopes are interconnected at the mountain top, some steep and some gentle, providing a range of options for skiers.
- Address: Yuquan Town, Acheng District, Harbin City
- Facilities: 5ski slopes of different standards (beginner/intermediate/advanced), equipped with tow lifts and chairlifts
- Price: RMB 35+
- How to get there: By self-driving, train, or shuttle bus
7. Mao’ershan Ski Resort: Harbin Sport University Ski Teaching Base
Mao’ershan Ski Resort covers an area of 2.6 million square meters. It is the ski teaching base of Harbin Sport University and also the main venue of the 2009 Winter Universiade. This 5-S level Harbin ski resort has the widest beginner ski slope in China (130 meters). The cabins of its advanced ski lift can move at a speed of 5m/s, which is the first in Asia.
Multiple functions such as teaching and research, training and competition, and social services are integrated here. Regardless of skiing skills, you can find a suitable ski ground in Mao’ershan during your Harbin tours.
- Address: Mao’ershan Town, Shangzhi City, Harbin
- Facilities: 6beginner/intermediate/advanced ski slopes (over 6,750 meters in total), 1 snow tubing lane for beginners, 2 single-board “U” shape skill venues, and a complete and convenient ski lift system
- Price: RMB 130-280
- How to get to there: By self-driving, train, or shuttle bus
- Accommodation options: Mao’ershan Ski Resort Hotel
8. Mingdu Ski Resort: A Garden-Style Ski Resort in Harbin City Area
Mingdu Ski Resort has a fresh environment and a wide range of facilities. It covers an area of 200,000 square meters and is a garden-style ski resort. It is also one of the large ski resorts in Harbin city (accommodating up to 2,000 people). There are natural alpine skiing slopes with a starting platform. In addition, this place also has ski schools.
The superior geographical location, high-quality skiing facilities, reasonable pricing, and various entertainment activities make Mingdu stand out among many ski resorts in Heilongjiang.
- Address: 215, Haping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin City
- Facilities: 3 dedicated ski slopes for high/medium/low levels, 1 children’s ski slope, and 3 tow lifts
- Reference Price:RMB 88/2 hours; RMB 108/3 hours (ski gear included)
- How to get there: Buses No. 338/81 in city area
- Accommodation: Sofitel Harbin
When Is the Best Time to Ski in Harbin?
Harbin Ski Season (November To March)
The ski season in Harbin usually lasts from mid-November to the end of the following March. If encountering extremely cold weather with excellent snow-making conditions, some ski resorts may kick off as early as late October. If a winter is exceptionally snowy and the temperature remains low, some ski resorts may open until early April.
Snow Quality and Festival Timing
Located between 44°N and 46°N latitude, Harbin has an average winter temperature of around -20 ℃ and an extreme lowest temperature of -38.1 ℃. So there is abundant snowfall, good snow quality, and long-lasting snow cover. The cold climate and long snow season enable Harbin to provide high-quality ski resorts and facilities, thus becoming an ideal city for skiing in China.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opens on January 5th every year and lasts for one month. As the cradle of China’s competitive skiing and mass tourism skiing, Yabuli Ski Resort is an important activity venue for the Festival, showcasing the unique charm of ice and snow sports to the world.
Best Harbin Ski Tours
Skiing Tips & Travel Guide for Harbin
What to Pack for Skiing in Harbin?
- Clothing: Soft, moisture-absorbent, and breathable warm underwear; Sweaters/woolen jackets; Windproof, waterproof, warm, and breathable thick down jackets or professional parkas; Cotton/down pants + outer pants (with thick inner lining)
- Shoes: Lightweight, warm, thick-soled anti-lip shoes/snow boots + Warm and sweat-absorbent socks
- A warm hat that can cover the ears; Cotton/fleece gloves with 5 fingers separated; Woolen/crochet scarf; preferably with a mask
- Mobile phone and charger(remember to bring a phone warm case)
- Cameras, sunglasses, cold/gastrointestinal/carsickness medicine, high-energy snacks, warm paste, thermal cups, skin care products, and lip balm
Ski Rental Options
Tickets to major Harbin ski resorts generally include rental fees for snowshoes, snowboards, and snow sticks. Beginners are recommended to use shorter and softer double-board skis. You can also rent helmets and goggles. Try on the helmet to ensure head safety. Snow goggles should fit your face shape to avoid fogging.
Some ski resorts also provide other rental options such as ski suits, ski gloves, ski socks, etc. Many ski hotels in Harbin include ski tickets and some ski equipment in their room rates, too.
Ski Schools in Harbin for Beginners
For those with no skiing experience, it is essential to hire a ski coach. With a coach, you can quickly learn to ski and have a lot of fun. Choose ski schools in Yabuli, Sunac Snow World, Jihua, Mingdu and other popular ski resorts to gradually master ski skills.
Safety Tips for Ski Sports in Harbin, Northeast China
- Check Harbin weather in advance, choose appropriate cold-resistant clothing. Warm up before skiing.
- Choose a ski slope that suits your level, and avoid staying below the slope or in narrow areas.
- Be cautions of colliding with others. When falling, fall sideways. Try to let the snowboards catch the snow surface to stop sliding.
- When snowboarding, keep your phone in your ski suit pocket, and remember to zip it up after taking photos to prevent loss.
- Carry chocolate and other snacks with you to replenish energy. Warm paste is also suggested.
- If you feel unwell or have certain diseases (such as heart disease, hypertension, etc.), it is recommended not to try skiing.
FAQs About Skiing in Harbin
What’s the Best Time of Year to Ski in Harbin?
The best time to ski in Harbin is from December to the following February. During this period, Harbin has the lowest temperature and the best snow quality. Especially on the Chinese New Year, many Harbin ski resorts have more complete facilities services, as well as lively and happy atmosphere.
How Many Days Should I Plan for a Ski Trip to Harbin?
Spending 3-7 days on a Harbin ski tour will allow you to fully experience the charm of this Ice City. After arriving in Harbin, you can visit the Central Street to experience its historical culture and winter atmosphere. Then choose a ski resort that interest you to enjoy skiing and have fun. If you have plenty of time, engage in some relaxing activities, such as winter sightseeing, hot springs, tasting Harbin food, etc. Finally, purchase some local specialties and end your wonderful travel in Harbin.
Which Ski Resort in Harbin Has the Longest Slopes?
Yabuli Sunshine Ski Resort has a Guinness-certified world’s first alpine ski slope. It is 2,680 meters long and has a drop of 540 meters, with 48 turns. Yabuli Ski Resort currently has nearly 50 ski slopes of various types, totaling 90 kilometers in length.
Do Harbin Ski Resorts Offer Accommodation Packages?
Yes! Most Harbin ski resorts offer accommodation packages. For example, Yabuli Ski Resort provides packages that include accommodation and ski tickets for corresponding days, with various accommodation types. The cost-effective package provided by Mao’ershan Ski Resort usually includes one night accommodation and ski ticket. Many accommodation packages also include value-added services such as ski equipment rental, dining discounts, coaching guidance, etc.
What Other Winter Activities Can I Enjoy Besides Skiing?
In addition to skiing, tourists can experience many entertainment activities at ski resorts in Harbin, such as snowmobiles, snow ATV, horse-drawn snow sleds, snow go-karts, snow tubing, ice slides, etc. As a popular destination for China winter tours, Harbin also have Ice and Snow World, Sun Island Snow Expo, Siberian Tiger Park, Polarland, hot springs, and folk temple fairs, what are not to be missed.
Is Equipment Rental Available at Harbin Ski Resorts?
Yes! Ski resorts in Harbin generally offer rental services, including ski equipment and skiwear. There are usually multiple brands, models, and specifications to choose from, and staff will also provide professional advice for tourists to better use them.
Plan Your Harbin Winter Tour with China Xian Tour
Come join a professional and delightful China Xian Tour group to make the most of your Harbin trip. Together with fellow skiers, let’s glide on the snowboards to chase snowflakes in a Harbin ski resort, and experience a unique skiing adventure this winter!















