People enjoy creative ice-and-snow activities at Big Air Shougang in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 31, 2023. Photo:Xinhua

Beijing is poised to captivate winter sports fans while it is to host two high-profile international events from Friday to Sunday - the FIS Snowboard and Freestyle Ski Big Air World Cup and the ISU Speed Skating World Cup. 

The Big Air Shougang, the world's first permanent big air competition venue, will once again prove its mettle as it welcomes top-tier snowboarders and freestyle skiers. 

This iconic site, a former factory site of the steel company Shougang, has set the benchmark for sustainability and versatility in sports infrastructure since Beijing hosted the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.  

The snow production team for the Big Air World Cup have employed an innovative method that uses crushed ice to simulate snow, ensuring optimal surface conditions. 

This method aligns with environmental consideration while meeting the demanding technical requirements of big air competitions, according to the organizers.

Beginning on November 16, the team produced over 7,000 cubic meters of snow by November 24. Specialists will now focus on snow surface shaping to create flawless conditions for training on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Ticket sales, launched on November 18, have sparked significant interest among winter sports fans eager to witness the action, as several international stars, including China's Olympic champion Su Yiming, will make their appearance in the event.

Meanwhile, the National Speed Skating Oval, another legacy venue from Beijing 2022, will host the Beijing leg of the Speed Skating World Cup. 

Over 260 elite athletes from 24 countries and regions are set to compete at this event, which is part of the qualification pathway for the 2024 World Championships.  

China's national team is fielding a full roster of its top talents, including Olympic champion Gao Tingyu, world championship silver medalist Ning Zhongyan and seasoned competitor Han Mei. 

Notably, this event marks the first time that ice preparation at the "Ice Ribbon" is being managed exclusively by a Chinese team. 

The 22-member team, led by experienced ice technician Geng Baonan, has a wealth of expertise attained from their work during the Beijing Winter Olympics and past World Cups. 

Their proficiency ensures the delivery of world-class ice surfaces, a critical factor for achieving peak performance in speed skating. Ticket sales, initiated on November 19, have further energized fans eager to witness the competition, organizers said.  

Beijing, the only city in the world that has hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, has seen a rise in interest since it hosted the Winter Olympics in 2022. 

Since the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing has fully utilized its Olympic venues, such as the Ice Ribbon and Big Air Shougang, opening them to the public. 

These iconic venues have become popular winter tourism landmarks, attracting numerous visitors for ice skating, skiing, and other activities. This integration of professional sports with public life highlights the growing accessibility of winter sports.