Spatial and Temporal Assessment of China's Skiing Climate Resources

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to analyze the characteristics of ski climate resources and quantitatively assess the suitability for skiing by utilizing a more appropriate Ski Climate Index. Taking China as a case study, this paper collected daily meteorological data from 733 weather stations spanning the period from 1991 to 2020, along with information on 415 ski resorts. Subsequently, GIS 10.5 spatial analysis tools were employed to examine the temporal and spatial variations in ski climate resources across China during this timeframe. In order to illustrate the relationship between skiing climate resources and the development of ski resorts more clearly, a comparison was thus drawn between the distribution of ski climate resources and the vitality of ski resorts in China. The results show that:1) the SCI was developed using fuzzy logic, with a predominant influence from the snow reliability facet on overall performance. Furthermore, the aesthetics and comfort facet, which includes factors such as sunshine, wind, and thermal comfort conditions, contributed to further refinement of the index. 2) Areas with high SCI values are primarily concentrated in the northwestern and northeastern regions of China, as well as certain parts of northern China. Against the backdrop of climate change, there has been a significant increase in ski climate resources in regions like Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia regions, southwest Tibet, and Sichuan, and noticeable declines have occurred in southern regions within Northeast China.3) Through comparison with vitality of ski resorts,SCI can partially reflect the development of ski resorts. The suitability evaluation model for skiing based on climate resources provides valuable insights for management decision-making in developing and operating ski resorts. It also offers scientific support for promoting ice-snow economic development.