A number of skiers hit the slopes at an international ski resort in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as continuous snowfall over the past few days has created optimal conditions for the resort marking the gradual onset of the new ski season. Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture is emerging as a popular ski destination as its three ski resorts -- Jiangjun Mountain, Koktokay and Jikepulin -- offer better terrain variety and a longer ski season. The prefecture typically welcome hordes of ski enthusiasts each year, with a lengthy skiing season running from late October through May. Since Oct. 12, skiing enthusiasts from all over the country have started to gather at the Koktokay International Ski Resort to enjoy the first ski runs of the season. This resort is the first large-scale outdoor ski area in China to open in the new ice and snow sport season. Skiers have expressed their excitement about hitting the slopes. Benefiting from its high-altitude terrain, the Koktokay International Ski Resort opens earlier than other resorts in China. With 80 trails totaling 121 kilometers, the resort caters to skiers of all skill levels. This year, the resort has upgraded several trails and terrain parks to enhance the skiing experience. Meanwhile, Altay has rolled out a series of preferential policies aimed at encouraging tourism, including free access for local residents and complimentary ski passes for visitors with flight tickets. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists and allow them to experience the unique charm of winter sports in Xinjiang. Shotlist: Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Recent: 1. Various of enthusiasts skiing at Koktokay International Ski Resort; 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Chen Huitong, skier from Chengdu City, southwest China's Sichuan Province (ending with shot 3): "I arrived here on Oct. 2 just to ski with friends, and I've been looking forward to the resort's opening. The snow quality is already quite excellent now."; 3. Various of enthusiasts skiing; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Chen Yubin, skier from south China's Guangdong Province (starting with shot 3): "This is my first time skiing here, and I find the trails to be quite long and enjoyable."; 5. Various of enthusiasts skiing; ski lifts moving. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]