阿勒泰将给中小学生放首个雪假
In a move to develop China’s booming ice-and-snow economy, local authorities in Altay Prefecture, a renowned ski resort in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, have announced the first official “snow break” for over 70,000 primary and secondary school students. This pioneering holiday marks a creative step to link regional resources with youth development and economic progress.
The snow break lasts a total of nine days, combining a five-day official holiday from December 1 to 5 with the neighboring weekends. During this period, students in Altay City can enjoy free access to several local ski resorts and free public transportation simply by showing their identity certificates. To enrich the holiday experience, local cultural venues (场地), libraries, and museums will roll out a series of ice-and-snow-themed activities, blending entertainment with cultural learning.
Altay’s growing importance in China’s ice-and-snow industry stems from its exceptional skiing conditions and rich historical heritage. According to the official notice, the snow break is designed to fully make the use of Altay’s unique ice and snow resources, enabling students to “connect with nature, inherit traditional culture, and improve their physical fitness”. To support this plan, Altay’s cultural and tourism departments have joined hands with local ski resorts, hotels, and cultural institutions to offer discounts on skiing services, food, accommodations, and cultural activities.