Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Song Haibo) news: On December 1, 2025, 10:00 AM, at Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the cable cars were yet to start operating. Already clad in three layers of thermal wear and strapped into his snowboard, 27-year-old Jiang Haoran headed out. This was his second winter season working as a fixed-point ski videographer in Xinjiang. His mission is to secure the best camera spot next to the "Golden Avenue" run before the first wave of dedicated skiers arrived.

Photo shows Jiang Haoran adjusts his equipment at Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Fu Haodong)

Temperatures on the slopes hovered around -20 degrees Celsius. Camera in hand, Jiang kept his eyes fixed on the mountaintop. A wave from a skier was his cue to press the shutter, using slow-motion capture to record the entire sequence of take-off, turn, and landing. A roughly 20-second video sells for 29 yuan. Skiers can download it via a WeChat mini-program, using it for social media or technical review. "You have to understand skiing to anticipate a skier's moves—a slight body lean means a jump is coming, and a turn of the shoulders often signals an edge change," Jiang explained. This job, he said, demands a triple threat: physical stamina, sharp eyes, and predictive skill.

Jiang's photography chops are solid. He previously served as an official photographer for the Shanghai Formula 1 Grand Prix and World Athletics Diamond League season, hauling over ten pounds of gear across venues and honing rock-steady panning skills. In the late autumn of 2024, facing a career setback, he came to Altay for a ski trip to clear his head and found himself captivated by Xinjiang's snow. By chance, he saw a live-stream from the resort where the team was recruiting fixed-point ski videographers. "Getting to ski and shoot video—that's exactly the life I wanted," he recalled. He volunteered on the spot and, thanks to his solid experience, was promptly selected.

Photo shows Jiang Haoran (right) shares and discusses shooting techniques with a skier at Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Fu Haodong)

This seemingly cool job is full of challenges. The biting cold is the first hurdle. Jiang typically braves the elements for about six hours a day, often skipping proper lunch to avoid interrupting shoots. Heated insoles and electric vests help keep his body warm, but camera lenses suffer in the extreme cold—zoom rings become stiff, requiring forceful twisting while maintaining stable framing. More dangerous are unexpected collisions. He often positions himself right next to the safety nets lining the runs. "Last year, I was hit three times by runaway snowboards and knocked over once by a skier. My tripod snapped clean through," he said. The most harrowing incident saw a skier barreling straight toward him; he could only hug his gear, curl up, and brace for impact. Fortunately, the equipment survived unscathed.

After two seasons, Jiang has gathered a loyal following. Yu Xiaobing, a ski instructor from Urumqi, is one of them. "He's a great skier. Shooting videos of him is really satisfying," Jiang said. Yu, in turn, highly recommended Jiang's work: "The shots look fantastic and actually help me attract students."

Photo shows Jiang Haoran (first from right) shares ski videos with fellow skiers at Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort in Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Fu Haodong)

This mutual appreciation fuels his motivation. "When I capture that perfect shot or see skiers sharing my videos, all the hardship feels worth it," Jiang shared. Since becoming a fixed-point ski videographer, his average monthly income during the season has reached nearly 20,000 yuan. "Turning a passion into a career, earning a living while making friends who share the same interests, is incredibly rewarding," he said.

Statistics show that the 2024-2025 ski season in Altay Prefecture attracted over 16 million tourist visits. New professions like fixed-point ski videographers have emerged alongside this growth. "Xinjiang's ice and snow resources are hugely attractive, drawing skiers from all over and creating opportunities for professionals like us," Jiang noted. Currently, Jiangjunshan Ski Resort employs five such videographers. They and the winter sports tourism industry are fueling each other's growth, writing a story of positive synergy where "hobbies become careers, and careers drive the industry." When the season ends, Jiang plans to head to the coast to shoot kite-surfing, continuing his pursuit of capturing the dynamic interplay between sport and light.

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