Changchun's skiing success looks set to snowball

Skiers show a determination to win at the ski festival, as sculptures continue their ice artistry.

"It is a milestone for Chinese ski sports that the festival in Changchun has been recognized by the Worldloppet Ski Federation," Guan said.

Membership has also come as China prepares its bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The winning host country will be announced next summer.

The Vasaloppet originated from Sweden 90 years ago as a 90-kilometer cross-country ski race.

It is named after Swedish king Gustav Vasa, who escaped from the army of Christian II, king of Denmark, in 1521, skiing all the way back to his supporters to fight the Danish ruler again, and win.

Its history makes it one of the oldest and most popular cross-country ski races in the world.

In 2001, a Swedish sports event organization, Nordic Ways, found that Jingyuetan in Changchun was an ideal place for a cross-country ski race.

The first Vasaloppet in Changchun was held in 2003. China became the fourth country in the world to host the winter event following Sweden, the United States and Japan.

The race was regarded as a way of connecting the city with the rest of the world. A total of 750 skiing enthusiasts showed up in that first run in Changchun in 2003.

This year, more than 10,000 professional and amateur skiers from 25 countries joined the gala and experienced the snow city of China.

Chen from the tourism administration believes that the Vasaloppet benefits both tourists and local people.

She said that it boosts China's ski sports and Changchun's tourism, as well as giving talented skiers a chance to practice and train.

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