World's biggest indoor snow park opening in China

Set to open this June, Harbin Wanda Snow Amusement Park is the world’s biggest indoor snow park based on snow surface area.

The new development from China’s ambitious Wanda Group boasts six runs, the longest of which is half-a-kilometre.

The main intermediate run is 60m wide and has a 20° pitch. At 500m in length, it is the fourth longest indoor run in the world, beaten by slopes in France, Germany and the Netherlands. However, its width is greater than those at the European centres, giving the new Chinese facility ultimate bragging rights.

Harbin Wanda Snow Amusement Park also features a 380m long black run that is 40m wide with a 25° degree pitch. A second shorter black run descends into the main park, where a large snow play area is promised. Other runs include two 40m long easy slopes in a separate area. As well as chairlifts there will be conveyor lifts with moving handrails.

Located in the north east of the country, Harbin is China’s leading winter sports destination, although since the Beijing Olympics in 2008 the focus has shifted further south. The region features over 50 outdoor ski centres, however temperatures in Harbin can reach -20 to -30°C in winter. The new indoor facility is therefore expected to come into its own once the seasons change.

Harbin Wanda Snow Amusement Park is part of the wider RMB 20 billion (US2.9bn) Harbin Wanda Cultural Tourism City. Spanning 80 hectares in the Songbei New District of the city, the ongong development is set to include a shopping mall, movie park, outdoor theme park, numerous hotels and a stage show.