STORY: China builds world-class ski resorts in Altay, home to ancient ski heritage 
SHOOTING TIME: recent footage
DATELINE: Jan. 22, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:34
LOCATION: ALTAY, China
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of resorts in Altay
2. various of a rock painting depicting early humans skiing on fur-covered wooden skis while hunting
3. various of resorts in Altay
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): CHEN XUEDONG, Ski enthusiast
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HUA, Ski enthusiast
6. various of resorts in Altay

STORYLINE:

Situated at 45 to 47 degrees north latitude, Altay enjoys 170 to 180 days of snowfall annually. Vertical drops of over 1,000 meters further make the terrain ideal for skiing.

In 2005, a rock painting depicting early humans skiing on fur-covered wooden skis while hunting was found in Altay. The artwork, believed to be between 10,000 and 30,000 years old, is considered the earliest evidence of human skiing activity.

Altay's historical legacy and favorable skiing conditions, and China's rapid growth in winter sports since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics have accelerated the development of the region's snow-and-ice economy. 

SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): CHEN XUEDONG, Ski enthusiast
"Skiing enthusiasts from across the country have gathered in Altay. So far, I've learned 8 to 9 different skiing techniques."
SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): HUA, Ski enthusiast
"This is my fourth consecutive year skiing at the Jiangjunshan ski resort. The snow quality here is good."

In the 2023-2024 snow season, Altay welcomed about 4.89 mln tourist visits, with tourism revenue totaling 5.1 bln yuan (about 711.3 mln USD). 

It drove about half of the growth in both visits and revenue of Xinjiang's total.

Altay has invested 7 billion yuan in constructing six alpine ski resorts, two cross-country ski venues, and two backcountry ski zones. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Altay, China.
(XHTV)