CHINA is now among the hotspots for skiing for Mr William Tan. The managing director of a winterwear company here is among a growing number of Singaporeans who are discovering that China is more than just a place to soak up culture and history.

Mr Tan, who jets off on skiing trips every year and has tried the snow in Harbin, finds that the slopes are challenging and the resorts are well run.

Travel operators say that while Korea took off as an Asian skiing destination some eight years ago, China has come into the snowy picture only in the last two years.

Agencies such as SA Tours and IK Chin Travel either include skiing as part of a tour package to China or arrange customised itineraries for individuals.

The season for skiing starts from as early as October to as late as April every year, as is the case in Harbin in north-east China.

It was reported in a recent issue of Time Asia magazine that there are more than 200 ski resorts in that country, a marked increase from just one a decade ago.

Two attractions for Singaporeans are the lower prices and the fact that Mandarin is spoken, making travellers feel more at home, than say in Korea and Japan.

'Skiing is not a cheap sport and China, being a cheaper destination, is a viable alternative for beginners to get experience,' says Mr Nik Ang, a ski and snowboard instructor at Ski Venture here.

It can cost about 25 per cent less to ski in China compared to Korea, and less than half what it costs to ski in Japan.

SA Tours, for instance, charges between $998 and $1,288 for a China package while Korea packages run from $1,088 to $1,388.

Since 2003, the company has lined up seven-day trips to Beijing, from December to February, inclusive of a night's stay in Beijing Shihao International Club, a five-star ski resort.

Last year, over 1,000 people, or 10 per cent of SA's year-end customers, signed up for the Beijing visit.

Tour operators say that while most participants are new to skiing, beginner lessons are available.

'It is very safe to ski in China because it is a very common activity for both local Chinese and tourists,' says Ms Nancy Tan, managing director of IK Chin Travel.

For those who prefer to go free and easy, tour operators also recommend resorts in Qingdao and Dalian.

But not every tour agency here is jumping on the bandwagon yet. Mr Anthony Leung, research development manager of Chan Brothers Travel, says Japan's ski resorts boast well-trained guides and good facilities.

The company has organised ski packages to Japan for more than five years now, with the most recent winter season drawing more than 100 Singaporeans.

But China has one irresistible trump card. As Ms Cheryl Yapp, a sales and marketing director of a printing company, says: 'I've heard about the skiing in China and I don't mind going there to try it out. And I can also visit the Great Wall and Tiananmen Square, which is a big plus.'

Such sentiments are making Dynasty Travel start skiing tours this year.

'We'll target upmarket customers who know that China has come a long way and that the facilities are very nice,' says Mr Raymond Tsang, head of its China division.

SKI THE ASIAN SLOPES

Beijing Shihao International Club, China

• How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Beijing and take a one-hour coach ride to the resort.
• Season: December to February
• Package: 7-day trip costs from $998 to $1,288 depending on departure date. Includes a night's stay at the five-star club.
• What you can do: Skiing and snowboarding with free rental of ski equipment and ski suit.

  For more information, call SA Tours on 6557-2567

Shikinglong Skiing Resort, China

• How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Beijing. From there, travel by coach for three hours to reach the resort.
• Season: December to February
• Package: 4- to 8-day trip ranging from $1,288 to $1,888. Prices differ depending on whether you stay in the lodge or hotel.
• What you can do: Skiing and snow boarding, with aid from trained guides.

  For more information, call IK Chin Travel Service on 6221-3727

Club Med Sahoro, Japan

• How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Tokyo, then transfer by plane to Chitose. From Chitose, take a two-hour train ride to Sahoro in Hokkaido.
• Season: December to April
• Package: 8-day free-and-easy trip at $3,136 per person. All meals and accommodation provided. There will be trained guides to teach people how to ski.
• What you can do: Skiing and snow boarding. One can also try out a range of sports activities like archery, basketball and squash.

  For more information, call Chan Brothers Travel on 6533-6119 (ext 327).

Hotel Nikko, Japan

• How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Osaka, then transfer to Sapporo. Then take a two-hour coach ride to Mount Niseko Annupuri.
• Season: December to March
• Package: 2-night trip costs from $1,119 to $1,398. Includes accommodation but need to pay for rental of ski equipment and suit.
• What you can do: Skiing, snowboarding and snow rafting.

  For more information, call Green Island Tours on 6224-2112.

Yong Pyong Resort, Korea

• How to get there: Fly from Singapore to Seoul. From there, take a six-hour coach ride to the resort.
• Season: end of November to March
• Package: 7-day trip costs from $1,588. Slope is more gentle and suitable for beginners. Guides will be present to give skiing lessons.
• What you can do: Skiing and snowboarding. There is also a bowling centre, karaoke and restaurants.

  For more information, call IK Chin Travel Service on 6221-3727.