Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the experiences of a ski instructor, Song Wenbin, who has spent nine consecutive Spring Festivals working at the Nanshan Ski Resort, emphasizing the increasing popularity and extended season of skiing during the holiday period [1] Group 1: Industry Trends - The peak season for ski resorts typically runs from early December to March, with New Year's and Spring Festival being the busiest times [1] - This year, the Spring Festival is later, resulting in a longer peak season and increased customer traffic compared to previous years [1] Group 2: Instructor Experience - Song Wenbin spends at least six hours outdoors daily, with teaching hours extending to nearly ten hours if night classes are included [1] - The job has diversified, requiring instructors to not only teach skiing but also care for children and document student progress [1] - Song's friendly personality has made him popular among children, leading parents to prefer him for their kids' skiing lessons [1]

Core Viewpoint - The development of the winter sports industry in Chongli, driven by the Beijing Winter Olympics, has significantly increased tourism and created numerous job opportunities in the region. Group 1: Industry Growth - Chongli has become the largest high-end ski resort area in China, with nine large ski resorts established since the successful bid for the Winter Olympics in 2015 [3] - The number of tourists in Chongli for the 2024-2025 snow season has surpassed 5.2 million [3] - Approximately 30,000 out of 130,000 residents in Chongli are directly or indirectly involved in the ice and snow industry and tourism services, indicating that one in four locals is engaged in this sector [4] Group 2: Employment Opportunities - The increase in skiing popularity has led to a rise in demand for ski instructors, resulting in higher incomes for professionals in this field [3] - Local entrepreneurs, such as Zhang Chunfang, have capitalized on the influx of tourists by opening businesses like a hot pot restaurant, contributing to the local economy [2][3] - The diverse business opportunities in Chongli's ski resorts have provided many residents with a sense of fulfillment and economic benefit [3]

Group 1 - The core initiative is to promote winter sports by offering free skiing activities for local students in Zhangjiakou, specifically targeting youth from the region [1] - The free skiing event will take place from January 18 to January 23, allowing students and preschool children from Zhangjiakou to experience skiing without charge, except for a nominal insurance fee of 20 yuan per person [1][3] - Participants must present their identification documents, such as an ID card or household registration book, to access the free skiing benefits at the Wanlong Ski Resort [3] Group 2 - In addition to free skiing, beginners will have the opportunity to receive complimentary introductory skiing lessons in the designated snow area [3] - Safety measures are emphasized, requiring skiers to be assessed by instructors before accessing intermediate and advanced slopes, and to be accompanied by instructors when using the cable car [3]

Core Insights - The introduction of "ice and snow holidays" in northern provinces of China aims to enhance winter cultural and tourism consumption, allowing students to engage in various activities beyond the classroom [1] Group 1: Holiday Features - In Xinjiang, students enjoy a 9-day snow holiday, with free skiing lessons and cultural activities available, attracting significant participation [2] - Jilin province offers a 5-day ice and snow holiday, providing students with free access to skiing and A-level tourist attractions, along with discounts for accompanying parents [3] Group 2: Supporting Services - Xinjiang has implemented multiple policies to enhance the holiday experience, including increased train services and flight frequencies, with over 110 temporary trains added and a 25% increase in passenger numbers [4][5] - Jilin's cultural and tourism department encourages flexible holiday arrangements for working parents, promoting local cultural activities for children [5] Group 3: Economic Impact - The ice and snow holidays have significantly boosted consumption, with ticket bookings from Urumqi and Altay increasing by 45% and 48% respectively, and over 20,000 visitors on the first day of the holiday [6] - In Jilin, major ski resorts reported over 50,000 visitors on the first day, with family participation driving the demand [6] Group 4: Long-term Development - The initiative is seen as a long-term project to promote ice and snow activities, with suggestions for building local ice parks and enhancing coach training [7] - The ice and snow economy is positioned as a consumer-centric model, responding to national policies and addressing time constraints for families [7]