Mountains of fun

Secret Garden marries cutting-edge design concepts from some internationally renowned ski resorts in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia.

With a daily capacity for 18,000 visitors, Secret Garden joins some of the best world-renowned ski resorts.

It will introduce the world trend of "apres ski" into China. The trend is about skiing and having a good holiday at the same place, where there will be after-hour parties and all kinds of shows and recreational activities.

It is also one of the few resorts with a "ski-in, ski-out" concept, which literally means the moment you get out of bed, you can put on your gear and start skiing. And, when you are tired or hungry, you can ski into a hotel or restaurant.

Since December 2012, 30 out of the planned 87 ski routes with a variety of terrains have been opened. There are trails that will excite ardent skiers, and there are simpler ones for the novices.

And fear not, those who have never skied: Professional instructors will guide you down your first slope. There is a children-specific snow garden equipped with special skiing facilities and coaches.

Secret Garden also has one of the most advanced high-speed ski lifts in the world, with heated seats, and tourists can shuttle among the different skiing routes easily.

Once completed, there will be 22 ski lifts plying the resort, with a total daily capacity of 18,000 skiers - comforting news since at some resorts the time spent waiting to get on a ski lift is longer than the skiing. The vastness of the area also means that slopes are unlikely to be overcrowded.

Professional instructors help beginners get a feel for their skis.

Apart from attracting urbanites looking for a place to retreat, Secret Garden is really designed for families.

Every room in the 265-room five-star Genting Grand hotel is equipped with cooking facilities and two toilets. The ambience is a glow of warm tones of wood, and each room can accommodate four to six people. The hotel also has 60 special suites that are surrounded by an outdoor spa pool.

At Secret Garden, your holiday starts upon walking into Genting Grand hotel, which has a playground-like lobby with video games, foosball, billiard tables and a soft play area for young children.

Eight restaurants have been planned in the hotel and on top of the mountain to cater to every gastronomical demand.

Although only the ski resort and a hotel are currently open, it is worth the three-hour ride to escape from the hustle and bustle and polluted Beijing for some fresh air and to recharge.

For those who like to mix business with pleasure, the Genting Grand is also equipped with banquet and conference facilities.

Contact the writer at valerie@chinadaily.com.cn.