Altay in Xinjiang has China's biggest vertical and longest season: Jikepulin at Hemu (1,466 m), Koktokay (199 days in 2025-26) and Jiangjunshan, with flights, roads and safety rules.
For skiers who come to China for snow rather than convenience, Altay is the destination. Its three main resorts offer the country's biggest vertical, its longest season and genuine freeride terrain, at the price of long transfers, deep cold and strict avalanche closures.
The three resorts: Jikepulin, beside Hemu village, opened in 2022 and is built around gondolas, with 1,466 m of vertical and Freeride World Tour qualifiers in 2025. Koktokay in Fuyun County tops out at 3,041 m, has 27 marked trails over 28 km and three high-speed gondolas, and ran a 199-day season in 2025-26. Jiangjunshan sits in Altay city itself, with night skiing and a summit sunset party.
Season and snow: Koktokay and Jikepulin began snowmaking for 2026-27 on 7 and 9 October 2026; opening dates depend on weather. Local tourism authorities talk about 170-180 snow days a year and around a metre of average depth; weather-station data counts fewer snowy days, but the cold keeps the snow dry well into spring.
Getting there: Fly to Altay Xuedu (direct from Beijing, Urumqi and other cities depending on season), Kanas (82 km from Jikepulin) or Fuyun Koktokay (about 1.5 hours from Koktokay). The Ahe Highway from Altay city to Hemu is 209 km and about three to three and a half hours; do not drive it at night. An overnight themed train from Urumqi to Altay launched around January 2026.
Is Altay the best powder in China? It has the longest seasons and biggest vertical in China, and the cold keeps snow dry. Chongli and Beijing rely heavily on snowmaking by comparison.
How many days should I plan? With the transfers, a week lets you ski two resorts without rushing. Hemu alone deserves three or four days.