Identifying the structural dimensions of large-scale indoor ski resort attributes and their impacts on skiing visitors' experiences and future behavioral intentions

In recent years, as ice and snow tourism has become more popular, large-scale indoor ski resorts have started to play an important role in snow-related leisure and consumption. Unlike outdoor ski destinations, which depend on natural conditions and seasons, indoor ski resorts provide a stable and fully controlled environment that allows skiing all the year round. However, most current research still focuses on outdoor ski resorts, while indoor ski resorts have received little academic attention. In particular, there has been little work on identifying and testing the key attributes of large-scale indoor ski resorts, which leaves a lack of systematic frameworks and measurement tools for this new type of destination. This study addresses the gap by using three large indoor ski resorts in Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu as case sites. Through empirical research, we developed a framework that includes six main dimensions: daily service management, snow trails, lifts and conveyor belts, instructors, surrounding facilities, and safety assurance. To test the framework, we built and examined an "attribute-experience-behavioral intention" path model. The results show that these six dimensions can effectively predict visitors' experiences, such as physical experience, positive emotions, immersive feelings, and overall satisfaction, as well as their future intentions to revisit and recommend the resort. The study makes contributions in several ways. First, it expands destination attribute theory to artificial and highly controlled environments, which broadens its application beyond natural settings. Second, it provides a clear and tested measurement tool that future research can use in different skiing contexts. Third, it gives useful insights for practice. The results suggest that operators should focus on the quality of snow trails, the efficiency and safety of lifts and conveyor belts, and strong safety systems. At the same time, well-trained instructors and good surrounding facilities are also essential. In addition, managers should design differentiated service strategies for visitors with varying skill levels, so as to enhance experiences and increase satisfaction. This study identifies the core attributes of large-scale indoor ski resorts and reveals how these attributes shape visitors' experiences and behavioral intentions. The results not only contribute to the growing literature on ski tourism in artificial environments but also provide direct guidance for improving the management and services of indoor ski resorts.