The international skiing industry is declining, expect in China, Liu Lu reports

A snowboarder flies high in Heilongjiang province. [Qiu Qilong/For China Daily]

Skiing only caught on for ordinary Chinese in the mid-1990s in the country's north and northeast, but has since blossomed into a pastime that can be practised nationwide. So far, more than 200 ski resorts, most of them quite small, have opened everywhere from western China's Xinjiang region and the Tibetan plateau to the southwestern province of Yunnan and Inner Mongolia in the north. On the outskirts of Beijing, about 10 ski areas are in operation, most of them using artificial snow to lure weekend daytrippers, as the region's winters have seen less and less precipitation.

And there is even an artificial ski slope operating next to the Bird's Nest in Beiing offering beginners a gentle ride.

French leisure group Club Med formally opened its first resort in China last month in the icy northeast, cashing in on a newfound love for winter sports among an increasingly wealthy middle class. Club Med is hoping to attract clients from across China, and even Southeast Asia, to its new village in Yabuli, which features 18 ski slopes.

"Most of the industry is in decline. China is really the only place where the industry is growing," says Justin Downes, a Canadian from the ski resort of Whistler who advises investors on the winter sports sector in China.

Here are five resorts worthy of consideration.

1. Yabuli Ski Resort

The ski resort, built on Yabuli Sun Mountain, part of the Changbai Mountain Range, is located in China's northernmost province, Heilongjiang. It is about 180 kilometers southeast of the province's capital city, Harbin.

It is the best in terms of snow quality, skiing trails and spectacular views. Wild animals are frequently spotted on the site.

The resort serves as the primary training venue for China's national teams. It also has trail vertical drops from 200 meters to 1,200 meters with an average drop of 700 meters.

What's cool: The largest ski resort in China.

Location: Harbin, Heilongjiang province in Northeast China.

Skiing season: From middle November to late March.

Target group: Suitable for skiers of all levels.

2. Alshan Ski Resort

Stretching over 10 km of pristine land, this place is one of China's best ski resorts. It is in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region and near the mountainous border with Mongolia. It also serves as one of the training bases for China's national skiing team.

The resort has a yearly snow fall period of 180 days between November and April, and quality of snow is excellent. It has two main sections: one area for experienced skiers, and another Alpine section for amateurs. In addition to skiing, travelers can also explore other fun activities with authentic Mongolian flavor on the vast grasslands, such as watching horse racing, wrestling, archery and hunting.

What's cool: This resort is a place surrounded by evergreen virgin forests and has plenty of Alpine and cross-country trails.

Ski season: From November to April.

Getting there: Take a flight from Beijing or Shanghai to Ulanhot. Upon arrival, board a bus or train bound for Alshan Ski Resort. It is about 4-hour bus ride from Ulanhot and about 700 km (15-hour bus drive) from Yabuli Ski Resort.

Target group: Suitable for skiers of all levels.

3. Beijing Huaibei International Ski Resort

Just more than 70 km from downtown Beijing, this is a great destination for snowboarders and skiers to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Built in 2000, it is a large recreational spot that boasts excellent ski slopes, world-class facilities, picturesque natural scenery, as well as convenient accommodation and dining services.

There are eight trails satisfying the needs of both beginners to experts and also provides a host of instructors. Travelers are also able to take a bird's eye view of the Great Wall by catching a cable car along 1,200 meters.

What's cool: Close to the Great Wall and Beijing's largest ski resort.

Skiing season: December to March.

Location: It's in the Jiugukou (Nine Valleys Pass) Natural Scenic Area, Huairou district.

Getting there: Travelers can either drive one hour from city downtown or take a 1.5-hour journey by taking bus No 936 (branch) at Dongzhimen subway station, which will directly take you there.

Target group: Suitable for skiers of all levels.

4. Shennongjia Ski Resort

With an average altitude of 1,700 meters, Shennongjia is an ancient and mysterious place in Hubei province, in an area dubbed "the roof of Central China". Opened in 2004, the ski resort is located in the hinterland of Shennongjia. It covers an area of 100,000 square meters and is only 0.5 km from the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve.

There are ski tracks for primary and intermediate skiers and more than 20 coaches for tourists. While experiencing the excitement of skiing, people can also admire Shennongjia's distinctive scenery of countless different odd mountain valleys, unknown beautiful flowers and plants.

What's cool: Largest winter sports complex for skiers from South and Central China.

Skiing season: Late December to February

Location: Shennongjia forest area, Hubei province.

Getting there: Travelers need to take a flight to Yichang or Xiangfan first, and then take a four-hour bus ride to Shennongjia.

Target group: Suitable for skiers of all levels.

5. Changbaishan (Changbai Mountain) Ski Resort

The ski resort is located 1,640 meters above sea level and occupies 120,000 sq m. It is an ideal place for skiing and ice-skating because of its well-constructed ski tracks, comprehensive winter sports training facilities and breathtaking environment.

Winter on Changbai Mountain features vast slopes of white snow and its snow quality is said to compare to that of the Alpine region of France and Italy.

Enthusiasts can also choose other activities including motor skiing, sleigh skiing, shooting and hunting.

Ski lessons are offered for beginners and the area's natural hot springs are another attraction of the resort.

What's cool: The resort is located in the heart of Changbei Mountain Nature Reserve's dense forest and has natural hot springs.

Skiing season: From mid November to early May.

Location: It is 500 kilometers east of Changchun, capital of Northeastern China's Jilin province.

Target group: Suitable for skiers of all levels.