Northwest ski resorts open for business

Although this year's heavy snowfall has yet to arrive, Anning Ski Resort in Lanzhou, Gansu province, has already been open for a number of weeks.

The newly refurbished resort covers 60,000 square meters and features runs that cater to all levels－from beginners to intermediate to advanced.

"Relax, bend your knees and push forward the center of your body weight," said Wei Jing, a 27-year-old amateur skier, as she taught her nephew Chen Yuan some basics during the resort's opening weekend of the new season earlier this month.

Wei used to drive for hours with friends and family to resorts in the remote suburbs of Lanzhou or neighboring cities like Baiyin and Linxia, so Anning's proximity to Gansu's capital is welcome.

"I want them to experience the fun. Winter sports such as skiing have gradually become popular, not just among professional athletes but also among ordinary people," said Wei.

With the government aiming to involve 500 million people in winters sports in the build-up to the 2022 Olympics in Beijing and Zhangjiakou, the public's enthusiasm for snow and ice activities continues to grow, with northern provinces such as Gansu particularly seeing a spike in participation numbers.

According to Anning's management department, the resort welcomed an average of 500 visitors per day since opening this year on Nov 30. On weekends, that number surpasses the 2,000 mark.

Wei spent 206 yuan ($29 dollars) on renting ski equipment and a three-hour practice session.

And it wasn't taking long for Chen to find his feet on the slopes, despite inevitably taking a few tumbles in the beginning.

"That was hard, especially when you don't know how to stop after accelerating," said the youngster. "I fell down several times, but that was exciting."