Snowsports Industries America (SIA), the largest civilian skiing organization in America, has set their sights on the fledging Chinese market after signing a strategic deal with a local company in Northeast China on Monday.

SIA signed the deal with Mt. Changbai Group, vowing to stage high-level international skiing events and promote the development and the administration of the Mt. Changbai International Natural Ski Park.

Greg Schneider, the manager of planning department of SIA, told Xinhua that skiing has a very bright future in China.

"Skiing has developed very fast for the last few years in China," Schneider said. "I believe the skiing sport of both countries will achieve a new level with the help of the cooperation."

Mt. Changbai, situated northeast China's Jilin Province, is well known for its rich foliage resources and Tianchi Lake. The snow period of Mt. Changbai lasts eight months every year, which makes it become a famous ski resort in northeast Asia.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2008)