Having plagued by blizzards and cold snaps over the past weeks, Altay in the northern part of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, however, is bringing fun to locals with snow nearly 50 cm thick on average on its pastures.

Altay, boasting one of the longest history of skiing with ancient rock paintings discovered there depicting skiing activities dating back to 12,000 years ago.

To mark one of the origin places for skiing around the world, a winter ski festival is being held at Mount Jiangjun ski run in Altay. The festival has attracted 105 people of Kazakh and Mongolians ethnic groups from all parts of Altay and neighboring areas to strive for the 5th Champion of the traditional Kazakh-style skiing.

Last week saw 1 meter of snow fall in some areas of Altay, with temperature touching the low point of minus 42 degree Celsius.

However, such snow and coldness did not dispel local people's passion for skiing and other fun in winter. Apart from the above-mentioned contestants, thousands of tourists and ski fans have been tempted to the ski run.

Guo Dandan, the first Chinese style-ski world champion, said that the ski run was one of the best ones in China, and the snow condition there was of world-class.

Altay Mountains are situated on the conjunction of China, Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia and in the very center of Asia. The far distance away from oceans makes the area cold, but less windy, which allows the perfect conditions for skiing.

In ancient days, people of the local Kazakh ethnic group used the ski-boards for hunting, and the tradition has been passed on to present day.

According to Nils Larsen, an American expert having documented skiing in the Altay Mountains since 2005, use of single pole and horse furs in the bottom of ski board make the traditional Kazakh-style skiing in Altay stands out in the sport worldwide.

"There are also some traditional ski styles in Russia and some of the Scandinavian countries, but the one in Altay is probably the best retained. And Altay itself is such an interesting and beautiful place, I have kept coming back every year since the first time I was here," said Nils, who is trying to make his second documentary about skiing in Altay Mountains.

Actually, there is more than ski in Altay. Since 2003, ice-engraving has gradually become a very important part of life in Altay winter. There are more than 50 pieces of ice-engraving works exhibited this winter. The illuminations at night make the ice sculptures look even more beautiful. Lots of local families enjoy the icy art works on the spot.

"The snow this year was probably the heaviest I've ever seen. Indeed it has caused troubles to some extent. But I love snow and winter, since it brings more fun," said Murat, a 17-year old Kazakh who went for the ice-engraving park with his family.