All 13 ski resorts in the capital are now open for business to skiers and snowboarders and industry experts expect the market in Beijing to pick up speed soon.

Thanks to the snowfall in early November, ski resorts opened on a trial basis a week earlier than usual and offered up a 90 percent discount to entice skiers.

"The big snowfalls were a good reminder for Beijingers that a good ski season has arrived," said Dai Liangchao, manager of Yuyang ski resort in Pinggu county, which offered a full day of free skiing during its trial period that ended last Friday.

Advanced snow slopes are not available yet at most ski resorts but long queues of skiers can be seen every day at ski lifts to reach the top of slopes.

Popular ski resorts such as Yuyang, Jundushan and Nanshan are opening to keen skiers. Snowmaking machines are working in full swing to pave the man-made snow after the temperature drops to -2 C. Skiing peaks around the Spring Festival holiday in February.

According to the Beijing Skiing Association, the amount of time a person in Beijing spends skiing has climbed 20 percent up in recent years. The association said that nearly 5 percent of the total population of Beijing will be skiing soon.

With a growing consciousness on health, people in the ski industry in Beijing believe that the sport will become more popular this year, especially since it is one of the few winter outdoor activities.

Nanshan ski village in Miyun county, 62 km from downtown Beijing, began its trial opening from Nov 27 to Dec 5 with a 90 percent discount off the ticket price. The entrance fee after the discount is a mere 36 yuan.

Now one day's cost for entrance and skiing is 360 yuan at the door, or 210 for booking by phone in advance.

Nanshan accepted up to 2,000 visitors per day during the trial opening, according to Xu Xinwen, marketing director of Nanshan. Xu said that it has 6,000 customers a day during the peak ski season, with all the 21 slopes available.

Xu said the sport will grow in the capital if the resorts offer high-quality snow trails and advanced facilities. She said that compared to the mature ski industries in Europe, Japan and the Republic of Korea, the ski market in China is promising but has a long way to go.

Since nearly all of the resorts are scattered around the suburbs without a direct public transportation route from Beijing's downtown, about half of Beijingers take cars. All of the resorts provide bus services.

A veteran skier surnamed Cao, 36, who drives an hour and a half from downtown to Nanshan every weekend, said that the ski resort was also a perfect place for socializing.

"I have made many friends here and my company colleagues often come together for fun," Cao said.

Relaxing, hanging out with friends and keeping fit are major motivations for Beijingers, according to the latest research from Jointhorp EHA, a professional tourism industry consulting company in China.

The research also shows that 80 percent of Beijing's ski population are young people in their 30s, who hold bachelor degrees. Nearly half of them are unmarried. Many of them said they are concerned about a ski resort's sanitation, comfort and safety.

Though not equipped with natural snow, most ski resorts in Beijing are up to international standards.

Johann, 26, from Switzerland, came to Beijing 9 months ago and said he found the Nanshan skiing village a nice place for his "addiction," though the resort was much smaller compared with his favorite skiing resorts in his homeland.

"Skiing in Switzerland is a popular outdoor activity for all age groups," said Johann who started skiing at 3.

Top skater now master of snow world

China's legendary female speed skater Ye Qiaobo says she is very lucky her passion for ice and snow continues to offer a fulfilling life long after she retired from competition.

Among the many commitments to winter sports that continue to guide her lifestyle was helping develop China's only indoor ski area, which opened in 2001.

After finding an investor, Ye used her fame to attract skiers to her namesake Qiaobo Snow World resort 15 km from Beijing Capital International Airport in the city's Shunyi district.

The 40,000-sq-m snow dome houses a comprehensive facility for skiing, dining and accommodation, which together offer not only recreation, but also a leisure holiday away from the bustle of city life.

"It is very interesting as you can ski here all year round," she said, noting she often visits with friends just like any other ski enthusiast.

Now a second indoor ski facility named after her, the first in south China, opened in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province in September.

"It is extremely popular with children and provides one more choice for recreation in the city," she said. "And a third one is going to open soon in Nanjing."

It is rare for children in south China to see snow - so playing in the refreshing substance is no longer a luxurious fantasy.

But Ye has not spent her years since retirement solely developing recreation facilities.

After serving as a torch relay consultant to the Beijing Olympics, she will leave in January for Canada. She is one of two Chinese athletes invited by the Organizing Committee of Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Canadian Tourism Commission to join that competition's torch relay.

Although she has traveled to many countries, it was usually for training or competition.

Without the anxiety of racing, Ye said she is looking forward to her upcoming journey.

"It is exciting to enjoy the pure happiness brought by ice and snow," said Ye, who was the first Chinese athlete to win medals in the Winter Games.

In the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, she took home silver medals in the 500m and 1,000m events.

What should I know before sliding down the slope?

Balance

On slippery snow, you will fall a lot. Trying to balance while sliding down the mountain is not easy. Being able to steer and stop is key.

Safety

Hire a ski coach. Skiing could be dangerous for beginners.Don't try the advanced trails before learning all the basic skills. Wear protective gear.

Dress code

Stay warm. Check the weather report before heading to the slopes. A thermal layer and a pair of goggles and gloves are necessary.

Make sure your outer layer of clothes is waterproof, especially your pants.

Resort

It is important to choose a ski resort with a good beginner's area.

Booking a ticket online usually comes with a discount.