Mongolia Reports Rapid Growth in Tourist Arrivals through 2026

China’s Ski Industry Expansion: A New Snow Tourism Powerhouse

China is swiftly transforming its winter sports scene into one of the most vibrant snow tourism markets worldwide. The recent China Ski Industry White Paper 2024-2025 reveals an extraordinary surge in skiing activities, marked by a jump to 748 operational ski resorts—66 of which are indoor facilities—and an impressive tally of over 26 million skiing days in the latest season.

This uptrend is no accident. It’s driven by a combination of substantial investments in ski infrastructure, steadfast government support, and a rising middle class eager to embrace skiing as a popular recreational and social activity.

The Soaring Popularity of Skiing in China

During the 2024-2025 winter season, skiing participation saw about a 12.9% increase in skiing days, climbing to approximately 26.05 million. The number of skiers also grew by nearly 6%, reaching 13.55 million enthusiasts. This steep growth curve signals skiing’s evolution from a luxury pastime to a mainstream hobby embraced by families and individuals alike.

The rise in skiing is closely tied to China's expanding middle-income segment. For many in this growing demographic, skiing is no longer just a sport but an aspirational lifestyle signifier, something akin to a badge of modern urban sophistication.

Indoor Ski Resorts: Year-Round Access to Snow

One of the most intriguing developments in China’s ski scene is the proliferation of indoor ski resorts. These artificially snowed complexes pull off the feat of offering skiing through all seasons, making the sport accessible to millions residing far from natural ski mountains.

With seven of the world’s ten largest indoor ski facilities, these venues accounted for over 5.6 million visits in the 2024-2025 period—more than 20% of total skiing activity nationwide. Remarkably, cities like Shanghai, traditionally not associated with winter sports, now boast world-class indoor slopes, broadening the sport’s appeal to urban dwellers.

Government Initiatives and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Impact

China's hosting of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics catalyzed ski tourism development. The government launched a robust campaign aimed at engaging 300 million people in winter sports, combining infrastructural investment with public programs that put snow and ice activities into schools and communities.

These steps didn’t just create a spark; they ignited a movement, integrating winter sports with cultural tourism. Packages that blend skiing with local festivals and gastronomic experiences are now commonplace, enriching the visitor experience beyond the slopes.

Historical Evolution of Skiing in China

Where China’s ski culture stands now is a stark contrast to its roots. In 1996, the country operated fewer than ten ski resorts, with skiing seen as a niche amusement confined mainly to the chilly northeast regions. However, in just a few decades, the nation has built a sprawling network of over 800 resorts nationwide.

The northeast’s traditionally cold climate initially made it the hub for snow sports, but artificial snow technologies and indoor skiing complexes have democratized access to winter sports across warmer regions as well. Skiing is no longer isolated to remote or harsh climates; families from coastal and southern cities can now enjoy the snow, transforming skiing into a widely shared activity.

Table: Growth of Ski Resorts and Participation in China (1996 - 2025)

The Socioeconomic Wave Behind the Rise

The transformation also reflects broader economic growth in China. As disposable incomes grew, so did leisure time and spending on lifestyle and recreational activities. Skiing, once perceived as an elite endeavor, has embraced a wide segment of the population. Local resorts diversify their offerings, catering to beginners, families, and advanced skiers with varying slopes and comprehensive hospitality services, from cozy lodges to luxury accommodations.

Moreover, incorporating local festivals, cultural shows, and cuisine into winter tourism packages has created a hybrid experience, combining sport with cultural enrichment, enhancing both appeal and visitor engagement.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Global Positioning

China’s ambitions to claim the top spot in snow tourism face several hurdles. Maintaining consistent service quality across diverse and rapidly growing resorts is essential to sustain momentum. Furthermore, attracting international tourists in competitive markets dominated by Swiss, American, and Japanese ski resorts requires continued improvements in marketing, infrastructure, and unique experiences.

Nonetheless, with solid government backing and high-end facilities, China is poised to navigate these challenges effectively, carving a distinctive place in the global snow sports arena.

Future Prospects for China’s Snow Tourism

• Expansion of indoor ski facilities for all-season skiing in urban areas
• Investment in advanced snow-making technologies to extend ski seasons
• Development of integrated tourism packages combining skiing with cultural, gastronomic, and entertainment activities
• Improved connectivity and transportation to facilitate access to remote ski regions
• Marketing strategies targeting both domestic and international tourists to raise China’s profile on the world stage

The Broader Perspective on Snow Tourism’s Role in International Travel

Globally, skiing has evolved from a niche sport to a core component of mountain and winter tourism, influencing regional economies, employment, and infrastructural development. Established alpine destinations like the European Alps have undergone multiple growth phases and are now focusing on sustainable tourism practices to tackle environmental challenges.

China’s entry adds a new dynamic, introducing both scale and innovation to the snow tourism market. The integration of indoor skiing facilities and urban-centric snow tourism concepts is expanding the traditional boundaries of winter sport holidays.

With the continuous rise in middle-class leisure spending and international tourism forecast predicting significant growth in Asian markets, China’s snow tourism industry is likely to play an increasingly pivotal role, potentially reshaping global winter travel trends.

Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Winter Leisure

China’s remarkable growth in snow tourism exemplifies how strategic investment, government initiatives, and socioeconomic developments can transform a sport’s cultural footprint within a country. From humble beginnings, China is now a formidable force in winter sports, blending modern infrastructure with evolving consumer desires.

For marine and coastal destinations, this rise in diverse leisure activities like skiing signals a global trend: travel preferences are broadening, layering traditional sun-and-sea vacations with varied, sometimes contrasting options like mountain and snow sports, influencing overall tourism flows and planning.

For those interested in yachting and sailing near China’s coastal areas, this emergence of a bustling snow tourism scene inland complements the region’s rich offerings of water-based activities, from yacht charters in marinas to sailing excursions along the clearwater seas.

As China sets its sights on becoming the world leader in snow tourism, GetBoat.com remains a keen observer of how tourism markets evolve globally. For anyone looking to dive into the best destinations for yacht rentals, sailing adventures, or boating holidays, GetBoat.com offers a vast international marketplace catering to every taste and budget, connecting travelers to unforgettable marine experiences alongside winter escapades.