In pictures: Skiing against a painted sky

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Beginners slope with painted mountain sceneryImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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With the Beijing Winter Olympics only two years away, photographer Corinne Rozotte has been documenting the increasing popularity of winter sports in China.

Portraits of young women skiersImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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China aims to have 300 million skiers or snowboarders by the start of the Winter Olympics and sites such as Sunac Snow World, in the northern suburbs of Guanzhou, are drawing in those looking to improve their skills.

Sunac Snow Park entranceImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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Named after one of China's largest real estate groups, Sunac Snow World opened its doors in June 2019.

Overview of the ski resort with ski liftsImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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Located within a tourist complex, alongside hotels, a shopping centre and a water park, this spectacular 75,000-sq-m (18.5-acre) snow park is the second largest indoor ski resort in the world.

Ski instructors at workImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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For those new to the snow, lessons are available. These begin with a warm-up at the bottom of the slope and some basic instruction.

Skiers on the ski liftImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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With a capacity of up to 3,000 visitors, the park includes five slopes with a combined length of 1km (0.6 miles) as well as a chairlift and cable car, magic carpets and a play area.

Skiers queuing to get on the slopeImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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At weekends, the park is busy with people queuing for the magic carpet on the beginners' track.

A woman points at somethingImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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For many visitors, it is their first contact with snow.

Beginners slope with painting mountain scenery and it’s fake chaletImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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Everything gives the illusion of an outdoor ski resort, including painted scenery.

A snowboarder passes penguinsImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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There are even penguins, to add a touch of authenticity.

Enjoying the snowImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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The temperature is maintained at about 0C, when, in July, it is 35C outside.

Inside the restaurantImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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Coffee and pasta are available at the bottom of the slopes.

A snowboarder with a wolf on his outfitImage source, Corinne Rozotte
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A snowboarder with a wolf on his outfit.

All photographs © Corinne Rozotte.