Using Computer-Aided Models to Support Ski Resorts Planning from the Perspective of Sport-Tourism Integration

Recently, ski resorts has achieved widespread attention following the flourish of winter sports and world-wide events. Towards economical and sustainable development, it is necessary to explore ski resorts' transformation from traditional winter season operation to innovative year-round operation. This article conducts a comprehensive analysis of ski resorts in north-east and north parts of China. It tries to explore the characteristics, challenges and development potentials of these selected ski resorts within the perspective of sport-tourism integration. Methods of comparison analysis, case study and three-dimensional modelling are employed. The conclusion indicates that (1) services and business of ski resorts could be diversified with the some symbols of ice and snow industry. (2) suitable spatial planning and design schemes are necessary basing on natural resource and conditions. (3) Traditional skiing project in ski resorts needs to be expanded into a wide variety of outdoor sports according to different festivals, events and season series.