A Chinese ski resort has required a father and son to prove their familial relationship. However, a lawyer has stated that ski resorts do not have the right to demand such proof from customers. The incident has since garnered attention online.
Reported by “Jiu Pai News” on January 4th, a Chinese netizen revealed that their family was on a skiing vacation when the father was questioned by the resort’s inspection team while teaching his son to ski.
During the inspection, the resort staff asked the man to show photos proving the father-son relationship. Mr. Wang showed a picture of his child on his wife’s phone, but the staff found it difficult to identify the child in the photo due to his young age. Wang had to search through his phone for more pictures to prove their relationship.
In response to this incident, Mr. Wang told the media, “I understand the resort may be trying to prevent safety hazards caused by unqualified ‘black coaches,’ but I feel it was unnecessary for ordinary visitors like us. Our family of three is very close, clearly indicating we are related. I do not ski professionally, and there is no way I look like a coach, so I was somewhat reluctant at that time.”
Following the release of this news, some netizens mentioned that such situations are common in ski resorts, where inspections are conducted to prevent unsafe practices by unqualified coaches. However, there are others who believe ski resorts do not have the right to demand proof from visitors.
In response to this, Zhao Liangshan, a senior partner at Shaanxi Hend Law Firm and a well-known public interest lawyer, stated that ski resorts do have the right to manage and operate unqualified private instructors. However, providing unpaid guidance between family and friends does not constitute a violation of teaching regulations. It’s not within the scope of professional qualification adjustments, and ski resorts do not have the authority to enforce such requirements. Consumers have the right to refuse and can choose to report to the police and relevant authorities.