Fast track to the slopes

"Some travelers try to sneak two pairs of skis into one bag," he says with a chuckle. "Others keep the verification stickers as souvenirs. It adds a bit of fun."

Since the Jan 15 expansion, demand has surged. In just the first nine days (through Jan 23), 2,425 sets of equipment were accommodated via the service at Beijing North Railway Station, demonstrating its key role in facilitating seamless ski trips, Guo says.

Beyond station platforms, the ripple effects are increasingly visible. For ski destinations in Chongli, home to several 2022 Winter Olympics venues, this service is a driver behind the growing number of skiers.

"It's absolutely a core feature in our tour packages now," says Fan Xuewen, head of the Burning Snow Four Seasons club. The service eliminates one of the biggest logistical hurdles in organizing group trips.

"High-speed rail ski tours", once aspirational, have become a dependable product.

"It's also a key that unlocks premium clients from across China," Fan adds. His club now collaborates with southern counterparts to offer fly-to-Beijing, high-speed-rail-to-slopes packages, making it feasible for skiers from warmer provinces to bring their prized equipment with ease.

Still, there is room for refinement. "While we can book group tickets, each member still has to reserve the equipment service individually on the 12306 app," he says. "We really hope for a group bulk-booking function in the future, where the leader can submit everyone's information at once. A bulk-booking option would significantly improve efficiency."

At Fulong Ski Resort in Chongli, management is witnessing structural shifts in visitor behavior.

"We see two 'increases' and one extension," says deputy general manager Zou Zhongqiao. "More non-driving visitors arriving by train, more guests staying overnight, and longer average stays which translate directly into higher spending across hotels, restaurants and retail outlets."

The influx isn't just domestic. Zou points to a visible increase in international visitors, particularly from Southeast Asia, partly crediting China's expanded visa exemption policies for the region.

"From Nov 7 to 26 this season, we've registered over 300 foreign guests. You can see the difference on the slopes," he says, adding that the train service fits perfectly with this trend, offering a seamless, easier travel experience for those who prefer carrying their own gear.