Nation's frozen assets keep paying dividends

The enthusiasm for winter sports is evident from the growing public participation in ice and snow activities and the number of related venues opening up across the country. WANG JILIN/FOR CHINA DAILY With Chinese resort developers and event promoters having already upgraded their equipment and facilities up to international standards, operational expertise in business diversification and customer services could still use more input from the world's established players, according to Erik Riegler, a staff member in charge of cooperation and relationship development at the Austrian Embassy in Beijing. "You should focus on different target groups to differentiate the products and services, not only serving those people who come to ski, but also others who want to experience the mountains, outdoor events and maybe some other cultural activities," Riegler suggested in regard to China's resort operations, citing experiences from Austria's renowned winter tourism industry. As the forum continued at the alpine resort, the National Sliding Center, another Beijing 2022 Olympic venue located just across the ridge, hosted the final leg of the 2024-25 International Luge Federation World Cup series, offering visitors to the Yanqing Olympic park another thrilling way to spend the weekend — watching an international cohort of daredevil luge racers hurtling down the frozen track on a small sled. "After Beijing 2022, winter sports have become so popular in China, that we can now speak them in global terms," said the former German Olympic fencing champion, who is due to step down from his position in June at the end of his second term.