Untapped winter sports potential

In 2006, the region launched a winter tourism industry exposition, which turned into a national fair in 2012.

As of March 2016, Xinjiang had welcomed 100,000 more tourists groups than it did the previous year, representing a year-on-year increase of 123 percent.

For some, such as Ding Yiming, who turned professional at age 12, the region offers the best skiing in China.

"I have skied all over the country, but the ski resorts in Altay are the best I have seen," he said, adding that the thick snow and lack of wind was what made the conditions so ideal.

The biggest problem with the region for Ding is getting there.

"If there was a direct flight, the distance would not be such a big deal," he said.

Hao Shihua, founder of a skiing school in Altay, said she chose the region because it has "the best snow", compared with those in Austria, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand and other world renowned ski destinations.

She has found many skiing enthusiasts in the region, she said, and appreciated the local government's support.

As the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics draws close, Hao said she wants to contribute to finding more Chinese skiing talent.

Contact the writers at chenmengwei@chinadaily.com.cn