BURQIN COUNTY, XINJIANG, CHINA — December 24, 2025 — A partial avalanche at a major ski resort in northwest China’s Xinjiang region has resulted in at least one fatality, local authorities confirmed following rescue operations earlier this week. The incident has prompted heightened safety warnings and reviews of mountain course access rules as winter tourism activity intensifies across the region. Webull+1
Incident Overview
The avalanche occurred on December 18, 2025 at approximately 1:28 p.m. local time on slopes outside the official ski trails at the Jikepulin International Ski Resort, located within the popular Kanas Scenic Area in Burqin County, northern Xinjiang. Rescue teams were rapidly deployed following emergency reports. Webull
After a comprehensive search, responders located a person buried under the snow at around 3:27 p.m. The individual was recovered but pronounced dead at the scene, marking the first confirmed fatality from the avalanche. Dimsum Daily
Victim Details and Official Assistance
Local media reports and official statements indicate the deceased was a resident of Hong Kong, making the incident of international concern for travel and consular services. In response, the Hong Kong Immigration Department coordinated with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Office in Beijing to provide support and assistance to the victim’s family, including dispatching officers to the site. Dimsum Daily
Safety Response and Warnings
Authorities in Burqin County have activated emergency response mechanisms following the avalanche and carried out safety hazard investigations and risk assessments around the resort area. Officials are urging tourists and visitors to strictly follow safety advisories and refrain from entering areas outside designated and officially opened ski trails, where conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous. Webull
Resort officials and local emergency management units have emphasized that avalanche risks increase significantly in unmarked or off-piste zones, especially following heavy snowfall and rapid weather changes common in high-altitude mountainous regions. 無綫新聞 TVB News
Regional Tourism & Avalanche Context
The Xinjiang region, particularly around Kanas and Altay, has been a major winter tourism draw in recent seasons, with expanded ski facilities and increased visitor numbers due to improved infrastructure and snow conditions. Last winter alone, the area reported millions of ice and snow tourism visits, reflecting a booming winter travel economy. ts.cn
However, with growing numbers of recreational skiers and travelers, the importance of avalanche awareness and strict adherence to ski area boundaries has become more pronounced. Local experts warn that backcountry or off-trail skiing can expose individuals to heightened natural hazards that are not monitored by resort safety teams. 無綫新聞 TVB News
Looking Ahead
While the search phase of the rescue operation has concluded with the recovery of the victim, authorities continue to focus on enhanced monitoring, risk mitigation, and public education ahead of peak winter tourism periods. International visitors are advised to check local weather and safety updates, obey resort signage, and carry appropriate equipment when engaging in snow sports. Webull
Local officials and ski operators have committed to strengthening safety protocols and ensuring visitors remain informed about conditions at high-altitude ski resorts. Further updates may be provided as investigations continue.
Leave a Reply