The Snowboard Cross World Cup will return to Asia in early 2025, with Beidahu, often referred to as the “Whistler of China,” preparing to host the event for the first time.
The World Cup will take place from January 31 to February 2, 2025, coinciding with the Chinese New Year holiday. This timing will attract large crowds of locals celebrating the Year of the Snake, creating an exciting atmosphere for the athletes.
The snowboard cross course will be built on the resort’s existing terrain, with plans to maintain it for public use after the World Cup, albeit in a slightly downsized form. This will ensure that the course leaves a lasting legacy and contributes to the resort’s sustainability efforts, according to Beier, a representative of the resort.
The course will be designed with a layout similar to that of Mont-Saint-Anne, featuring around four turns and a long final section that will finish in the heart of the resort. Beidahu is one of China’s largest resorts, known for its expansive slopes, lift capacity, and resort amenities. It boasts a village-like center with shops and restaurants, and ski lifts that are easily accessible from the square, making everything within walking distance.
Located just 90 minutes from Jilin City, Beidahu and its surrounding area have a potential audience of several million people. The resort’s lively atmosphere and proximity to a large population will likely contribute to a strong fan turnout for the event.
Many World Cup participants have experience competing in China from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, though the experience was limited by pandemic-related restrictions. In Beidahu, athletes will be able to enjoy the full festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year while experiencing China’s growing enthusiasm for snowboarding. The event will also provide a unique opportunity to showcase the sport to a new audience.
The last time the Snowboard Cross World Cup was held in Asia was during the 2021/22 season at the Secret Garden resort in Zhangjiakou, which hosted a test event ahead of the Olympic Games. Alessandro Haemmerle claimed the men’s title at that event, while Eva Adamczykova won the women’s competition.