Industry News
Chinese ski areas are starting to re-open, reports the FIS, as the country begins to return to normal life after the number of new domestic coronavirus infections dropped dramatically. Some outdoor areas less affected by the virus reopened early March, but as the season typically ends towards the end of March when the snow melts, it’s unlikely we’ll see many more reopen this season.
Less than two months since the pandemic took hold of the country, Chinese state media reported that zero indigenous coronavirus infections had been reported for three consecutive days across the Chinese mainland. Hubei Province outside Wuhan had not seen new indigenous cases for 17 consecutive days.
A number of indoor ski centers have reopened, but are operating with a restricted number of guests and other anti-virus-spread initiatives. Harbin Snow World 24, the world’s largest indoor snow center is reported to reopen soon. Strict admission procedures are in place though, with skiers and boarders needing to show certification that they do not have the virus, at least 24 hours in advance of visiting.
The awarding of the 2022 Winter Olympics to Beijing has seen a boom in the Chinese ski industry. The country now has more than 30 indoor snow centers and more than 700 outdoor ski areas.
