Since the season began in October 2017, the park has received more than 4,000 skiers not only from China but also the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan.

The Skiing industry also provides jobs in remote Altay. Yargyabug Nima, a native of Altay and excellent skier, became a guide in the ski park last year after taking professional training.

"Many of my colleagues were herders before. At that time life was tough in winter when heavy snow cut off traffic. But things have changed a lot since the local government improved the transport and infrastructure," says Yargyabug.

The park is also the first in China with a helicopter service. Each flight costs about 10,000 yuan (about 1,560 U.S. dollars) per person.

"Despite its expensive cost, the service is gaining popularity among skiers. There has been 200 helicopter trips in 2017," says Tang, adding that one more helicopter will serve tourists this year.

Apart from the skiing park, Altay Prefecture has three ski resorts, and two new resorts are under construction.

According to prefecture tourism department, Altay's winter tourism programs received 3 million tourists in 2017, accounting for 19 percent of the tourists received by the prefecture.

【体坛英语资讯：Across China: Skiing birthplace proves a dreamland for off-piste skiers】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：Cuban Robles sets 110m hurdles new world record at Golden Spike

★ 体坛英语资讯：Boston 110, LA Lakers 91

★ 体坛英语资讯：Rooneys return perfectly timed for United

★ 体坛英语资讯：New Asian champion Pan returns to starting line

★ 体坛英语资讯：China beats Poland in womens basketball friendly

★ 体坛英语资讯：Chinese lead table tennis qualifiers for Beijing

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jackie Chan,Zhang Ziyi to sing for Olympic film

★ 体坛英语资讯：Torres and Gerrard hand Liverpool win over Shanghai

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao out for season with left foot injury

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Norton preparing film on Obama campaign