Skiing in Shanghai sounds unlikely and yet it’s very real. The city is home to Shanghai L+SNOW, the world’s largest indoor ski resort, with 90,000 m² of slopes open year-round. Yes, even in the middle of summer, when it’s 35°C outside, you can hit the snow right outside the heart of the city.
Perfect for beginners who want to try skiing without heading to the mountains, and for experienced skiers craving a summer snow fix, skiing in Shanghai is a unique and surprisingly accessible experience. In this guide, Trip.com shares everything you need to know: prices, equipment, and practical tips to make the most of it.
💡 Did you know? Shanghai L+SNOW holds the Guinness World Record for the largest indoor ski resort, with a 60-metre vertical drop across 16 floors.
Can You Really Ski in Shanghai? ⛷️
While Shanghai and skiing might not seem like an obvious pairing at first glance, the reality today is quite different! Not only is skiing now possible in Shanghai, but it has actually become one of the city’s most popular activities, all year round!
Here’s why skiing in Shanghai has become an absolute must-do:
❄️ The world's largest indoor ski resort: with the opening of the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort in September 2024 (we’ll tell you more about it just below), Shanghai can boast about breaking every record! The complex covers a total of 350,000 m² (including 90,000 m² just for the ski slopes), with an impressive 60-metre vertical drop winding across 16 floors. It’s like having a real mountain resort right in the heart of the megacity! Impressive, right?
🎿 4 pistes for all abilities: whether you’ve never strapped on a pair of skis in your life or you’re a seasoned pro, the complex offers 4 runs tailored to every level: beginner, beginner-intermediate, intermediate-advanced, and advanced.
🌡 Real snow at -5°C all year round: unlike some indoor centres that use artificial snow, L+SNOW uses real snow kept at a constant -5°C. Even when Shanghai is sweltering in the 38°C summer heat, you’ll be instantly transported to an Alpine resort with a genuine mountain vibe!
🎢 More than just skiing: this resort is an absolute wonderland, offering so much more than just hitting the slopes! You'll uncover a treasure trove of over 20 snow activities, including thrilling tobogganing, enchanting snow train journeys, unique ice biking, and exhilarating zip-lining. But the fun doesn't stop there! Imagine gliding across an Olympic ice rink, splashing around in an all-weather water park with 26 incredible slides, unwinding in one of three fabulous hotels, indulging in delicious dining, and browsing charming boutiques. Truly, it's an incredibly comprehensive destination, promising unforgettable moments for every taste and age!
📍 Easy to reach: located in the Lingang area of Pudong (near the stunning Dishui Lake), the resort is accessible by metro, bus, or taxi from central Shanghai. No need for a 3-hour drive to a mountain resort!
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Shanghai L+SNOW: The Top Indoor Ski Resort 🏔️
The Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort is truly THE game-changer for skiing in Shanghai! Opened in September 2024 after years of construction, this colossal complex has redefined indoor skiing standards worldwide (even surpassing Dubai’s famous slope!).
The slopes and facilities
The resort offers 4 ski slopes with progressive levels, ensuring there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy:
- The beginner slope: perfect for your first turns, with a gentle slope and plenty of space.
- The beginner-intermediate track (the S-track) is the longest and most fun! It spirals down from the 5th floor to the ground floor on a brilliantly designed 3D path.
- The intermediate-advanced run: wider and steeper, it’s perfect for working on your turns and picking up speed.
- The advanced run: for experts who really want to let loose on steep slopes and take on technical challenges.
In total, you've got 1.2 km of slopes to enjoy with a 60-metre vertical drop (equivalent to a 20-storey building!), all kept at a crisp -5°C with high-quality real snow. The ski area covers 90,000 m² (the size of 12 football pitches), giving you so much room that you’ll never feel crowded.
Activities beyond the slopes at indoor ski centres
Beyond the exhilarating rush of pure skiing, L+SNOW invites you to explore over 20 incredible snow attractions that are truly worth discovering:
- The Snow Country Train: China's first indoor snow train, whisking you around the complex;
- Speed luge: for high-speed thrills;
- Ice biking: a truly fun and original experience;
- Zip line over the slopes to soar above the skiers;
- Olympic ice rink: for a delightful change of pace on the ice!
- All-weather water park: with 26 slides to help you unwind after a day on the slopes.
Practical information for skiing at L+SNOW
📍 Address: No. 1-5, Lane 2088, Hucheng Ring Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai (next to Dishui Lake)
🕐 Opening hours:
- Weekdays: 10:00 - 20:00
- Weekends: 10:00 - 21:00
🎫 Prices (4-hour package including full equipment):
- Skiing + full equipment:
- Weekdays: 420 RMB (≈ £45)
- Peak days (non-holiday weekends): 600 RMB (≈ £65)
- Peak season (Chinese holidays, July-August): 780 RMB (≈ £84)
- Snow World (non-skiing snow activities):
- Weekdays: 220 RMB (≈ £24)
- Peak days: 300 RMB (≈ £32)
- Peak season: 400 RMB (≈ £43)
The ski price usually includes full equipment hire (skis, boots, poles, helmet, ski jacket and trousers), which is super handy if you don't have any gear of your own!
Best Ski Day Trips from Shanghai 🎿
If L+SNOW is fully booked or you're looking for other alternatives, here are the options available in the Shanghai area:
Ski resorts in Zhejiang Province
The neighbouring province of Zhejiang (just 1.5 to 3 hours from Shanghai) is home to around ten small ski resorts, which are also mostly indoors. Here are the main ones:
- Qiaobo Ice and Snow World - Shaoxing: This is the most popular spot in the region (150km from Shanghai). It offers up to 1km of slopes, with various difficulty levels to explore.
- Taihu Longemont Snow World: Situated near Lake Taihu, this resort also boasts 1km of indoor slopes.
- Wencheng Swan Castle - Wenzhou: the highest resort in Zhejiang (at an altitude of 850 metres), but also the furthest from Shanghai (around a 4-hour drive).
These resorts might not be quite as grand as Shanghai’s L+SNOW, but they’re brilliant alternatives if you’re looking for a weekend getaway that combines hitting the slopes with discovering Zhejiang.
Trip.com's Pro Tips for Skiing in Shanghai 📝
🧥 What to pack:
As mentioned above, all your ski gear (skis, boots, poles, helmet, jacket and trousers) is included in the price! However, don't forget to bring:
- Warm ski gloves;
- Thick knee-high socks;
- A thermal base layer;
- A beanie;
- Ski goggles (or a mask) if you have them.
Don't panic if you've forgotten anything – you can buy everything you need at the shops within the complex!
📱 Handy apps to save you time while you're there:
- WeChat: for bookings and payments.
- Alipay or WeChat Pay: accepted here for your convenience.
- Metro Shanghai App: for planning your metro journeys.
⏰ Book early!
L+SNOW is incredibly popular, especially at weekends and during Chinese school holidays. Be sure to book your tickets at least 2-3 days in advance to guarantee your spot!
🕐 Arrive early!
Those 4-hour slots fly by! Arrive right at opening time to make the most of it and beat the afternoon crowds.
Start planning your ski trip on Trip.com today to take advantage of the best rates on tickets and accommodation.
Happy skiing in Shanghai! ⛷️✨
Ski in Shanghai - FAQs ❓
Can you really ski in Shanghai?
Yes, absolutely! The Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort is the world’s largest indoor ski complex, featuring 90,000 m² of real snow kept at –5°C all year round. You can ski here even in the middle of summer!How much does skiing in Shanghai cost?
Expect to pay about 420 RMB (≈ £45) on weekdays and 600 RMB (≈ £65) on weekends for a 4‑hour session with all ski equipment included. It’s really reasonable for such an experience!Is ski equipment provided?
Yes, everything is included in the price: skis, boots, poles, helmet, ski jacket and trousers. You only need to bring your own gloves, socks and thermal underwear.Is Shanghai L+SNOW suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! There are 4 slopes for different levels, including a very gentle beginner slope, and instructors are available for lessons. It’s actually the perfect place to learn in a safe, controlled environment.How do I get to Shanghai L+SNOW?
The resort is located in the Lingang area of Pudong. You can take Metro Line 16 to Dishui Lake station and then a short bus ride, or take a taxi/Didi directly from central Shanghai (about 30–45 minutes).