Sustainable Utilization Efficiency of Ski Resources in China: An Integrated Natural-Socioeconomic Evaluation Framework, Synergistic Drivers, and Climate Resilient Governance Pathways

In this study, a classification framework for ski resources is developed that integrates natural and socioeconomic conditions. This framework employs GIS overlay analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and a coupled coordination model to evaluate the sustainable utilization efficiency of ski resources in China. The results reveal the following: 19.5% of high-quality ski resources are within ecological protection zones, incurring an estimated opportunity cost of 2.1 billion USD annually. Furthermore, regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Shandong Peninsula, and Northeast urban agglomerations have the highest integrated suitability, on the basis of both natural resource and socioeconomic support systems. However, early ski resorts are concentrated around major cities, leading to significant spatial inefficiencies and conflicts with ecological conservation. Approximately 37.5% of ski resorts efficiently utilize resources, driven by market proximity (e.g., Shandong and Jiangsu with dense populations and robust economies), resource endowments (e.g., Inner Mongolia), and policy guidance (e.g., Hebei with Olympic-driven strategic investments, and Xinjiang, a world-class ski destination emerged at the national level). Multifactor collaboration significantly enhances efficiency. Compared with those in the Alpine region, ski resources in northern China are less sensitive to climate change, and still require adaptation measures, such as artificial snowmaking, diversified tourism products, and ecological zoning. In this study, a comprehensive natural-societal evaluation system and a market-resource-policy synergy path is proposed, providing methodological support for the sustainable development of global ski resources. This research offers strategic recommendations for upgrading China’s snow and ice industry, balancing ecological protection, and leveraging Winter Olympic heritage.