On December 18, a snow avalanche occurred at the Jikepulin Ski Resort in Xinjiang, burying several people. According to official reports, one person died as a result of the avalanche.
A video shared by a netizen claimed that the avalanche occurred at Jikepulin in the afternoon of December 18, burying several individuals. One person nearby added, “It seems like four people.”
Regarding the cause of the avalanche, the netizen mentioned that it happened because someone ventured off the designated ski trail. Another netizen commented, “Playing with one’s life by skiing off-piste is thrilling!”
Several screenshots from videos posted by netizens show that at least 5 to 6 people were standing below the avalanche when it happened.
Later on, the Emergency Management Bureau of Burqin County in Xinjiang issued a statement, reporting that around 13:28 in the afternoon, a partial snow avalanche occurred in the off-piste area of the Jikepulin Ski Resort. Following the rescue efforts, at 16:20, one buried individual was found, but showed no signs of life.
In comments left by netizens, it was mentioned that if a person is buried, “if not rescued within 20 minutes, they might suffocate. After 10 minutes, the snow from the avalanche will solidify and become extremely hard… While tumbling, it is crucial to create space for the head and arms, and swim like a frog. Within 10 minutes, one has to dig themselves out, or else it could result in death.”
Public records show that the Jikepulin Ski Resort is located approximately 7 kilometers east of Hemu Village in the Kanas scenic area of Xinjiang. It is the ski resort in the country with the greatest elevation difference, where the vertical drop from the highest point to the lowest point is nearly 1500 meters, with the longest ski trail being 11 kilometers long.