HARBIN, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Driven by a booming domestic market with strong demand, Chinese manufacturers are aggressively innovating to capture a larger share of the ice and snow sports equipment industry from established international brands.
"These are the skis we specially developed for the Chinese national team. They have passed multiple rounds of testing and are expected to be used at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics," said Li Zhibo, general manager of Harbin Qianmao Snow Dragon Sports Equipment Co. Ltd., pointing to a pair of black skis while speaking with potential clients at an expo.
The three-day 2026 Harbin International Ice and Snow Economy Expo, which opened Monday, has attracted equipment manufacturers from around the world. For years, breaking the monopoly of foreign brands has been a key goal for Chinese companies in this sector.
"After years of design and R&D, we successfully developed skis specifically for China's national freestyle skiing aerials team. In the past, Chinese athletes always used foreign-made skis," Li explained.
By using aerospace-grade composite materials, his company makes skis that are both lightweight and more flexible, at about half the price of imported products.
Established in 2002, Li's company produces ski boots and bindings. Its products now supply 80% of ski resorts across China. Since the start of winter, the company's workshop has been busier than ever.
"Order volume has significantly exceeded the same period in previous years. From national policies supporting the ice-snow economy to the Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, this industry is facing a historic opportunity," Li said.
At the expo, many Chinese companies showcased products like carbon-fiber skis and helmets.
Qin Wenbao, a product manager at Bingxuehuanteng Sports Equipment Technology (Harbin) Co. Ltd., explained that close cooperation with institutions like the Harbin Institute of Technology has driven innovation, providing solid R&D support.
A growing number of Chinese companies are now exporting their products. Li Mingyang, deputy general manager of Qiqihar Heilong International Ice and Snow Equipment Co. Ltd., said the company has continuously developed new products and expanded its overseas market, with exports to some countries including Kazakhstan.
China has established a product system covering 15 major equipment categories. The number of related enterprises has grown from around 300 in 2015 to roughly 900 in 2023.
This expansion is fueled by a thriving sports scene. Data shows that during the 2024-2025 ice-snow season, spending at Chinese ski resorts reached 78.613 billion yuan ($11.2 billion).
Shen Yumei, marketing director for China of Italy's TechnoAlpin, a global snowmaker manufacturer, stated that China's continuous construction of new ski slopes and ice rinks led the company to establish its fourth global equipment center in China, aiming to serve Southeast Asian, Japanese and South Korean markets.
Despite the progress, Chinese companies are well aware of the remaining gap with foreign products. "Technologically, I think many domestic products are not inferior and offer better value. However, foreign brands have a deeper heritage. China is a latecomer, and it will still take time to truly break through," said Yu Yang, president of Beijing Carving Ski Sports Development Group Co. Ltd.
"Providing skis for the national team was a breakthrough that has motivated us to keep moving forward. I hope that one day, domestic brands can break through and stand firm globally," Li Zhibo said. Enditem
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