Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the development of the ice and snow economy in Xinjiang, particularly focusing on the transformation of Pingxi Liang Village from a poverty-stricken area to a prosperous community through the promotion of winter sports and tourism [2]. Group 1: Ice and Snow Economy Development - The Silk Road Mountain Resort features Xinjiang's first SSSSS-level ski resort, certified by the International Ski Federation, positioning it as a venue capable of hosting international events [2]. - The region has leveraged its unique ice and snow resources to foster economic growth, particularly through ski resorts and specialty accommodations, turning "cold resources" into a "hot economy" that supports rural revitalization [2]. - The development of the ice and snow economy has significantly increased the income of local villagers, contributing to their financial well-being [2].

Core Viewpoint - The integration of sports and tourism is becoming a new choice for public travel, enriching cultural life and driving high-quality development in both industries [1][5]. Group 1: Market Trends - The rise of sports tourism is driven by the upgrade of consumer demand and changes in lifestyle, with people seeking personalized and experiential travel rather than traditional sightseeing [3]. - Sports tourism caters to diverse demographics, offering activities like surfing and mountain biking for young people, family-friendly options like hiking and camping, and deep engagement opportunities for seasoned sports enthusiasts [3][5]. Group 2: Policy and Resource Support - National policies have been introduced to encourage the deep integration of sports and tourism, aiming to create influential sports tourism routes, events, and demonstration bases [4]. - Local governments are responding by leveraging unique regional sports and tourism resources to develop differentiated sports tourism products, such as ice sports in northern regions and outdoor activities in southern areas [4]. Group 3: Economic Impact - The development of sports tourism is enhancing the ecosystem of related industries, including sports equipment, event operations, and hospitality, forming a multi-faceted industrial chain [5]. - Sports tourism is becoming a new growth point for local economies, particularly in rural areas, by improving infrastructure and promoting agricultural products through events like mountain biking and rural marathons [5]. Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - Challenges in sports tourism include product homogeneity, inadequate facilities, insufficient professional services, and safety concerns, necessitating a focus on differentiation and quality improvement [6]. - The future of sports tourism looks promising with ongoing policy support, product innovation, and enhanced service quality, expected to provide diverse consumer experiences and contribute to economic development [6].

Group 1 - Multiple regions in China are leveraging their unique snow resources to implement "snow holidays" for students, with Urumqi and Jilin being notable examples [1][7] - Urumqi's first "snow holiday" allows students to enjoy a continuous 9-day break from December 1 to 5, 2023, with significant increases in visitor traffic to ski resorts [1][5] - Jilin Province has announced a similar initiative for students from December 3 to 7, 2023, offering free ice and snow experiences and discounts for parents [7][9] Group 2 - Urumqi's ski resorts are providing free admission for students during the "snow holiday," with additional discounts for accompanying parents at various attractions [4][5] - The railway department in Urumqi has increased train services to accommodate the surge in visitors, adding 119 temporary passenger trains to eight destinations [5] - In Jilin, students can enjoy free access to designated snow activities for three hours daily, with discounts on tickets for accompanying parents [9][11] Group 3 - Ski resorts in Shenyang, Liaoning, are also experiencing a surge in visitors, with facilities expanding beginner slopes to attract novice skiers [12][16] - Black龙江 is accelerating the construction of key ice and snow projects, including large-scale ice slides and themed attractions, to enhance its winter tourism offerings [19][20] - Various regions are actively promoting ice and snow culture through events and activities, aiming to engage more youth in winter sports [11][19]

Group 1 - The 2025-2026 Harbin Ice and Snow Season is set to launch, featuring the Yabuli National Ski Resort and the Harbin Ice and Snow World, with a total ice storage of 200,000 cubic meters prepared for the event [1] - Harbin will create three flagship ice and snow tourism attractions, with the Harbin Ice and Snow World expanding from 1 million square meters to 1.2 million square meters, utilizing 400,000 cubic meters of ice [1] - The Sun Island Snow Expo will cover 1.5 million square meters, featuring over 260 snow sculptures and various interactive experiences, while the Songhua River Ice Carnival will offer over 60 ice entertainment projects [1] Group 2 - This winter, Harbin will open over 20 ski resorts with more than 70 ski trails catering to different skill levels, enhancing accessibility for both residents and tourists [2] - The Yabuli National Ski Resort will open on November 7, featuring interconnected ski areas for a seamless skiing experience [2] - Nearby ski resorts have been upgraded to provide thrilling experiences for skiing enthusiasts [2] Group 3 - Harbin is enhancing its ice and snow tourism services by upgrading visitor centers, restrooms, and communication facilities, improving overall visitor comfort [3] - Additional warming stations and services such as hot tea will be available at major attractions to enhance visitor experience during the cold winter [3] - Transportation improvements include the introduction of 10 special bus lines for popular tourist areas, making travel more convenient [3][4]