No snow, but there they go for summer ski fun

Beijing at the height of summer is not where you would expect to find a bustling ski resort - until now.

A complex of high, dry ski slopes at the south end of Olympic Forest Park was officially unveiled on July 18 as part of efforts by the city government to promote the winter sport as a year-round activity.

The resort, built by the park's management company and Beijing Sinolym Co, opened four courses for entry-to medium-level skiers as a trial on July 15 to a select group of enthusiasts. They were given the chance to experience the fun of skiing in light clothing under Beijing's summer sun.

"It feels so real, although the speed is not as fast as on real snow," says Zhang Bing, a snowboarder who also participated in a test run in late June. "But to be able to ski in summer in the city without traveling far to the outskirts is pretty cool."

At the core of the dry ski technology is the detachable artificial surface made of plastic bristles, which provide slope lubrication and a degree of friction that allows skiers to perform turns and jumps. The surface can be recycled and reassembled at other venues, Sinolym says.

"Theoretically, skiing on this mat feels 90 percent like riding on natural snow in terms of slipperiness and the coefficient of friction, but with better accessibility and less environmental affect," says Li Mingyong, chief executive of Sinolym.

In 2015, the company piloted the technology at a smaller resort in Chengdu, Sichuan province, in a warmer climate and received positive feedback.

Wang Lei, one of China's first-generation snowboarders, praised the surface's beginner-friendly nature. "It's slower but more stable, without many ups and downs compared with real snow slopes," says Wang, 39, who tried the Chengdu resort in 2015.

The dry ski resort in Beijing, which occupies 20,000 square meters over five areas, is expected to attract 300,000 visitors year-round. In the winter, its slopes will be covered by man-made snow, the operators say.

Mu Delin, general manager of the park's management company, did not say on July 18 when the resort will officially open to the public.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily European Weekly 07/21/2017 page15)