A number of skiers hit the slopes for the first time this winter in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday after a round of snowfall heralded the start of the region’s long-awaited ski season.
The mountainous regions of Xinjiang's Altay Prefecture typically welcome hordes of ski enthusiasts visitors each year, with its lengthy skiing season typically running from late October through to May.
One ski resort in Altay saw an influx of early arrivals over the past weekend after several days of snowfall, with many desperate to grab the first available opportunity to don their ski goggles and get out on the trails.
"We have been eagerly awaiting the start of the ski season for about half a year. Now we're very excited and happy," said a skier.
One enthusiast said he was so keen to hit the slopes he even got up before dawn.
"I came to the ski resort last night and I think I was the first one out on the entire resort this morning. I arrived between five and six o'clock, when the sky was still dark," he said.
As temperatures continue to drop and with more snowfall on the way, ski resorts across Xinjiang are set to see the number of visitors grow in the coming weeks.
Skiers hit slopes in Xinjiang as recent snowfall heralds start of ski season
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
