Chinese Firms Seek to Loosen West's Grip on Lucrative Snow Business

Lianhuashan ski resort in Beijing introduced its first Chinese-made snow gun this season, ending reliance on decades-old European snow cannons.

The snowmaker was produced by Beijing-based Carving Ski and costs roughly one-third less than Western equivalents. Chinese snowmakers use similar core equipment, making them attractive to investors and ski resorts. Some resorts are gradually adopting domestic machines despite European brands’ wider recognition.

Competition is rising, with foreign brands aimed at high-end users and Chinese models for broader affordability. The move follows growth in China’s winter sports sector, including 300 million participants in the 2022 Winter Olympics.