Yuyang Ski Resort - Bunny Hills and Beyond (2)

The mountain allegedly has trails for all levels of skiers, but although the numerous icy patches can make descents dicey, the lower runs aren't particularly challenging. Black runs on the upper mountain are steeper, but straightforward.

Like any ski hill near Beijing, the snow is usually all manmade, which may be a turn off for ski snobs, but the truth is, beggars can't be choosers in this environment.

Yuyang is particularly well-suited to beginners. It has two reasonably spacious bunny hills, and a wonderfully forgiving conveyer belt to take newbie skiers and boarders up the hill.

Staff at Yuyang are particularly helpful, meeting visitors at the gate, and leading them through a potentially complex process of renting gear and suiting up. However, they can also be entirely too helpful in trying to convince beginners that they need to take lessons at 200 yuan a pop. Such coaches certainly have the skill to teach people how to get down the hill, but those who are uninterested in employing them may be bothered by them up and down the mountain.