Zangar Kalimuhan, also from Hemu, said Buluer is a household name in the village because he is almost unbeatable in races on fur skis. "He is so fast that the one in second place wouldn't even be able to see him let alone catch up with him. And after winning gold at the Winter Asian Games, he is getting close to becoming a winter Olympics champion."

Zangar from the Kazak ethnic group is a ski patrol at Jikepulin Ski Resort in Hemu, which opens to local people for free. Winter sports have boomed in Altay in recent years as several high-standard ski resorts have been built in the prefecture, which boasts high mountainous terrain, heavy snowfall, excellent snow quality, and low winds.

The 25-year-old sometimes takes his fur skis out for practice on the modern courses in the resort, which can also help to let more people know about fur skis. "People are always curious about my skis every time I take them out. I just tell them they are the ancestors of all skis," Zangar said with pride.

With local people's determination to pass down the heritage of fur skis, and having a modern ski resort at their doorstep, Zangar said he believed that more young people from nearby villages will get the chance to become top athletes in winter sports like Buluer and shine on the international stage.

"From local fur skis champion to Winter Asian Games gold medalist, Buluer is a true inspiration for us," Zangar said.

cuijia@chinadaily.com.cn