VOICED: Beijing ski slopes are a new playground for the wealthy

Skiing in China is rapidly growing, with over 4 million skiers last year, doubling since 2008. The sport is popular in the northeast and Beijing, thanks to artificial snow. As China's economy improves, more people can afford skiing, which began gaining traction after the 1996 Asian Winter Games. With around 200 ski sites, the industry presents significant business opportunities. Companies now prefer ski resorts for meetings, and skiing is culturally significant, sometimes called 'white opium.' By 2015, 10 million skiers are expected annually, potentially leading to a Winter Olympics bid. However, high costs make it a sport for the wealthy.

What is the expected number of people skiing in China by 2015?

Discuss the implications of skiing being a high-end sport in China.