Big Air Shougang brings athletes closer to heavens

Big Air Shougang, the only new outdoor venue built in the city for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, is ready for the coming Games with all staff fully prepared, district authorities said on Sunday.

The ramp, with total length of about 160 meters and a peak of 60 meters, will be the world's first permanent venue of its type. It will host two events next year — snowboarding and freestyle skiing.

Erected inside western Beijing's Shougang Industrial Park in Shijingshan district, Big Air Shougang features a steep snow ramp, and will remain in place after the games.

Construction of the venue was completed on Oct 31, 2019. It can be converted into a track for freestyle skiing aerials.

Inspired by the image of the Flying Apsaras at the Dunhuang frescoes, the venue is designed to resemble a ribbon floating in the air, showing athletes flying through the sky.