Taking to the slopes

In recent years, China has witnessed an increase in the number of ski resorts, drawing more people to take up the winter sport. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As for choosing a ski resort, respondents' top considerations were the immediate accessibility of the ski slopes from the hotel, the reputation of the resort online, and the hotel services on offer.

Respondents mainly went skiing with friends, with their partner and children, or just with a partner. For more than half of them, the average spending per person was 1,000 to 5,000 yuan ($152－760).

Many of those surveyed cared about how they look when skiing and considered ski suits, gloves, sunglasses and goggles important to improving their style.

"We're planning to have more ski resorts in China. This study will help us better understand the Chinese market, while offering insight into how we can adapt to people's habits and demands," Portes says.

For example, Club Med plan to recruit more international ski instructors to ensure the safety of their customers. As Chinese customers like to have easy access to ski venues, they will consider establishing new resorts closer to big cities.