Ski resorts carve out new jobs on slopes

Winter revival

However, the situation has changed dramatically in recent years. Winter sports have gained in popularity with the public as the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics approaches. Since 2015, the Ningxia government has encouraged winter sports in the region and ski resorts are flourishing.

The number of ski resorts in Ningxia had reached 14 by the end of 2019, according to official data.

Yahao International Ski Resort, which aims to eventually stage high-level ski competitions, opened to the public in December 2019. The resort covers 1.6 million square meters and is the biggest in northwestern China. The specifications and design of the resort's racing trails follow the standards of the International Ski Federation.

While attracting experienced skiers, the resorts in Guyuan are also targeting younger people.

"Teenagers account for 30 percent of the customers at our ski resort, many of them come not only for fun but to seek professional training," Lu said.

In 2018, the Zhougou resort started cooperating with schools and teaching institutions to provide professional training for teens who are eager to try a new sport. The resort is funded by the regional government and trains more than 1,400 teenagers annually.

"Skiing here is more than having fun. Teenagers can develop professional skills through training," Lu said.