China's Snowboarders have arrived

There is a buzz in the mountains around the world whenever there a snowboarding event. The word on the slopes is that there is something big coming in the world of snowboarding. It has taken a while, but it is creeping upon us, and when it eventually hits, it will be a wonderful thing in the world of professional snowboarding: It is China.

There aren’t a great deal of accessible snowfields or terrain parks in the Middle Kingdom, at least not yet. There are a few small hills that are absolutely freezing, albeit with a dearth of adequate snow cover. Then there are the really big snow covered mountains. Stunning and perfect for skiing and snowboarding alike, but oftentimes treacherously inaccessible. They sit proudly, hours away from most cities, occasionally groaning as mountains do.

Changbaishan is one of those exceptions. Located in the Mountains of Jilin province, it is a winter wonderland located in north western China. It is no wonder then that China’s first ever professional snowboarder, Wang Lei calls this his home mountain. From his first tentative steps as a toddler in Jilin City, Wang has always had an association with this area. Although, as a child he hated winter sports. It was while he was training to become a gymnast that his coach suggested he try ski jumping and aerial skiing. But then he saw it for the first time. It was 1994, and on the TV screen was a person doing strangely beautiful things on a single board strapped to both legs. It took another three years for him to learn how to do it and then another nine years before getting his sponsorship with Burton. He has never looked back since, adding a plethora of sponsorship deals to his CV.

"This is just the first step. I think in a very short time you will see tons of Chinese competing in worldwide events," Wang said in an interview in 2010. His predictions are ringing true with an increasing number of both male and female pros currently on the international snowboarding circuit.

With abundant runs and ample backcountry, Changbaishan offers the most accessible deep snow and open lines anywhere in China. The area even has its own Grand Canyon and mythical lake monster!

Wanda’s Changbaishan International Resort Complex is actually one of Asia’s largest ski resorts, yet to the outside world, it is still an undiscovered gem. A luxury destination with a number of international hotel chains spanning the various star levels, including Sheraton, The Westin and The Hyatt Regency to name but a few. It has already garnered a number of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor. Check it out before the rest of the world does.