For the first time in my life I had a chance to try downhill skiing. An hour or two away from Beijing, Nanshan Ski Village is supposed to be one of the best around the city. For about $18, you can ski all day (weekday price), including ski rental. I went here with two Chinese friends with hopes to learn how to ski.
I was explained the basics and went down the easiest hill. It seemed simple to me, so after a few more tries on the bunny hills I took the big chair lift up to the main hills. The chair lift was probably the scariest point of the day. It is so high off the ground and when I got off I think I made the other people slip and fall down.
I made it down the bigger hills, but today it was more scary than fun. After a few hours though I started to get comfortable. These Chinese friends were wondering how I could get as good in one day as they got in years of skiing. It must be all my water ski experience.
I even skied an intermediate level hill. It was steep and difficult to slow down. Even though, I only fell down about three times the entire day. It was fun and I was glad to be able to try something new. (photos)