It is reported that on December 14, the Muzhailing Ski Resort will officially kick off this winter’s “first ski run,” where lucky participants can experience the thrill of skiing for just 1 yuan.
As skiing becomes a more mainstream activity, the market competition is intensifying. In recent years, new ski resorts have been joining the scene every year. Although the competition is becoming increasingly fierce, price wars may not be the main battlefield this year. This season, major ski resorts are focusing on service and experience, aiming to win over consumers with high-quality offerings.
Ski Resorts Compete as Battle Heats Up
According to Dongfang Today News, on December 14 — this weekend — the ski market will officially launch, with Muzhailing Ski Resort opening and offering 1-yuan ski deals on the day. Most other ski resorts are set to begin operations after December 20.
Compared to previous years, the ski market competition is even fiercer this year. It is reported that two new ski resorts opened in the province last year, and this year new ones continue to emerge. “There are currently 13 notable ski resorts in Henan Province,” an industry insider told reporters.
Faced with this intense competition, many resorts have launched various promotional offers. For example, the Laojieling Ski Resort will offer a “ski one, get one free” deal during the first two days of operation, while the Wangwushan Ski Resort is running promotions throughout the entire ski season. “The first ten visitors each day will receive a free ticket for either rafting or a hot spring — customers can choose either,” the resort stated.
Currently, the price of ski trips at scenic spots across Henan Province is around 100 yuan, offering residents real value for money. It is reported that when ski trips first became popular, relatively high prices once put them out of reach for many. But as more ski resorts opened and market competition intensified, prices have gradually come down.
However, it's important to note that low prices aren’t everything — you also need to consider whether the ski resort’s facilities, services, and safety measures are up to standard.
Market Competition Pushes Ski Resorts to Focus on Quality Service
With the growing number of ski resorts, intense competition has driven prices down. But after going through an era dominated by price wars, this year the Henan ski market is shifting focus to service and experience.
A representative from Tianlongchi Ski Resort noted that as people’s expectations for ski quality grow, ski resorts are prompted to provide higher-end experiences. Skiers are more likely to choose larger resorts with internationally standardized facilities and have higher demands for service quality.
“The 1-yuan ski deal is mainly a way to attract people to come and try the resort. Our goal is to build a good reputation through excellent service,” said a Muzhailing Ski Resort representative. To prepare for the 1-yuan event, the resort has been making arrangements for days, with all ski equipment and facilities ready.
Strengthening Core Capabilities Is Key to Winning Visitors
A Laojieling Ski Resort representative mentioned that although there are many ski resorts in Henan now and prices have been dropping due to fierce competition, Laojieling has not blindly lowered its prices. “Low prices don’t necessarily earn customer approval — they might come at the cost of lower quality or service. Over the years, Laojieling Ski Resort has been committed to improving customer satisfaction by enhancing the scale of the resort, service quality, and supporting facilities.” It is reported that this year, the resort’s restaurant and other services are all managed in-house, rather than being outsourced, in order to ensure better service for visitors.
“In a competitive environment, only by strengthening our core capabilities can we win over visitors,” said the Muzhailing Ski Resort. The Muzhailing Speed Dragon Ski Resort is located 1 kilometer west of the Muzhailing Primitive Ecotourism Area in Cheshan Town, Song County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, at an altitude of 1,200 meters. To deliver a high-quality skiing experience, the resort has invested over 30 million yuan. The ski area features slopes with a maximum gradient of 18 degrees and a minimum of 6 degrees. There are 5,000 sets of ski equipment available, along with a practice area, large inner tubes, snow saucers, tai chi disc entertainment zones, a children’s snow play area, a leisure sightseeing zone, and an adventure training area. Whether for admiring, playing in, or enjoying the snow, the resort caters to the needs of different visitors.
Winter skiing has become a staple activity for many city dwellers on their travels.