Chinese skiers set to conquer world stage

With their natural advantages, young athletes of ethnic groups are readying for 2026 Winter Olympics

Born and raised at the foot of snowcapped mountains in the remote Xizang autonomous region, the natural bond Cidan Yuzhen has with the rugged terrain has helped take her to the peak of her sport on the international stage.

The shepherd's daughter is joined by Yuzhen Lamu and Buluer in the cohort of Chinese athletes from ethnic minority groups now conquering ski mountaineering.

The endurance sport will make its highly-anticipated debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Once included in the 1924 Games as a component of the military patrol event, ski mountaineering, or skimo, will be featured as a medal event in its own right at the 2026 Games to be held in the Italian Alps across Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.