New jobs emerge in ski industry as demand grows
Ministry includes ski patrol rescuer among 19 new occupations
New regulations
On Feb 1, Jilin officially implemented the Management Regulations for Ski Resort Patrol and Rescue Personnel, which is the first local standard in the field of ski resort patrol and rescue in the country.
The new regulations also filled the gap in the field of ski resort patrol and rescue in China, according to the Jilin Provincial Sports Bureau.
According to the regulations, ski resorts with a total ski slope area of less than 50,000 square meters must have at least two ski patrol rescuers on duty at all times.
As early as 2013, skiing was recognized by the country as a high-risk sport. With the continuous expansion of ice and snow sports in China, the demand for professional ski patrol rescuers is increasing day by day. According to data from the General Administration of Sport of China, there were a total of 2,847 ice and snow sports venues nationwide last year.
During the 2023-2024 ice and snow season, the number of participants in various ice and snow sports such as ice skating, skiing, curling and ice hockey reached 57.35 million, with a total of 109.53 million participation.
The number of participants in skiing reached 35.42 million, with 54.82 million participation.
"During the research for ski profession applications, we found that there is currently a gap of around 20,000 ski patrol and rescue personnel in China," said Liu Junyi, director of the Jilin Provincial Ice and Snow Sports Key Laboratory. "I believe that with the gradual improvement of safety regulations, standardization and systematization in our country's ski resorts, the ski patrol rescuers will become increasingly scarce and essential for ski resorts."
Furthermore, the occupation will be expanded and diversified in the future, he said.
"For example, in the summer, they may be involved in snowfield construction and summer activities at ski resorts such as summer outdoor activities and grass skiing," he said.
"The occupation can also promote the enhancement of ski safety in our country and provide support and security for the overall ice and snow economy, ensuring the economic stability and development of ski resorts."
