World’s largest indoor ski resort opened in hot Shanghai

L*SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort

In Shanghai, the world’s largest indoor ski resort opened its doors, amidst high temperatures outside as China recorded its warmest August in 60 years. The resort, located in Pudong, Shanghai, features a 90,000-square-meter ski area and additional facilities like shops, hotels, and a water park, which is yet to open. During the outdoor opening ceremony, temperatures had already reached 30°C by 9 a.m., creating a contrast between the sweltering heat outside and the ski resort’s alpine atmosphere inside.

This grand opening marked the end of a challenging trial period for the resort. Chinese state media reported that safety procedures were being reviewed following an incident where a skier injured their finger. The resort, named L*SNOW Indoor Skiing Theme Resort, was certified by Guinness World Records as the largest of its kind globally, surpassing another Chinese facility in Harbin.

The development of indoor ski resorts is part of China’s broader strategy to promote winter sports, fueled in part by hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics and catering to the recreational desires of its growing middle class. The resort aims to address shrinking and unreliable snow slopes in traditional ski areas in northern China, a trend exacerbated by climate change.

To mitigate its environmental footprint, the facility relies on 72 cooling machines to maintain appropriate indoor temperatures and 33 snow-making machines. Moreover, three-quarters of the roof is covered with solar panels to help power the energy-intensive operations of the resort. Shanghai government reports acknowledged the high energy consumption but highlighted efforts to maximize energy reuse through ice storage systems and heat recovery.
* TravelDailyNews