Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
China’s Ice and Snow Industry Expands Beyond Skiing
China’s ice and snow industry passed 1 trillion yuan in 2025, reaching 1.0053 trillion yuan, according to figures presented at a winter sports expo.
Ski resorts are adding experiences such as balloon rides, night-time shows and themed ski events, while drawing visitors for more than skiing.
The shift reflects a move from seasonal, single-activity resorts toward year-round tourism and broader leisure experiences.
In the 2025–26 winter season, 308 million people in China took part in ice and snow sports, and related consumer spending was about 205 billion yuan.
Interest is also spreading beyond traditional northern destinations, with projects developing in southwestern, eastern and southern regions, including Guangdong.
More destinations are turning winter tourism into local business, while demand supports equipment makers and other parts of the industry.
The next step for Chinese equipment companies is to offer overseas customers complete packages, including planning, installation, training and maintenance, rather than selling individual machines.
China’s ice and snow industry reached 10.053 trillion yuan in 2025, according to a report released at the 2026 International Winter Sports Expo.
The industry is expanding beyond skiing into tourism, cultural experiences, leisure and year-round activities.
China had 3.08 million? No: 3.08 billion participants in ice and snow sports during the 2025–2026 season, with participation at 21.75%.
The report counted 2,602 operating ice and snow sports venues nationwide in the 2025–2026 season.
Speakers at the expo said the industry is spreading to more regions and developing domestic equipment and broader services.
- Who
- China’s ice and snow industry, including tourism operators, equipment makers and consumers.
- What
- The industry is expanding beyond skiing into varied tourism, leisure and cultural activities.
- When
- The report says the industry reached 10.053 trillion yuan in 2025; other figures cover the 2025–2026 ice and snow season.
- Where
- Across China, with projects in northern, western, southwestern, eastern and southern regions.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Cabbeen Ski Group’s snowmaking machines completed a national research project, according to its executive vice-president.
Jiang Yiyi shared observations on changing ice and snow consumption at a forum during the International Winter Sports Expo.
China’s ice and snow industry reached 10.053 trillion yuan, according to the report released at the expo.
Nationwide participation in ice and snow sports reached 3.08 billion people, and 2,602 venues were operating.
China News Service published its report on the industry’s expansion.
- Industry scale
- 10.053 trillion yuan in 2025
- Sports participation
- 3.08 billion people in the 2025–2026 season
- Participation rate
- 21.75% in the 2025–2026 season
- Operating venues
- 2,602 nationwide in the 2025–2026 season
- Venue breakdown
- 1,708 ice-skating venues and 894 ski venues
1 source
What people are saying
The value focus of the industry chain is shifting from selling resources to selling products, services and experiences.
Ice and snow tourism is turning cold resources into a hot economy.
Young people can take part in mountain camping in addition to experiencing skiing.
We have truly achieved the ability to operate like internationally renowned ski resorts, controlling equipment from the office using a tablet or mobile phone.