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In_pictures In pictures: Skiing against a painted sky
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Corinne Rozotte
With the Beijing Winter Olympics only two years away, photographer Corinne Rozotte has been documenting the increasing popularity of winter sports in China.
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Corinne Rozotte
China aims to have 300 million skiers or snowboarders by the start of the Winter Olympics and sites such as Sunac Snow World, in the northern suburbs of Guanzhou, are drawing in those looking to improve their skills.
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Corinne Rozotte
Named after one of China’s largest real estate groups, Sunac Snow World opened its doors in June 2019.
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Corinne Rozotte
Located within a tourist complex, alongside hotels, a shopping centre and a water park, this spectacular 75,000-sq-m (18.5-acre) snow park is the second largest indoor ski resort in the world.
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Corinne Rozotte
For those new to the snow, lessons are available. These begin with a warm-up at the bottom of the slope and some basic instruction.
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Corinne Rozotte
With a capacity of up to 3,000 visitors, the park includes five slopes with a combined length of 1km (0.6 miles) as well as a chairlift and cable car, magic carpets and a play area.
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Corinne Rozotte
At weekends, the park is busy with people queuing for the magic carpet on the beginners’ track.
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Corinne Rozotte
For many visitors, it is their first contact with snow.
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Corinne Rozotte
Everything gives the illusion of an outdoor ski resort, including painted scenery.
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Corinne Rozotte
There are even penguins, to add a touch of authenticity.
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Corinne Rozotte
The temperature is maintained at about 0C, when, in July, it is 35C outside.
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Corinne Rozotte
Coffee and pasta are available at the bottom of the slopes.
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Corinne Rozotte
A snowboarder with a wolf on his outfit.
All photographs © Corinne Rozotte.
