From January 16 to 18, the Hexigten Banner International Ice Sailing Competition held on the frozen surface of Xilamulun Grand Canyon in Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Nearly 100 athletes from Russia, France, Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, China, and other countries and regions gathered at the frozen canyon. Leveraging the unique ice surface and bridge landscape, the event created a magnificent scene: “bridges soaring overhead, sails gliding across the ice, and canyon walls flanking both shores.” Facing extreme cold weather below -30°C and complex wind conditions during the event, the Hexigten Banner Meteorological Office ensured the safe and orderly conduct of the competition through precise forecasts and detailed services.

The Competition site Photo by YAO Shuzhen

The Xilamulun Grand Canyon features expansive ice surfaces and variable winds, where meteorological conditions directly impact both competitive performance and safety during ice sailing. The Office initiated specialized meteorological services five days in advance, preparing dedicated forecast products and continuously updating forecast information until the event's conclusion. It provided scientific basis for the organizing committee to adjust schedules and reinforce wind-resistant facilities. Throughout the event, real-time weather updates, forecasts, and early warnings were disseminated via Short Message Service (SMS) and WeChat groups, ensuring athletes and staff received immediate warnings about weather changes.

On January 17, staff from the Office provided on-site services at the competition venue. According to the meteorological monitoring information, wind speeds remained below the minimum competition standard of Beaufort force 3, potentially compromising fairness and spectator experience. Based on the precise forecast from the Office that “wind speeds would rebound to suitable levels on January 18,” the organizing committee decisively postponed certain events scheduled for January 17 to 18. Following this adjustment, the competition concluded successfully under ideal wind conditions.

The Competition site Photo by YAO Shuzhen

Author: ZHANG Yue

Editor: JIANG Zhiqing