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China's Ski Industry Pursues Local Gear Amid European Competition
The Rise of Chinese Snow-Making Equipment
For the past two decades, Chinese ski resorts have relied heavily on European snow-making equipment. However, a new trend is emerging, with resorts like one in Beijing incorporating Chinese-made snow cannons. Tang Lingling, Manager of Carving Ski Resort, stated that even when using core components like air compressors from the same brand as European models, the overall cost of domestic machines can be reduced by half or one-third. This significant cost-effectiveness is a major draw for investors and owners of ski resorts.
Shifting Dynamics in the Ski Equipment Market
Chinese winter gear brands are also gaining traction, offering affordable and trendy options primarily aimed at beginners. This strategy is viewed as a foundational step towards competing with established European giants. Jin Huiyuan, Founder of Lidakis snowboards, noted the rapid growth during the 2022 Winter Olympics, contributing to President Xi Jinping's goal of getting 300 million people involved in ice and snow sports. However, she acknowledged a recent stagnation in interest due to changing economic and international situations.
Sustained Shift Towards Local Production
Sales of snow-related equipment in China have quadrupled since 2015, but interest has somewhat stagnated following the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and a post-Covid boom. Nevertheless, more Chinese ski resorts are now turning to locally made snow equipment. Industry insiders predict that this trend away from imported gear is here to stay, indicating a continued focus on boosting China's 'ice and snow economy' through domestic production.
*Source: YouTube: SCMP (2026-03-17)*
