NZSki has signed a strategic partnership with
Sunac-BonSki, marking one of the most significant
international agreements in New Zealand’s ski
industry.
The deal opens direct access to China’s
rapidly expanding snow sports market and strengthens
NZSki’s position as a global leader in alpine
experiences.
China is now one of the fastest-growing
ski markets globally. During the 2024–2025 season, the
country recorded 26.05 million skier visits, up 12.9 percent
year-on-year, and 13.55 million active skiers, an increase
of 5.86 percent. Indoor skiing is driving this growth, with
66 indoor resorts generating 5.63 million skier visits in
one season, including the world’s five largest by snow
area.
The market is shifting from beginner experiences
to destination skiing, with high-spending destination skiers
representing just 4 percent of resorts but contributing
28.64 percent of total skier visits — a core demographic
for NZSki.
The signing took place at the newly opened
Shenzhen BonSki, currently the world’s largest indoor ski
resort. The venue covers 100,000 square metres, receives
3,000–5,000 visitors per day and is projected to welcome
1.0-1.5 million visitors annually, with 30 percent coming
from Hong Kong. Its intermediate and advanced slopes have
already received FIS certification, and a World Cup event is
planned for next year.
Under the theme, Across the
Equator, Wonders Begin, the partnership will focus on
joint product development and promotion, including youth ski
training programmes and off-season holiday packages that
link year-round indoor skiing with natural alpine terrain in
New Zealand. The agreement also includes plans to introduce
the internationally recognised NZSIA certification system
and New Zealand terrain park design standards to China,
alongside a bilateral ski coach exchange programme aimed at
lifting instruction quality and service experience across
both destinations.
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NZSki general manager operations
James Urquhart says the partnership represents a major
opportunity for the industry.
“This marks more than
a business partnership – it is a shared commitment to
shaping the future of snow sports. NZSki and Sunac-BonSki
are united by passion and a belief in the industry we love.
We look forward to unlocking new opportunities for skiers in
both nations.”
NZSki operates The Remarkables,
Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, ski areas renowned for premium
terrain and natural snow conditions. Sunac-BonSki runs 11
large-scale indoor snow resorts across major Chinese cities,
delivering year-round skiing experiences and supporting
pathways from youth training to public recreation and
competition.
“The partnership combines New
Zealand’s natural snow resources and global certification
systems with China’s nationwide indoor ski network and
growing skier base. It will create accessible pathways for
Chinese skiers to experience world-class training and alpine
environments in New Zealand, while expanding NZSki’s
global reach,” Urquhart adds.
About
NZSki:
NZSki is one of New Zealand’s leading snow
sports operators, owning and managing The Remarkables,
Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt ski areas. Known for exceptional
natural snow conditions, premium terrain and world-class
facilities, NZSki plays a key role in the development of
snow sports in New Zealand and is a core certification base
for the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance
(NZSIA/SBINZ).
About Sunac-BonSki:
Sunac-BonSki
is China’s leading indoor snow sports operator, delivering
year-round skiing experiences across 11 large-scale venues
in major cities. Its resorts include some of the world’s
largest indoor ski facilities by snow area and support a
full pathway from beginner lessons to advanced training,
competitions and membership services. Sunac-BonSki is part
of Sunac China Holdings, a diversified group with interests
in property, culture and
tourism.