China’s winter tourism industry is gaining strong momentum as several regions introduce short-term “snow breaks” for students a policy initiative designed to stimulate family travel, encourage youth participation in winter sports, and energize seasonal consumption across ski destinations.

Regions including Jilin Province in northeast China and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the northwest have announced five-day snow breaks, encouraging students to travel, join winter camps, and participate in cultural and educational study tours centered on ice and snow experiences. The move comes as part of broader efforts to strengthen China’s domestic winter tourism and ice-and-snow economy.

Policy Incentives Lower Barriers to Family Ski Travel

To support the snow break initiative, Jilin Province has issued 100 million yuan (approximately USD 14.1 million) in consumption vouchers dedicated to ice and snow activities. Under the program, students can ski and skate free of charge, while accompanying parents receive discounts of up to 30 percent on lift tickets and admission fees.

In Xinjiang, primary and middle school students are offered two days of free skiing at designated resorts in Urumqi and Altay, along with discounted accommodation and transportation packages. These incentives have significantly reduced the cost of entry for family ski trips, encouraging more households to experience winter sports together.

Winter Tourism Demand Shows Clear Upward Trend

Early indicators suggest the policy is already delivering results. A 2025 research report on China’s ice and snow industry projects that the sector’s total value will exceed 1 trillion yuan this year, underscoring the industry’s growing economic importance.

Consumer behavior data reinforces this outlook. According to figures from Chinese on-demand platform Meituan, searches for “ski resorts nearby” rose 87 percent year-on-year over the past week, highlighting surging interest in accessible, short-distance winter travel.

Domestic Ski Resorts Gain Competitive Appeal

Alongside rising demand, China’s ski resorts are becoming increasingly attractive to travelers seeking high-quality domestic alternatives. Destinations such as Jilin, Chongli in Hebei Province, and Harbin in Heilongjiang Province are drawing attention for their affordability, improved transport links, and enhanced service standards.

Resorts are also investing heavily in experience upgrades. Wanfeng Tonghua Ski Resort in Jilin has introduced smart photo-capture technology powered by China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, enabling skiers to automatically record and download high-definition videos of their runs via mobile apps. In Beijing, Jundushan Ski Resort plans to introduce pet-friendly services, including dedicated snow play areas for pets, while Keketuohai International Ski Resort in Altay has launched immersive ice and snow drone shows to enhance visitor experiences.

Economic Impact Extends Beyond the Slopes

Each ski trip generates value well beyond lift ticket sales. The industry report notes that consumer spending within a 2-kilometer radius of ski resorts has increased by nearly 28 percent, benefiting surrounding hotels, restaurants, retail outlets, and transportation services.

As China continues to integrate policy support, infrastructure investment, and family-oriented travel incentives, skiing and winter tourism are rapidly evolving into key drivers of seasonal economic growth.

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School breaks inject momentum into China's ice and snow economy