More than 300 pupils from a primary school in Ejin Horoo Banner, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, had their first outdoor skiing class recently.

In an effort to attract more people into winter sports, the local government of Ejin Horoo Banner started the winter ski course for all 27 primary and middle schools in the banner.

The class was held at the Wanzhou ski resort, and students mastered sliding and braking on flat ground and the use of climbing techniques.

Sports and education authorities in the banner released an announcement about winter sports classes to enhance coaching and guidance and enrich the forms of outdoor physical education so that students can experience the fun of winter sports.

"Our next step is to make use of the weekend and the winter break and gradually provide winter sports classes to all 27 schools in our banner," said Yang Fuxiong, an official with local education authority.