Just when you thought it was safe to bed down and hibernate through Tianjin's long winter months, we go and give you a reason not to: skiing! Skiing is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise and fend off your perennial seasonal-affective disorder. Here we offer four recommendations for ski resorts outside, around, and even inside the city of Tianjin.

You can challeng yourself on some advanced trails.

Yulong is Tianjin's first large-scale ski resort, featuring slopes for all ages and skill levels, but more suitable for beginners and intermediate level. They've also hired ski instructors from the famous Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin so you can brush up on your skills, or learn a new one. There is a specific area for children to play around and it is an ideal winter getaway for families. And if you can't ski, or just want to take a load off, rent an inner tube and fly down the slopes in style. Come on a weekday for the best savings.

Add: Yulong Ski Resort, next to Jinwei Gong Lu, Hongshuizhuang Village, Luozhuang Township, Ji County, Tianjin 地址：天津市近郊蓟县罗庄镇洪水庄村津围公路旁, 玉龙滑雪场 Tel: 022 2272 8166 Opening hours: Dec 1-Mar 10 (weather permitting), 9:00-16:00 Price: buy ticket at Dianping App for 14.9RMB/day (weekdays and weekends) including a set of skiing equipment

Getting there: Bus 187 from Tianjin Railway Station bus terminal to Jizhou Shuttle Bus Station and take a taxi for the last 10.7km.

2) Jizhou International Ski Resort The only ski resort in Tianjin to include beginner, intermediate, advanced, and circular ski slopes, Jizhou is equipped to meet the needs of almost any skier. However, the skill level of skiers is generally higher here than Yulong, so if you're a complete beginner you may want to learn the ropes elsewhere before coming here. It is the only skiing resort in Tianjin that opens until late evening on Saturdays and public holidays.

Add: Jizhou International Ski Resort, next to Jinwei Gong Lu, Hongshuizhuang Village, Luozhuang Township, Ji County, Tianjin 地址：天津市近郊蓟县罗庄镇洪水庄村津围公路旁, 蓟洲国际滑雪场 Tel: 022 2272 7555; 2272 7666 Opening hours: 8:30-16:00 Price: buy ticket at Dianping App for 88RMB/day (weekdays); 128RMB/day (weekends)

Getting there: Take Bus 187 from Tianjin Railway Station bus terminal to Jizhou Shuttle Bus Station and take a taxi for the last 11.8km.

3) Panshan Ski Resort Located very close to Jizhou, Panshan is also equipped for a wide range of skill levels. It is also one of the first ski resorts in Tianjin so you may expect somewhat worn-out amenities. However, beginners will appreciate their careful separation of bunny slopes and advanced courses, so you won't have to worry about slowing anyone down (or being slowed down). There's also a designated ski lesson area for absolute beginners plus a play area for children.

Add: Panshan Ski Resort, 500m west of Guanzhuang Township, Ji County, Tianjin 地址：天津市近郊蓟县城西8公里处官庄镇西500米, 盘山滑雪场 Tel: 13011330721 Operating hours: 9:00-16:00 Price: buy ticket on Dianping App for only 18.8RMB/day, including a set of skiing equipment Getting there: Take Bus 187 from Tianjin Railway Station bus terminal to Jizhou Shuttle Bus Station, then transfer to Tourist Line 11 （旅游专线11路） and get off at Shi Fo Qiao Station.

4) Wanlong Ski Resort

If you're a very serious skier and are looking for some really decent resorts, let's go a little farther. Wanlong Ski Resort is situated in Chongli, the venue of the 2022 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. The resort is about 249 km from central Beijing and 60km from Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province. It covers an area of 58km2 while skiing trails occupy half area. The resort has the most varied terrain and some of the longest runs! With 22 trails to challenge your skills so you'll never run out of thrills, and 16 lifts to get you back up to the top, the fun will never stop. The slope reaches the altitude of 2110.3 meters with perpendicular throw from 550 meters. It also boasts longest snow period and quality snow for its perfect snow-making system and geographical condition. The resort offers Salomon high-end skiing equipments rental service.

The resort also boasts a 4-star standard hotel with 124 guest rooms and multi-functional area which suits for group or family tour.

Beginners area

To make reservation: http://www.wlski.com/

Price: 590RMB/4h (weekdays and weekends) and 820RMB/4h (public holiday) including an ordinary set of skiing equipment,

Location: Honghualiang, Chongli, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province 张家口市崇礼区红花梁

Getting there: Take train Y516 from Tianjin West Railway Station to Zhangjiakou South Station, take a shuttle bus from Zhangjiakou South Station to the resort

Many resorts offer slopes for all levels of experience but there are some that are specific. If you're an adrenaline junky, you'll be a little disappointed if you arrive at the resort to find it overrun with beginners. If you specifically want expert or beginner slopes, do some research beforehand. First-timers are much better off renting equipment -- it's relatively inexpensive and saves you the hassle of hauling gear from home.

If you're traveling with your small children, you'll be searching for somewhere that's car-free and that has activities to keep them entertained outside of the skiing.

Check the weather report to see what the day's forecasted temperature and weather will be, then dress accordingly.

Make a point to eat a hearty breakfast in the morning and drink plenty of water to power up for your day in the mountains.

Stash a granola bar or some nuts in your pocket for that moment midmorning when you're feeling tired and hungry and lunch is still an hour out.

Bringing your family to the ski resort