Ski resorts carve out new jobs on slopes

Tourism boom

Ningxia had lifted all nine impoverished counties out of absolute poverty by the end of last year, with four of those located in Guyuan.

The construction of ski resorts has led to a tourism boom and created jobs, helping to eradicate poverty in the counties.

Zhougou, once an isolated village, has become a popular tourist spot because of the resorts.

Restaurants and hotels, along with smaller businesses, have received a major boost from the resort customers, Lu said. "Vendors can earn up to 1,000 yuan ($120) per day selling local specialties," he said.

Tian Shiming was born in Tongxin county, Wuzhong, where the Huangguchuan Ski Resort was opened in 2018.

Looking at the hills where he once played as a child, he can scarcely believe the transformation. "This area used to be farmland, and I herded sheep here," Tian said, pointing at a ski run.

Tian left his hometown to look for work, but returned three years later due to the job opportunities created by the ski industry. He now works as a ski safety instructor at the Huangguchuan resort.

Tian believes the rise in the popularity of skiing is an indicator of growing wealth nationwide.

"With rising living standards, people pay more attention to leisure and health now," he said. "Lots of tourists come to our ski resort during the Chinese New Year holiday."

Lu Xuezhou said tourism in winter is much busier due to the activities offered by the resorts. "The number of tourists to our ski resort is increasing annually. Last year, we had about 35,000 visitors," he said.

He hopes the flourishing of ski resorts in the region will attract more people to enjoy winter sports.