Weather conditions and ski resorts’ vitality: Linear and non-linear effects

Weather is crucial to the ski industry's demand and supply sides, but its comprehensive and varied impacts on ski resorts are not well understood. Thus, this study develops a systematic evaluation system for ski resorts based on concept of vitality, which includes place, people and activities, representing the supply and demand sides with subjective and objective measures. We then examine linear and non-linear impacts of weather on ski resorts' vitality in China using u-tests and quadratic models. Results show that temperature has a significant linear relationship with the vitality of ski resorts, while wind speed and snowy days show non-linear relationships. Snowy days exhibit a U-shaped relationship with ski resort attractiveness, while wind speed displays an inverse U-shaped relationship with ski activity. The findings have implications for the climatic research in tourism field and practical implications for the management of ski resorts. Ski industry stakeholder should prioritize their attention to climate change, given the significant correlation between climate conditions and ski resorts' vitality. Ski resorts with favorable climate conditions and high vitality, such as those in Xinjiang and Northeast China, should develop brand strategies and capitalize on their advantages in the face of climate change. Ski resorts that are more vulnerable to climate change and have low vitality should acknowledge it as a primary challenge and diversify their offerings with non-snow activities to attract a broader range of visitors. Indoor ski resorts in southern China, which are less dependent on weather conditions, have emerged and may offer additional opportunities for development in the context of climate change.