Opening Thoughts

Every winter, social media feeds are flooded with skiing photos. Seeing friends in stylish ski gear, freely gliding down snow-covered slopes looks incredibly cool and enviable! Especially when watching their skiing videos - the way they skillfully turn and jump on the slopes makes them look like walking embodiments of coolness. However, as someone who grew up in the South, skiing always seemed like a distant sport. Concerns about not being able to learn, fear of falling and getting hurt, plus assumptions about high costs kept many of us from trying.

However, the ice and snow tourism market has undergone dramatic changes and is completely different now. According to the latest data, ski resort bookings nationwide have increased by 20% year-over-year, while "skiing" related searches on major travel platforms have surged by 50%. What does this indicate? It shows that more and more people are starting to try this sport, and skiing is gradually becoming a new lifestyle and social activity.

Booming Market

The current domestic skiing market can only be described as "crazy". For example, the Harbin Ice and Snow World sold out all tickets for its opening day and the following week, with many people lamenting on social media about how difficult it was to get tickets. A friend of mine started booking two months in advance but still couldn't get their preferred time slot and had to change to a different date. Not only are northern ski resorts popular, but indoor ski facilities in the South are also packed. Take one indoor ski resort in Wuhan as an example - it generated over 20 million yuan in ticket revenue in just one month, and weekends are so busy that reservations must be made several days in advance.

Today's ski resorts are full of joy and laughter. Whether beginners or experts, everyone is enjoying the pleasure of skiing on the slopes. It's especially adorable to see young children in cute snow suits learning slowly on beginner slopes. There are also young couples holding hands while learning to ski, occasionally sharing romantic embraces in the snow when they fall - it's incredibly sweet.

North-South Differences

When it comes to skiing, traditional northern snow resorts are naturally the first choice. Places like Beijing, Zhangjiakou, Jilin, Changchun, and Altay are skiing destinations with good snow quality, long seasons, and well-developed facilities. Particularly the Genting Resort in Zhangjiakou, which is one of the best in China, with diverse slope grades and comprehensive facilities that even attract professional ski enthusiasts from abroad.

Surprisingly, the South is also quietly experiencing a skiing boom. Thanks to indoor ski facilities, southerners can now enjoy skiing anytime. These indoor venues use advanced snow-making technology to maintain a constant temperature of around -5°C year-round, with quite good snow quality. Although smaller than outdoor resorts, they're perfectly adequate for beginners. The advantage of indoor facilities is that they're not weather-dependent and are accessible year-round, making them ideal for southern enthusiasts wanting to learn.

Many southern cities now have indoor ski facilities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and they're quite substantial. For instance, Guangzhou's Sunac Snow World has an indoor snow area of over 50,000 square meters, featuring gentle slopes for beginners, intermediate runs for advanced skiers, and dedicated children's areas.

Consumer Characteristics

Data shows that the main skiing demographic actually comes from southern cities. Residents of Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Nanjing, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou show particularly high enthusiasm for skiing. Why is this? I think there are several reasons: first, southerners' pursuit of "novel" experiences - we always like to try interesting new activities; second, transportation is very convenient now - it only takes a few hours by high-speed rail or plane to reach northern ski areas; additionally, many ski resorts now offer value packages with great price-performance ratios.

Southern skiers also have a distinctive characteristic - they love "photo-taking and check-ins". A quick browse through social media reveals various skiing photos, not just of cool skiing moves, but also of snow scenery, food, and accommodation. This has inspired more people to become interested in skiing, creating a positive cycle.

Today's young people particularly value quality of life and are willing to invest in their hobbies. For example, I know a young woman who fell in love with skiing after trying it for the first time last year. This year, she bought a set of professional skiing equipment and enrolled in professional skiing classes. She said, "Rather than spending money on handbags, I'd rather invest in things that make me cooler."

Activity Upgrades

Skiing nowadays is not just about sliding down slopes. Many scenic areas are creating comprehensive resorts that combine skiing, hot springs, dining, and accommodation for a complete vacation experience. For example, Shimian County in Sichuan offers "ice and snow + hot springs" package deals, allowing you to ski freely during the day and relax in hot springs at night - it couldn't be more enjoyable.

Beyond basic skiing, many resorts now offer night skiing, snow mobiling, snow karting, and other special activities. Night skiing is particularly atmospheric, with resorts turning on colorful lights, creating a romantic experience of skiing under the stars. Some resorts regularly host skiing competitions or performances, allowing visitors to watch professional athletes' spectacular shows up close.

Some resorts have developed family-friendly activities, designing snow parks specifically for children with areas for building snowmen, snowball fights, and dedicated children's ski instruction zones. Taking children here on weekends not only lets them experience the joy of winter sports but also strengthens family bonds.

Dining is another highlight. Many ski resorts have specialty restaurants offering steaming hot pot, barbecue, and other delicious foods. Imagine gathering with friends around a hot pot, enjoying drinks and conversation after a day of activity - it's absolutely delightful.

Favorable Policies

The government is also strongly supporting ice and snow tourism development. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has specifically launched 12 winter tourism routes covering Beijing, Chongqing, Sichuan, the three northeastern provinces, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Henan, Hubei, Shaanxi, and Xinjiang. These routes include not just ski resorts but also nature reserves, museums, and festival activities, allowing tourists to experience richer ice and snow culture.

Many local governments have implemented supporting policies. Some areas issue ice and snow tourism consumption vouchers, while others offer student discounts. These policies encourage more people to participate in winter sports.

Major ski resorts are also actively responding to policy initiatives by continuously improving service quality and safety measures. This includes increasing the number of professional instructors, upgrading safety facilities, and improving accommodation conditions. Now people can enjoy skiing not just with excitement but also with peace of mind.

Price Analysis

Regarding prices, many people might think skiing is an "expensive" sport. However, current prices are quite reasonable. Generally, weekday skiing prices are about 30% cheaper than weekends. If you choose indoor skiing facilities in the South, prices are even more affordable.

Let's break down the costs: For indoor ski facilities, weekday tickets plus equipment rental typically range from 200-300 yuan, while weekends might be more expensive at 300-400 yuan. Outdoor resorts are slightly pricier, with weekday rates at 400-500 yuan and weekends at 500-600 yuan. However, many resorts offer package deals, such as group discounts or season passes, making it more economical.

Additionally, many ski resorts collaborate with major travel platforms, frequently offering special deals. If you regularly monitor these platforms' promotions, you can enjoy skiing at more affordable prices. Discounts are particularly significant during off-peak seasons or weekdays.

Equipment Recommendations

For beginners, I recommend renting equipment first rather than buying a complete set. Basic snow gear, skis, and boots can all be rented at ski resorts. You can consider purchasing your own equipment once you're hooked.

If you decide to buy equipment, start with basic protective gear. Items like knee pads, hip protectors, and helmets are safety-related and worth investing in. For ski wear, choose waterproof and breathable materials that provide both warmth and comfort. There are many cost-effective brands available now - you don't necessarily need to buy the most expensive ones.

Skis and boots are the most important equipment, but it's recommended to wait until you have a clear understanding of your skill level before purchasing. Different skis suit different skill levels - buying too advanced is wasteful, while buying too basic can hinder progress.

One small tip is to read online reviews and user experiences, and exchange experiences with other skiers in skiing groups. Many experienced players are happy to share their purchasing insights.

Safety Reminders

Many people worry about getting injured while skiing, which is a valid concern. However, it's quite safe if you take proper precautions and learn progressively following instructor guidance. Remember to always get an instructor for your first time - don't try to learn by yourself.

The most common mistake beginners make is rushing their progress. You must start on beginner slopes to build a good foundation and master basic braking and turning techniques. Only consider trying more challenging slopes once you've completely mastered these moves.

Regarding equipment, wearing complete gear is essential. Helmets are mandatory, and knee and hip protectors are very important. Choose well-fitting ski wear - anything too loose or tight will affect performance. Boot fit should also be moderate - too loose risks ankle injury, while too tight affects blood circulation.

Additionally, proper warm-up exercises before skiing can prevent sports injuries. Take breaks when you feel tired while skiing. Don't push yourself just to save face - that's when accidents are more likely to happen.

Future Outlook

With 38 countries implementing visa-free policies, international tourists are beginning to flock to Chinese ski resorts. Data shows that Japanese tourist bookings in Urumqi alone have increased by 162%. This indicates that China's ice and snow tourism market is becoming increasingly international.

Many ski resorts are continuously upgrading their facilities and services, introducing advanced international skiing equipment, hiring foreign instructors, and creating international skiing experiences. For example, some resorts in Zhangjiakou have facilities that meet international standards and can host high-level skiing competitions.

As the skiing population continues to grow, related industries are also flourishing. This includes not just the ski resorts themselves, but also surrounding accommodation, dining, transportation, and other supporting services. Some areas are developing ice and snow-themed towns, combining winter sports with cultural tourism.

Closing Thoughts

After reading this article, aren't you feeling excited to try? As a southerner who has fallen deeply in love with skiing, I really recommend you give it a try. The nervousness of first standing on the slope, the excitement of successfully sliding down for the first time, the sense of achievement from completing a perfect turn - these are unforgettable experiences.

The greatest charm of skiing isn't just in the sport itself, but in the sense of self-breakthrough it brings. When you overcome your fear of the unknown and successfully complete challenge after challenge, that sense of achievement is incomparable.

Moreover, skiing is a great social sport. On the slopes, you'll meet many like-minded friends. Learning together, progressing together, sharing experiences together - it's really wonderful. Now I have several skiing groups in my social circle, and we often arrange to go skiing together, making life feel much more fulfilling.

Perhaps this winter, you'll also be posting your cool skiing photos on social media! By the way, if you want to know specifically how to start your skiing journey, feel free to leave a comment, and we can continue the discussion.