Chinese Beat the Summer Heat by Hitting the Slopes
As the scorching summer heat wave continues to grip China, more and more people are turning to unconventional methods to beat the heat. While many seek refuge in air-conditioned spaces or by indulging in icy treats, a growing number of Chinese are embracing skiing as a way to escape the relentless sun.
Winter sports venues across the country are experiencing a surge in bookings as people seek out cooler temperatures and exciting activities. In recent years, China has invested heavily in developing winter sports infrastructure, in anticipation of the upcoming Beijing 2022 Olympics. This investment has paid off, with a significant increase in the number of indoor ski resorts and ice skating rinks across the country.
The Rise of Indoor Skiing in China
Indoor ski resorts have seen a particularly notable increase in popularity, offering a reprieve from the summer heat without the need to travel to colder regions. Platforms like Meituan and Trip.com have reported significant spikes in searches and bookings for indoor skiing venues in recent months.
According to data from Meituan, searches for indoor ski resorts surged by 161% year over year in the first half of July, with bookings for ski-related activities increasing by 25% compared to the previous month. Trip.com also reported a 70% increase in bookings for indoor skiing venues and an 89% rise in searches for skiing events in July.
The appeal of indoor skiing lies in its accessibility and convenience. While traditional outdoor ski resorts may require a lengthy journey to reach, indoor facilities provide a quick and easy escape from the heat, making them an attractive option for many Chinese looking to cool off during the summer months.
The Joy of Skiing in the Summer
For 26-year-old travel vlogger Zhou Xixi, skiing has become a newfound passion. After trying the sport for the first time in 2022, Zhou has since embarked on several skiing trips to various resorts, including those in the northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Recently, Zhou visited an indoor ski slope in Shanghai for the first time, experiencing the unique thrill of skiing in the summer.
While indoor ski slopes may not offer the same expansive runs as outdoor resorts, Zhou appreciates the convenience of having a skiing facility close to home. “The joy of skiing in the summer and escaping the scorching heat outside is a unique experience that outdoor ski resorts cannot replicate,” she shared with Sixth Tone.
Many other young Chinese like Zhou are also discovering the joys of skiing, contributing to the growing popularity of winter sports in the country. This trend has not gone unnoticed by travel companies, which are already capitalizing on the demand for winter ski trips.
Winter Skiing Pre-Sales Reach Unprecedented Levels
Leading Chinese travel firm Spring Tour recently launched its 2024-2025 ski season pre-sale package, attracting a significant amount of interest from eager travelers. Within just two hours of the package launch, the company received over 1 million yuan in bookings, indicating a strong appetite for winter sports experiences.
Li Jingwei, a product manager at Spring Tour, noted the remarkable speed and volume of this year’s skiing pre-sales, with a substantial increase in website traffic. The enthusiasm for winter skiing trips underscores the growing interest in outdoor recreational activities among Chinese consumers, driven in part by the desire to escape the summer heat and explore new leisure pursuits.
In conclusion, as China continues to grapple with sweltering summer temperatures, the allure of indoor skiing as a refreshing and exhilarating pastime is on the rise. With the expansion of winter sports infrastructure and the availability of indoor ski facilities, more Chinese are embracing skiing as a way to beat the heat and enjoy a unique summer experience on the slopes.