INTERNATIONAL – Indoor ski resorts are transforming winter sports in China, enabling enthusiasts like Kevin Xian, a game designer and avid skier, to enjoy skiing year-round, even during Shanghai’s scorching summers. Unlike outdoor skiing, indoor facilities provide stable snow conditions and greater accessibility, especially for urban residents.
The development of indoor ski resorts reflects China’s booming winter sports economy, projected to generate 550 billion yuan (US$77 billion) in tourism revenue during the 2023-2024 winter season. However, concerns about their environmental impact challenge the sustainability of these facilities, especially as China aims for carbon neutrality by 2060.
The World’s Largest Indoor Ski Resort
Located an hour from downtown Shanghai, the Shanghai L+SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort opened in September and boasts a 98,800-square-meter skiing area—six times larger than the Big Snow American Dream in the US. Featuring alpine-themed attractions like Swiss-style chalets, artificial mountains, and cable cars, the facility has become a popular destination for urban dwellers.
Inside, temperatures are maintained below freezing by advanced cooling and snow-making systems, ensuring optimal skiing conditions regardless of outdoor weather. Since its opening, the resort has sold over 100,000 tickets, with annual visitor numbers expected to reach 15 million by 2025.
Indoor Skiing: A Double-Edged Sword
While indoor ski resorts address the challenges posed by climate change, such as shorter natural ski seasons and retreating snow slopes, they raise environmental concerns due to their high energy and water consumption. According to experts, artificial snowmaking and cooling systems contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
Despite this, the L+SNOW resort incorporates energy-saving technologies like ice storage and waste-heat recovery systems. The facility’s roof is equipped with photovoltaic panels, reducing carbon emissions by over 2,000 tonnes annually. These initiatives aim to balance recreational needs with environmental responsibilities.
Boosting Winter Sports in China
China’s winter sports sector has surged since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. A 2015 government initiative to engage 300 million people in winter sports by 2025 has already been surpassed, with 346 million participants reported in 2022. The country’s 50 indoor ski resorts make snow sports more accessible to millions, surpassing the combined number in Japan and South Korea.
Indoor skiing also reduces the need for long-distance travel to outdoor ski resorts, cutting transportation-related carbon emissions. For urban skiers like Mr. Nanji, these facilities provide a convenient and immersive skiing experience, even replacing traditional sports like badminton.
Sustainability and the Future of Indoor Skiing
Experts remain divided on whether indoor ski resorts align with China’s climate goals. While facilities like L+SNOW leverage energy-efficient technologies, their environmental impact remains significant. Advocates suggest that investments in renewable energy and green technologies could position China as a global leader in sustainable tourism.
“Skiing should focus on promoting the sport while raising awareness about environmental protection,” said ski instructor Ma Hongji. As indoor ski resorts gain popularity, their long-term success will depend on balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable future for winter sports in China.
