As a newly fashionable sport in China, skiing is going from strength to strength in China. Not so long ago, it was out of the reach of most people. For most, it was something they watched on TV, conjuring romantic images of snow-capped mountains and luxury. Like golf, it was previously thought the preserve of wealthy people.

In recent years, many new ski areas featuring artificial snow have opened up within a couple of hours of Beijing, hoping to cash in on the short winter season.

Shijinglong Ski Resort was the first to open, in 1999, and was quickly followed by nine others. Two natural ski resorts, which opened earlier, further away from the city, also attract visitors.

The newly-emerged ski resorts were met with great enthusiasm from the public, raking up a considerable profit. The major ski resorts were so popular that they often remained packed each winter until they were closed next spring.

The huge profit potential has sparked a new round of investment in ski resorts as many new investors plough large amounts of money into new man-made ski slopes around Beijing. This winter, another two new resorts are expected to open in November and December. That will bring to 12 the number of resorts within easy reach of the capital.

Last year, the seven major ski resorts in Beijing received over 200,000 skiers, who spent over 50 million yuan (US$6 million) on skiing there.

Most skiers are white collar workers like managers, private enterprise owners and senior executives, representing the highly paid sectors of Chinese society.

The direct impact of the increasing number of ski resorts is a slump in skiing prices - and a steady increase in the number of skiers.

For a skier, the main expenditure is clothing and equipment.

As many skiers in Beijing won't spend money on ski equipment, most resorts offer a full rental service.

The ski price was once as high as over 100 yuan (US$12.2) for one hour in the near past. Last year, the price dropped to around 80 yuan (US$9.8) per hour on weekends and 60 yuan (US$7.3) on week days.

In a bid to attract more customers, ski resorts embarked on a price war. Last year, the cheapest ski package for group skiers at Shijinglong charged only 30 yuan (US$3.7) per hour on week days.

If you choose a one-day package, you can ski for four to six hours a day for less than 200 yuan (US$24.4) in most major ski resorts. Often that also includes a meal.

With up to half-a-million potential skiers in Beijing, the industry is expected to see a strong boom in coming years.
 

(Beijing Weekend November 17, 2003)