Ski Adventure Xinjiang China 

Itinerary

Sunday - Arrive in Xinjiang

• Arrival in Ürümqi - your journey begins in Ürümqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang
• 8:55pm - meet in international airport arrival hall for pick up
• Stay in Ürümqi hotel

Monday - Silk Road Ski Resort

• Just outside the bustling city of Ürümqi lies the unique Silk Road ski resort, one of the first ski areas in this part of China. The new gondola takes you up to an elevation of 2,440 meters. Most descents from the gondola are short and steep, while the runs from the chairlifts at the resort are longer and flatter. The guide will ski with the group and you have the option to separate into groups for independent skiing in the resort. 
• The resort features local barbecue restaurants offering Kazakh, Uyghur, and Mongolian cuisine, providing a delightful introduction to skiing in China.
• In the evening, you can join the local tradition of karaoke and the perfect way to socialize with locals.
• Stay in Ürümqi hotel

Tuesday - City Tour, Transfer to Altay City, Night Skiing

• The group will start the day with a walk in People’s Park. Locals use the park for Tai Chi and table tennis and to start their day full of energy.
• As the sun rises more, you will climb Honshan Mountain, located in the city center, to visit the Chinese temple at the top and enjoy the panoramic view over the bustling city of Ürümqi (population 4 million).
• After a well-deserved cup of coffee, the drive to Altay City commences.
• It’s a 5 to 6 hour drive straight through the Gurbantünggüt Desert to the regional capital of Altay. Altay City is heavily influenced by Kazakh culture because for a long time, Kazakh nomads were the only inhabitants of this remote region. Thanks to the construction of new roads, the city has become more accessible and has grown quickly. 
• Check into Altay City Hotel and get ready to go night skiing.
• Night skiing at General's Mountain which overlooks the city.

Wednesday - Uzirik Snow Park (cat ski)

• Visit Uzirik Snow Park to make use of a snowcat* for transport up the mountain several times. Under the guidance of a local guide, the group will find your way back down through untouched terrain. You find yourself in a remote valley, about two hours’ drive from Altay City. There are few facilities, and it truly feels like civilization is far away.
• After an exhilarating day in the Snow Park, you'll be driven back to the city.  
• Stay in Altay City hotel
• * there is some chance that the snowcat may not be able to operate due to government restrictions. If it's not possible the alternative will be a full day skiing at General Mountain Ski Resort.

Thursday - Traditional Skiing, Transfer to Hemu

• You'll get to visit one of the last remaining traditional ski makers in the country and get a unique glimpse into the production process of making the wooden skis. For over 10,000 years, local people have used these skis for hunting and getting around in deep snow. You’ll even have the chance to make a miniature ski yourself as a souvenir.
• Afterwards, you can head out to test the real skis in a truly unique location.
• You'll be driven to Handegate, a tiny Mongolian village in the middle of nowhere to visit a small museum showcasing the origins of skiing. In caves outside of the village, rock carvings of hunting skiers were discovered. These carvings date back 10,000 to 30,000 years, providing solid evidence that skiing began here earlier than in any other country. The local Mongolian and Tuvan communities are extremely proud of this heritage. Statues of the first skiers stand proudly throughout the village.
• The journey continues to Hemu  and the route takes you through a barren desert into an extremely fertile forested region in the north, close to the Kazakh border, which includes some breathtaking landscapes.
• Hemu is one of the snowiest places in China and includes a wooden village with large wooden barns clustered together. In the past, local nomads shared these barns with their livestock during the winter months. In the summer, they would move out with their yurts in search of fertile grasslands. Today, all the barns have been renovated and converted into restaurants, cafes, shops, and accommodations.  
• Stay in Hemu guesthouse

Friday - Jikepulin ski resort

• Jikepulin ski resort is very snowy and also very large and its growth continues. The ultra-modern gondolas take you up to an altitude of 2,779 meters, from where you have a wide range of descents to choose from, both on and off-piste. The main building is quite futuristic. The slopes attract many experienced skiers and riders, in part due to the heavy snowfall, and to give you idea of the terrain, the Freeride World Tour now has a stop in Jikepulin which contributes to the freeride reputation of the area. Nevertheless, getting to this region takes some commitment, which means the slopes are never too crowded.
• Stay in Hemu guesthouse which is a cozy wooden barn with modern, comfortable double rooms.

Saturday & Sunday - Jikepulin ski resort

• Explore more of the ski area.
• Enjoy the local hospitality. Drink rice wine the pub and spend more nights in the cozy wooden barn in Hemu.

Monday - Hike around Hemu, transfer to Altay City

• After a hearty breakfast, the group will go on a long hike on the other side of the Hemu River, where the viewpoint offers a stunning view over the entire valley.
• In the afternoon, you'll be driven back to Altay City.
• In the evening, you can enjoy some karaoke—or go night skiing again (for the die-hards).
• Stay in hotel in Altay City

Tuesday - Transfer to Urumqi, Visit bazaar

• The drive back to Ürümqi begins and once again you'll cross the Gurbantünggüt Desert where there's a good chance you'll spot some camels along the way. The seemingly endless straight road through the desert suddenly gives way to the sight of Ürümqi. The bustling metropolis now feels like a chaotic maze. The neon lights are almost blinding, and the busy streets are a stark contrast to what you've grown accustomed to.
• Immerse yourselves in the vibrant city one last time.
• Stay in hotel in Urumqi

Wednesday - Return Flight

• Unfortunately it's time to say goodbye.

Rates & Inclusions

Rates 2027

• Price per person is 2,195 Euros
• Price is based on twin share accommodation.
• Solos welcome, minimum 5 guests for group tour
• If you want to check availability or have any other questions please get in contact
• If you have at least 5 people in your own group and are interested in a private bespoke tour you can make a booking request to ask about options and availability

• Skiing at ski resorts, 1 day cat skiing at Uzirik (if available, otherwise a day at General’s Mountain ski area)
• 10 nights lodging twin share
• Transfers from Ürümqi Airport and all ground transportation
• Walking tour in Ürümqi
• Half board (breakfast & dinner) + non-alcoholic drinks during meals
• English speaking guide, local guides
• Shovel, probe and avalanche beacon for cat skiing
• 1-day ski pass for Silk Road resort, 1 evening ski pass for Altay City, 3-day ski pass for Jikepulin ski area
• Workshop on making traditional skis + ski touring

• Single room surcharge

• Flights to/from Urumqi
• Lunch, snacks and alcoholic drinks
• Tips & souvenirs
• Insurance
• Ski or snowboard equipment rental

Terms & Conditions

As per agreed terms & conditions with the tour operator, Ryce Travel, at the time of booking, and including but not limited to any T&Cs listed below. Any contractual arrangements as a result of a booking enquiry are directly with the tour operator and is subject to their terms and conditions.