The First Diplomat Cup Skiing Contest held at Shijinglong Ski Resort in Beijing's north suburban county Yanqing on Saturday, December 21 was voted a huge success.

Organized by China Daily and Beijing Weekend, the event attracted participants from no fewer than 22 countries.

Prior to 1999, diehard ski buffs in Beijing had a long way to go to hit the slopes.

Shijinglong Ski Resort was the first to appear in Yanqing.

Now, no fewer than 10 ski resorts can be found in Beijing's suburbs, offering entertaining sites for people enjoying winter sports.

"Ski resorts in Beijing give me somewhere to go in winter," said German Frank Pollak, who has stayed in Beijing for three years.

Linda, who works in a Dutch investment company in Beijing, said: "The ski event in this white world is a great relief from our busy daily life."

Beginners and experts alike reveled in a day of fun and laughter.

A seasonal feel-good factor was ensured as it snowed for much of the day.

(Beijing Weekend December 30, 2002)