Quarterpipes in Xinjiang: Where a Freestyle Skier Actually Finds Air
Most Xinjiang resorts are groomer towns, but the terrain parks do have pipes. Here is what a quarterpipe is, which resorts have them, and how I learned to drop in.
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The Humble Beanie: The Xinjiang Ski Hat I Under-packed For Years
A wool beanie sounds obvious until minus twenty teaches you otherwise. Here is what I learned about the right hat for Altay and Koktokay.
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Building Snowmen With Kids on a Xinjiang Ski Trip, Yes, Really
Skiing every hour exhausts kids fast. Here is how a simple snowman break became the part of our Xinjiang trip the children talk about most.
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Guesthouses Near Xinjiang Ski Resorts: What I Learned Staying Local
From Kazakh homestays to county-town inns, here is how guesthouse stays near Altay and Koktokay compare to the big resort hotels, and when to pick which.
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Red Foxes on the Xinjiang Slopes: The Wildlife I Didn’t Expect to See
A red fox walked past my ski track at Koktokay. Here is where and when Xinjiang skiers actually spot foxes, and how to watch without spoiling it.
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Chilblains on a Xinjiang Ski Trip: The Itchy Truth I Wish I’d Known
That painful red itch on your fingers and toes after a cold day is chilblains. Here is what causes it in Xinjiang and how I now avoid it.
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Cracked Heels After a Xinjiang Ski Week: What Actually Fixed Mine
Dry mountain air and sweaty boots wrecked my heels for two winters. Here is the routine that finally closed the cracks before they got infected.
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Xinjiang Honey on a Ski Trip: The Local Energy I Trust More Than Gels
From Ili blackbee honey to snow-melt wildflower jars, here is how I use real Xinjiang honey to keep warm and fuelled on the slopes.
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Sea Buckthorn in Xinjiang: The Orange Berry I Now Pack for Every Ski Trip
A bright orange berry that grows wild along Xinjiang’s mountain rivers, here is why I keep sea buckthorn in my pack from Altay to Sayram Lake.
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After-Ski Swims: Xinjiang Resort Pools Worth Booking For
An indoor pool after a freezing ski day is luxury you can afford at several Xinjiang resorts. Here is what to expect and how to book the right room.
