If someone’s going to ask me: what is the perfect winter paradise for snowboarding? I would surely tell them; Altay is definitely the best. I recently spent 20 amazing days snowboarding in Altay, Xinjiang, across two very different styled resorts.
Altay is the snow capital of China, with 1.5 meters of average snow depth in mountain areas, and 2 meters in high altitude areas. Altay has the longest snow season in China—from October to almost May. This makes it the dream location to enjoy breathtaking views on the mountains, superb quality powder (even on-piste), and untouched wild snow off piste.
The first 12 days of my trip was spent in Jiangjun mountain, a relatively smaller resort that locates within downtown Altay. It was extremely convenient that I could sleep till 9 o’clock and have a nice breakfast, change the equipment, even do some homework, then take a 10-minute drive the resort and I’ll still be able to get on the first lift of the day and ride the perfectly groomed trail.
Because the resort is at lower altitudes, the powder is slightly thinner and wetter but still satisfying. However, the groomed runs are exceptional with the perfect softness. The trails are wide with few people. Jiangjun mountain is home to two of the most famous runs and steep runs in China—Foguang and Xiangguang. It means “holy light” and “light chaser” in English. Two extremely steep groomed runs brings the excitement to all the snowboarders and skiers. Aside from the runs, the resort also includes an amazing park, with jumps ranging from 2 meters-10 meters, a dozen of boxes and rails, and some fun recreational obstacles. If you love park, this resort is a perfect destination.
But the best part is not here yet. Jiangjun mountain offers a night ski session, from 8pm-11pm. At first, you see the remaining sunlight glowing on the mountains. Then, after sunset, you snowboard on the mountains, and under your sight, is glowing lights of the city, stars in the sky, and the bright moon.
But the only downside of Jiangjun mountain? Powder isn’t enough, you cannot experience tree skiing, and the runs are relatively short. To have an entirely different kind of snowboarding experience, I spent the remaining 8 days in Keketuohai ski resort that requires a three-hour drive from downtown Altay. Most people reside on the small town, keketuohai town. To get to the resort, we need to ride the resort bus for around 50 minutes. Compared to Jiangjun mountain, there is less steep groomed trails but longer runs. I personally felt that Jiangjun mountain was better if you want to practice on groomed runs.
However, the snow here is next level—from an altitude of 3100 meters, you get 1.5 meters of fresh snow, completely untouched. And because of this, I spent most of my time off piste. I had a pretty nice time snowboarding through trees, enjoying the powder that was to my waist, and launching some wild jumps. You can always find untouched power—keketuohai at least snows once a week, sometimes even thrice. So, whenever you come, the fresh powder is always ready for you.
Aside from the runs, the views are just out of this world. Snowcapped peaks, frosted forests, and the sunset…it feels like I’ve entered a frozen wonderland.
After having fun on the amazing slopes, I warmed up with delicious Xinjiang food. “Jiaoma chicken” (spicy and numbing sliced chicken) is my personal favorite. The peppercorn combined with chili on the chicken creates an unforgettable scent and taste. However, the beef wontons, lamb skewers, Xinjiang large plate chicken, and the yogurt surely also deserves a try.
20 days of non-stop snowboarding, perfect powder, amazing groomed runs, and the breathtaking views just made this trip on of the most valuable ones in my life, even though we had to take a 6-hour plane ride to Altay. I’m already getting super excited to come back for more snowboarding madness!
Suzy 8.5