Xinhua All Media + 丨 Out of the Ranch And Slid into the Snow Field - The Ice and Snow Love of a Xinjiang Herder

Source: Xinhuanet client

Until the age of 15, 45-year-old Tarihati Shantayi spent his time on the ranch between the Tian Shan Gorges. Riding a horse over an ice-covered pasture in search of cattle and sheep is a monotonous ice and snow memory of his youth.

Today, he is stationed at the ski resort every snow season to rescue snow lovers in need.

Talihati, who lives in Miaoergou Village, Shuixigou Town, Urumqi County, Xinjiang, came to work at the Silk Road International Resort Ski Resort, a national 5S-class ski resort not far from home, 16 years ago. He started from the positions of security guard and ambulance worker, and worked hard all the way to become the captain of the alpine ski rescue team.

The high-end pistes such as Evan Avenue in the ski resort are known for their high difficulty and have become "net red punch points" in the eyes of many snow lovers. Alpine ski rescue teams are responsible for the safety of snowers.

Every morning, before the ski slopes open to visitors, Talihati leads the team into the various slopes, checks the protective nets and other facilities, tests the pistes and eliminates hidden dangers. When snow lovers are enjoying the snow and ice fun, the ambulance team must be on duty at the key points of all the slopes to provide rescue at the first time. In addition, Talihati and his team conduct regular drills to ensure rescue effectiveness in emergency moments.

On weekends and holidays, Talihati's walkie-talkie and cell phone ring non-stop, sometimes without lunch. "No way, safety first." As captain, Talihati is well aware of his and his players' heavy responsibilities.

"Brave, physically strong, able to work" is Talihati's requirement for those who enter the team. At the same time, in order to enrich the rescue expertise, Talihati was sent to Italy, Jilin and other places to visit and study.

"Skiing is a part of my life." With that said, Talihati put on his ski gear, slid into Evan Avenue, and began a new round of patrolling the road.

Nowadays, more and more Xinjiang people, like Talihati, can enjoy the dividends of the development of ice and snow sports and share new opportunities for employment and income in winter.