NZSki operations general manager James Urquhart said the partnership represented a major opportunity for the industry and represented a shared commitment to shaping the future of snowsports.
"We look forward to unlocking new opportunities for skiers in both nations."
The deal with Sunac-BonSki, which runs 11 large-scale indoor snow resorts across major Chinese cities, opened direct access to that country’s rapidly-expanding snowsports market and strengthened NZSki’s position as a global leader in alpine experiences.
Under the theme "Across the Equator, Wonders Begin", the partnership would focus on joint product development and promotion, including youth ski training programmes and offseason holiday packages that linked year-round indoor skiing with natural alpine terrain in New Zealand.
The agreement also included 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.
One of the fastest-growing global ski markets, China recorded 26.05 million skier visits during the 2024-25 season, up 12.9% year-on-year, and 13.55 million active skiers, a 5.86% increase, driven by indoor skiing.
The partnership was signed recently at the newly-opened Shenzhen BonSki, at present the world’s largest indoor ski resort, which was projected to welcome up to 1.5m visitors per year, 30% of whom will come from Hong Kong
Its intermediate and advanced slopes had already received FIS certification, and a World Cup event is planned for next year.
