A ski resort in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]

According to the "2023-24 China Ski Industry White Paper" by the China Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, 23.08 million ski trips were made nationwide during the 2023-24 snow season. Zhejiang accounted for 1.27 million of these, ranking sixth in China and up 20,000 from the previous year.

Zhejiang ranks first in China for indoor ski resorts, with seven facilities enabling skiing in all seasons. While the province has 23 ski resorts in total, placing it 11th nationwide, its leadership in indoor skiing underscores its focus on accessibility and innovation.

Data from the search engine Baidu shows that in 2024, Zhejiang ranked fourth in the nation for online searches related to "skiing", reflecting a growing appetite for the sport.

The rise of skiing has energized Zhejiang's manufacturing sector. Of the 19,000 ski-related businesses operating in China, 562 are based in Zhejiang, with 40 percent founded in the last five years. These firms cover a range of activities, including the production and distribution of ski equipment.

Shenzhen town in Ninghai county, Ningbo, exemplifies this growth. Home to 34 manufacturers, the town produces 60 percent of the world's ski poles, generating nearly 1 billion yuan ($136.45 million) annually.