Starwood Hotels & Resorts has opened its first dual-branded ski resort complex in China.
The Westin Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan resorts are located adjacent to the slopes of the Changbai Mountains, one of China’s biggest skiing areas, in the northeastern province of Jilin. The opening marks Starwood’s first ski resorts in Asia Pacific and takes the company’s portfolio in China to 105 properties, with a further 98 in the pipeline.
“We are pleased to introduce our first dual-branded ski resort complex and Starwood’s first resorts in Asia Pacific to Changbai Mountains.” said Stephen Ho, Starwood’s President for Asia Pacific. “China is both our fastest-growing global market and our richest source of loyal travellers, and we expect that this dual-branded Starwood resort will resonate with Chinese travellers.”
Bordering North Korea in Jilin province, Changbaishan is home to a UNESCO-listed nature reserve, alpine lakes and hot springs, as well as the biggest ski field in Asia featuring 43 ski lanes and 7.1km of cable cover, able to accommodate 8,000 skiers. The Westin and Sheraton complex is located close to the ski resort, and also has access to the Yingfu Expressway and Changbaishan Airport, which offers direct flights to both Beijing and Shanghai.
The two resorts are joined by a bridge, meaning that guests at either property can access the facilities of both resorts. The facilities include six F&B outlets, heated indoor swimming pools, fitness centres and more than 3,400m² of event space.