Ski resorts across China are bustling with activity.
At one resort in Beijing, the slopes are alive with the laughter of young learners.
Jiang Tao spoke with a ski instructor to look at how this passion for snow sports is shaping careers and the industry on the slopes.
At Xishan Ski Resort in Beijing, Wang Fang is busy helping a young student prepare for a run down the beginner slope.
"Okay, just relax your body and don't tense up. Keep your hands steady, and remember to keep that same slanting motion, alright?"
This is Wang's second year at the resort.
Wang Fang (L) instructs a young learner on the slopes of Xishan Ski Resort. [Photo: courtesy of Wang Fang]
She became a ski instructor after retiring from the national cross-country skiing team in 2020, as winter sports gained popularity nationwide ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
"Coaching feels like a free job to me. I enjoy helping people get into skiing."
The job also comes with a good income. Ski lessons at Xishan Resort cost between 300 and 400 yuan per hour—about 50 US dollars.
During peak times, the resort attracts up to 2,000 visitors a day, with instructors like Wang earning between 10,000 and 20,000 yuan per month.
Since the 2022 Winter Olympics, winter sports have surged in popularity across China, with over 310 million people participating in ice and snow activities.
Wang Fang (L) instructs a young learner on the slopes of Xishan Ski Resort. [Photo: courtesy of Wang Fang]
Head coach Wang Zhongnan says this boom is evident at their resort.
"Skiing is a high-risk sport, but that's exactly why so many people love it. You've got everyone—little kids, adults, even people in their 60s and 70s—enjoying the thrill of winter sports."
The growing enthusiasm has created a high demand for private instructors like Wang Fang.
"Here at Xishan, we have over 100 instructors, but it’s still not enough to meet the demand during peak times. Around holidays, it’s almost impossible to book a lesson."
For Wang, the busy schedule can be exhausting.
"If you're teaching back-to-back lessons, you're working from morning until night—sometimes until 9 or 10 p.m. Weekends are especially packed; I barely have time to eat!"
Despite the challenges, Wang remains optimistic about the future of the industry.
Data from 2024 shows a 200% increase in demand for snow sports instructors across China, with ski instructors experiencing a remarkable 350% surge.
Wang Fang is confident that this growing passion for winter sports will keep her career on a steady slope upward.