A first-hand winter drive through Mulei county in eastern Xinjiang — frozen grassland, the road north to Barkol, where to stay, what it costs, and how it fits a Xinjiang ski trip.
A first-person guide to spring skiing in Xinjiang — when the snow turns to corn, the crowds thin, and how to time the melt for the best conditions.
A practical guide to choosing and using ski helmets and goggles in Xinjiang — from cold-eye sun protection to fit, fog, and the altitude factor.
An honest guide to vegetarian food around Xinjiang’s ski areas — what you can reliably eat, where it gets hard, and how to avoid a trip of plain noodles.
A first-person look at Kazakh winter culture around Xinjiang’s ski regions — yurts, horses, dairy, and the hospitality that turns a ski trip into something deeper.
A hands-on guide to waxing and tuning your skis for Xinjiang’s varied conditions — from cold powder to spring slush — with what to do yourself and what to leave to a shop.
A first-person winter road trip through the Ili valley’s ski areas — Qiaxi, Kalajun, Tangbula and the hot springs between them, and how to string them together.
A practical guide to the Nanshan ski areas south of Urumqi — multiple resorts, easy access, and how to choose between them for a day trip or a short stay.
A first-person guide to skiing Koktokay in Fuyun County, Altay — the famously frigid resort with surprising snow, how to reach it, and why the cold is part of the deal.
A practical, first-person guide to visiting frozen Sayram Lake in winter — the drive over Guozigou, what the ice actually looks like, and how to combine it with skiing nearby.