With its high-quality snow conditions, Xinjiang in northwest China has built a number of high-standard ski resorts and become a new hotspot for winter sports. The snow season in Altay, which is located in the northernmost part of Xinjiang, can last up to seven months, making it a heaven for winter sports lovers.
At the beginning of the snow season in 2021, Beijing-based skier Peng Chao rented a cabin in the village of Hemu in the Altay Mountain as a work station for his startup team. The team primarily conducts ski equipment testing and popularises knowledge about skiing.
As a veteran skier, Peng has dual certifications in skiing and snowboarding, as well as coaching qualifications at various levels. Meanwhile, he continuously participates in skiing safety-related training both domestically and abroad. During his stay in Hemu, Peng and his team members promote the knowledge to skiers about how to avoid avalanche and advocate a safer and more sustainable skiing concept.
"300 million people involving in winter sports is just the beginning. As the number of winter sports fans increases and their skiing level rises, the Chinese winter sports market will expand and continue to be upgraded. More people will pursue higher-level skiing experiences," Peng said. "Altay in Xinjiang is sure to be one of the main destinations for winter sports lovers.
Peng Chao (1st R) shares search and rescue experience with rescue team members at a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
This aerial photo taken on Jan. 2, 2023 shows that a skier from Urumqi drives to a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao (2nd L) hikes with other skiers in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 24, 2023. (Photo by Gong Wenbin/Xinhua)
Peng Chao (R) leads an avalanche search and rescue drill at a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao skis in the village of Hemu in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao hikes in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 26, 2023. (Photo by Hu Yue/Xinhua)
Peng Chao shares skiing safety guidelines with other skiers in the village of Hemu in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao arranges ski equipment and prepares to ski down a mountain in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao hikes in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 26, 2023. (Photo by Hu Yue/Xinhua)
This aerial photo taken on Jan. 12, 2023 shows a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao (down) introduces the characteristics of snow layers to skiers and rescue team members at a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 13, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao hikes near the village of Hemu in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
People enjoy themselves at a ski resort in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Dec. 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Peng Chao (1st R) is on his way to a ski resort with other skiers in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Jan. 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
This aerial photo taken on Jan. 12, 2023 shows a ski resort and surrounding mountains in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Photo by: Hu Huhu, Gong Wenbin, Hu Yue
Video by: Hu Huhu, A Man, Xu Jiajing, Gong Wenbin, Hu Yue, An Di, Ma Mingxin,Xiong Qi
