Daihai International Ski Area in Zhuozi County, Ulanqab

Daihai International Ski Resort (岱海国际滑雪场) is one of the largest professional ski resorts in central and western Inner Mongolia. Administratively located in Liangcheng County (凉城县) and adjacent to Zhuozi County (卓资县), the resort is a major winter tourism destination in Ulanqab and served as a venue for the 14th National Winter Games (十四冬).

Located on the northern slope of Wolfo Mountain (卧佛山), the ski resort offers magnificent mountain scenery. From the mountaintop, visitors can overlook the panoramic view of Daihai Lake (岱海湖) and the surrounding mountains, creating an impressive winter landscape.

Address: Xiaogeliangou Village, Daihai Town, Liangcheng County, Ulanqab City

Basic Information

Ski Season and Visiting Time

The ski season usually runs from late November to mid-March of the following year. Opening hours are 08:30–17:00, with admission stopping at 16:30. The resort is closed and unavailable during the non-snow season.

The recommended visiting time is a full day for skiing. For a deeper winter vacation experience, staying for 1–2 nights is recommended.

Ski Resort Scale and Facilities

Located at an elevation of 1,600–2,100 meters, Daihai International Ski Resort features a maximum vertical drop of 397 meters and a total ski trail length of 14 kilometers. The resort has 12 ski slopes covering beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, along with international-standard cross-country skiing tracks.

How to Get to Daihai International Ski Resort

Self-Driving (Recommended)

Driving is the most convenient option. Search for “Daihai International Ski Resort (岱海国际滑雪场)” in navigation apps.

The resort is approximately 76 kilometers from Jining District, Ulanqab, around 80 kilometers from Hohhot, and about 390 kilometers from Beijing. A large free parking lot is available at the ski resort. In winter, roads may become icy, so visitors should drive carefully.

High-Speed Rail + Taxi

Take a high-speed train to Ulanqab Railway Station, then transfer by taxi or shared ride to the ski resort.

During winter holidays and peak ski periods, direct tourist buses from Hohhot to the ski resort may operate. Visitors should confirm schedules in advance.

Public Transportation

Travelers can first reach Liangcheng County and then take a taxi for about 10 kilometers to the ski resort. There is no direct public bus service to the ski area.

Tickets and Expenses

Ski packages generally include skis, ski boots, and ski poles. Helmets, ski suits, and protective equipment require additional rental fees. Purchasing tickets online in advance usually offers better value.

Discounts are available for students and seniors. A ski equipment deposit is collected on-site.

Additional optional expenses include ski instructors, snow tubes, snowmobiles, dining, and accommodation.

Main Attractions and Winter Activities

Alpine Ski Slopes

The beginner slopes are suitable for first-time skiers learning basic skills, while intermediate slopes are ideal for improving technique. The advanced slopes feature a maximum gradient of 35°, providing challenges for experienced skiers.

The resort is equipped with high-speed gondola lifts and magic carpets, offering efficient transportation capacity. During breaks between runs, visitors can enjoy views of Daihai Lake and the surrounding mountains from the mountaintop viewing area, where the snowy scenery is especially spectacular.

Snow Play Park

The snow play area offers activities such as snow tubing, snowmobiles, and snow spinning rides. It is suitable for families with children and provides fun winter experiences even for visitors who do not ski.

Ski School

The ski resort has a professional coaching team offering beginner and advanced courses for both skiing and snowboarding. It is suitable for visitors with no previous skiing experience.

Supporting Facilities

The resort features a 4,700-square-meter ski equipment hall with approximately 3,000 sets of ski equipment. Facilities include restaurants inside the ski area and a mountaintop café.

Visitors can also combine skiing with Mapao Hot Spring (马刨温泉) nearby. Enjoying a hot spring after skiing is one of the most popular winter travel combinations in the region.

Recommended Travel Routes

One-Day Skiing Itinerary

Arrive at the ski resort → Complete registration at the ski equipment hall and collect gear → Warm up on beginner slopes → Take the lift to experience intermediate and advanced slopes → Relax at the snow play area → Return equipment and leave the resort.

Two-Day Winter Vacation Route

Day 1: Spend the day skiing at Daihai International Ski Resort; enjoy Mapao Hot Spring in the evening; stay at a hotel in Liangcheng County or near the ski resort.

Day 2: Visit Daihai Lake, explore the Dongjin Mountain Reclining Buddha (洞金山卧佛), and then return.

Accommodation and Local Food

Accommodation Options

1. Hotels in Liangcheng County: The county offers a wider range of accommodation choices, located about 10 kilometers from the ski resort, with good value for money.
2. Resort and Hot Spring Hotels Near the Ski Area: These provide a convenient one-stop experience combining skiing and hot springs. Advance booking is strongly recommended during the peak ski season.

Local Cuisine

Recommended local dishes include youmian (莜面, traditional oat noodles), hand-held lamb (手把肉), lamb hot pot, and mountain wild vegetables.

Dining options inside the ski resort are relatively limited, so visitors may prepare snacks and hot water in advance.

Practical Travel Tips

1. Winter temperatures are very low, so visitors should wear windproof and waterproof ski clothing, goggles, and gloves. Moisture-wicking base layers are recommended. Helmets are strongly advised, and visitors should pay attention to preventing cold injuries and frostbite.
2. Mountain areas can be very windy. Cable cars may temporarily stop operating during strong winds. Ski slopes may become icy, so always prioritize safety while skiing.
3. Skiing is considered a high-risk sport. People with high blood pressure or heart disease are not recommended to participate. Children must ski under adult supervision.
4. The ski resort can become crowded on winter weekends and holidays. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the midday peak period.
5. There are no gas stations nearby, so fill up your vehicle before departure.

Nearby Attractions and Extended Winter Routes

Daihai International Ski Resort can be combined with Mapao Hot Spring (马刨温泉), Daihai Lake (岱海湖), and Dongjin Mountain Reclining Buddha (洞金山卧佛) for a complete winter itinerary.

During winter, travelers can also extend their journey to the Ulan Hada Volcano Group (乌兰哈达火山), creating a scenic winter self-driving loop through Ulanqab.