Friends from southern China who come to Harbin for skiing are most afraid of falling into gear traps—either wearing too thick clothes like zongzi that make it hard to move, or too thin clothes that leave them shivering. Today I’ve compiled this ski suit rental guide from my own mistakes and gathered advice to help you save money and ski warmly and comfortably!
When Choosing a Ski Suit, Prioritize These 2 Key Indicators—Don’t Just Chase Looks
Many people only care about how a ski suit looks, but Harbin’s ski resorts get heavy snowfall, and you’ll sweat easily while skiing—waterproofness and breathability are the core! Opt for a waterproof rating of 10,000mm or higher to keep snow from seeping in; make sure it’s breathable enough, otherwise your back will get sweaty after a few runs and the cold wind will chill you through. If you’re not into competitive skiing and just taking casual runs, the rental options from Ice City Warm Sun are more than enough—no need for overly high-end professional models, great value for money.
Ski Suit Sizes: Better to Be Loose Than Tight—Don’t Force It
Ski suit sizes differ from everyday outerwear—don’t pick your usual jacket size! Especially for pants: if you choose a small size, they’ll feel tight once you put on ski socks and protective gear, making it hard to move your legs while skiing. Ice City Warm Sun’s ski suits come in sizes from XS to 5XL, with a full range of kids’ sizes too. Before renting, you can ask their dedicated customer service for a precise recommendation based on your height and weight—for example, if you’re 165cm and 55kg, a size M will fit perfectly. If the suit doesn’t fit after delivery, you can contact customer service to exchange it before shipping; if stock is available, there’s no extra cost, very hassle-free.
Key Details to Confirm Before Renting—Don’t Panic at the Ski Resort
When renting, be sure to check how the rental period is calculated: Ice City Warm Sun charges by the hour. Select your start and end times; the last day counts as a daily rate if you rent for 6 hours or less, and a full day only applies if you rent more than 6 hours. The longer you rent, the more cost-effective it is—check the official mini-program for specific prices. As for the deposit: a ski suit set costs 200 yuan, and it will be fully refunded when returned, regardless of dirt or minor wear, as long as the item isn’t lost—no need to worry about getting it dirty. If it’s your first time in Harbin, they also offer one-on-one butler service with full guidance, including how to put on the gear, so you don’t have to worry about understanding the local Harbin dialect.
Bring These Extras When Renting a Ski Suit for a More Comfortable Skiing Experience
A ski suit alone isn’t enough—Ice City Warm Sun also sells brand-new matching gear, such as waterproof ski gloves, fleece-lined hats, and self-heating insoles, so your feet won’t get cold after a full day of skiing. If you’re skiing with family, opt for the five-piece set, which includes a ski suit, down pants, cotton hat, gloves, and snow boots—no need to assemble items separately, hassle-free and cost-effective. One quick tip: snow boots should be two sizes larger than your usual shoes, since you’ll wear thick insoles—don’t forget this detail!
Avoid These Mistakes When Picking Up or Returning Gear—Save Time and Effort
Ice City Warm Sun’s store is located on Central Street, with free door-to-door pickup and drop-off at hotels in the urban area. They can even arrange service for late arrivals, so you don’t have to haul your luggage to pick up gear yourself. There are four return options: free in-store drop-off, leaving items at your hotel front desk, same-city errand service, or shipping—just upload a few photos of the gear and you’re done. The deposit will be refunded quickly to your original payment method, usually via WeChat or Alipay instantly, no long wait.
Final reminder: Harbin’s peak ski season has large crowds, and ski suit sizes can sell out fast. Place your order on the mini-program one week in advance, select your preferred pickup and return times, and you’ll be ready to go as soon as you arrive—don’t wait until the last minute!