China’s economic situation:
China’s economy has a near 10% annual growth today, meaning doubling in size in every seven to eight years. The population of middle class exceeds 100million, and number of millionaires increasing by 12% each year. Official sources state that following the economic boom, people are more willing to spend money on entertainment and leisure.

Skiing mass:
The skiing mass in China is expected to rise by 750,000 each year. To accommodate interest, the Chinese government has announced the plan to build 300 new ski-resorts. With the China’s skier population doubling and multiplying, ski-resorts has registered 2.8million visits up to the year 2004. Ski resorts in China registered 3million visits in the year 2005. Compared to 300,000 visits in 2000, we see the nation’s longing for this sport. However, this longing has not brought about a boom in sales for ski equipment. The sudden rise in popularity has also resulted in backward training methods, disorganization, outdated facilities, immature skiers and sub-standard coaching which has a negative effect on the development of the sport. Hence, the need for better skiing options is set to bring about a boom in the industry.

Ski Resorts:
Skiing is a relatively new pastime in China. The number of ski-resorts and skiers each year increase at a rate of 60% and 100% respectively. Most of the already few resorts offer only short slopes, with very limited cross-country courses. Many skiers hence choose to ski elsewhere while having their holidays abroad.

Eg. Beijing has a number of ski resorts, but few can be considered “alpine skiing”. This is because the millions of dollars investment and high maintenance fees for a proper resort have put off investors from taking on such a project.

Ski Gear and Equipment:
China has a very small market share of the 7billion USD ski industry in the world. A report from the Chinese Skiing Association claimed the sales of skis to be only 10,000 pairs last year. Only when investors improve the facilities and service of ski resorts will the sport really start to blossom in China.

Signs have shown that sports stores and venues are prepared to bring in new equipment to replace old and outdated ones. That skiing is quickly becoming popular in China means that the interest in the sport and gear will bring about a lot of business opportunities in ski attire. Statistics show that of the 2million skiers in China, only 10% have their own ski gear, which 20% rent proper ski attire and the rest relying on make-do ordinary winter clothes.

Gradual Regulation of Ski Industry
It is being reported that the Chinese Ski Association has implemented a series of new regulations with focus on the safety of fellow skiers. This includes providing proper training for skiing coaches and instructors and publishing a complete instruction manual for skiers. The association started to provide systematic on-the-job training for instructors and deploy professional coaches to ensure the safety of beginners.

In the beginning of 2005, a new set of mandatory orders was passed to strictly regulate the competence and quality of resort staff. Store men, nursing and medical staff would all need to pass stringent tests before they are accepted. Other strict regulations on safety measures included limitations on the surface area of the course and thickness of the snow. “Strict mandates regulate safety precautions in a ski resort and ensures that our skiers can enjoy their pastime in a safe and secure environment,” said the association’s secretary general, Mr. Tian. He also believes that through the associations effort in regulating the management of ski resorts, China’s ski sport will popularize in a more systematic and professional way.