Snow Tubing and Sledding/skiing

The first review I wrote of the snow hill was from winter 2008-2009 so I'm updating it after today's trip! (January, 2011)

Opening times: the information I got verbally from the first trip was that it is open from 8 am to 9 pm daily during winter months.

Entrance fee into Chaoyang Park itself is: Adults: 5 kwai. Kids 120 cm and over half price (2.5 rmb) And kids under 120 cm free. To reach the snow hill, enter in the East Gate #6 and walk pretty much straight back and around to your right. From East Gate #7, they had a car ferrying people back to the ski lift.

Entrance fee into the snow hill has changed since 2008: 30 kwai per adult, 20 kwai per kid (not sure of their rules re: size, they had a marker for 120 and it said something about it on the price board but they didn't differentiate between my kids under/over 120 cm. Maybe it's because I had a gaggle.

Tube rental times are in increments of 30 minutes. The prices have changed from last time I went. 200 RMB deposit up front on each tube (Rental fee is 100 per 1/2 hour, or 150 per hour, deducted when you return the tube- for our kids, a group of age 5, 7 and 8, one-half hour was enough activity!). I do not know their policy for bringing in other sleds/snow discs, etc. but it seems it would be allowed. There are 2 separate areas for skiing and for tubing and it's fun and safe even for really little kids- if they can get up the "snow steps." Warning: warm days and end of winter times the ice is super slippery ice!

It's not a huge hill, and pulling the tubes up is doable for most people. Moms going alone with young kids will need to figure in the dragging uphill of the tubes, though. For the downhill rides, there is a maximum of TWO people allowed on a tube which creates some logistical problems. Older kids (age 7+?) can likely drag their own up if it's early in the season and the snow is good and crunchy, or the kid is athletic. Younger kids will need a dedicated adult to drag their tube. Even if the kid wants to go down on their own, someone will need to bring the tube back up again. Strong men and fit women may be able to drag 2.

It's great fun!
Liora