The "Ski Train" is more than a simple change. It's an integral piece of China's post-Olympic winter sports economy, supporting sustained engagement after the country realized its ambitious goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports — a drive catalyzed by the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
For local authorities, it's about building an integrated ecosystem. "Its significance goes far beyond a transport service. It's a vivid practice of transforming Olympic heritage into development momentum," says Han Xiaoyu, deputy director of Chongli district's culture, broadcasting and TV, tourism and sports bureau.
The government is working to weave high-speed rail, lodging, skiing, and dining into a smooth "ski ecosystem", with plans for integrated digital platforms and service standards to create a seamless "One-Tripto-Chongli" experience.
The train service also offers a tangible alternative to driving, directly addressing chronic weekend traffic jams and packed parking lots that once plagued ski resorts.
"The effect is immediate," says Zou of Fulong Ski Resort. "This season, parking pressure and road congestion have significantly eased." It's a step toward a greener model for tourism, he says.
"This train carries the growing passion for winter sports," Zou says, adding that since the 2022 Winter Olympic Games were held in Chongli, skier numbers have risen steadily year after year.
