As the weather changes from pleasantly mild, to brisk, to "holy shit it's cold," keeping active in the city can be a bit of a chore. Here are, however, some winter activities that might help you get the blood flowing again -- ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey, oh my:
Snow Boarding
For more professional snow boarders looking for something a little more elaborate and challenging, check out package trips. is a sports retail store for X Games-ish gear at 718 Changle Lu, near Fumin Lu -- brands including Burton, Santa Cruz, and Smith. Incidentally, with the opening of a new Vans streetwear store two doors away, this little section of Changle Lu is a real mecca for skaters looking for new clothes and accessories. Grind it out, bro.
Anyways, for the winter season starting from (Nov. 20) Icon X is offering weekend getaways starting at around 3,200rmb. That's transportation, accommodation and lift tickets included. Various packages available to various locations around China. Make your inquiries to anne@iconx.us or call them at 135 6470 1501. That's a great deal if you want to get some snowboarding in China this winter but don't want to have to plan your own trip.
Just starting out? Ask them about their snow boarding school.
Skating
Although regulation size rinks are in shortage, if you're looking for a leisurely skate you've got a few places to go. The "" at the in Pudong is the most well-known and child-friendly, with 840 square meter space. A two-hour skate will cost you 65rmb (50rmb on Mondays). This fee includes skates rental, gloves, and insurance (if you're just starting out I guess).
Another in the Yangpu district is the . It's open from 10am to 10pm; 35rmb-50rmb gets you skating for 90 mins.
Another small one in a convenient location is the New World Rink at People Square. It's in the 6th floor of the New World Shopping Mall at Nanjing Lu. It's also 35-55rmb for 90 minutes ice time.
And lastly, the most proper rink in town (and home of the China Sharks) is the Shanghai University International Ice Hockey Arena in the Songjiang University Students Sports Center (2000 Wenxiang Lu). It's 40rmb for non-students (15rmb extra if you're renting skates). This one's real far away though.
Ed's Note: The massive is not open this year.
Skiing
If you're looking for affordable skiing close to the city, you're only real option is the , and it's not a bad way to spend a Saturday. The whole thing covers an area of 100,800 meters with the slope being about 380 meters long and 80 meters wide. In terms of incline, it's elevated to the 14th floor of a building and tapers for 42 meters; it's not very intense and more geared toward beginners. The practice slope takes up more space (it's the largest practice slope in China) and that makes this an idea place to check out if you're just learning. Snowboarders are welcome and coaches are on staff.
Costs: They have everything you'll need to get suited up and skiing. The price is quite reasonable at 138rmb daily and 158rmb on the weekends for two hours. Unlimited ski time costs 198rmb daily and 218rmb on weekends.
Location: It's at 1835 Qixin Road , Minhang District, which is about a 35 minute drive from the center of town. More info at their .
Ice Hockey
In terms of Ice Hockey in Shanghai it begins and ends with this website: .
This is the online community for expat hockey enthusiasts, and although you're a little late to sign up for the rec season (started on Oct 20 or something), it has info on that go on twice a week. (Note: "Shinny" is the term for pick-up hockey). Shinny is on Wednesdays and Fridays, with 500rmb buying you a package deal. Buses leave from and that also where the Shanghai hockey squad gets hammered after all their games too (or so I hear).
Want to watch some hockey? Check it out: China's first professional hockey team the . They've got something to do with the San Jose Sharks and are playing games all throughout December and January. Click here for the schedule.
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