Big Air Shougang venue in Shijingshan District, Beijing, China

Beijing goes big. Winter Olympics in Beijing

The Winter Olympics has arrived in Beijing, as the Chinese capital hosts the 24th edition of the sporting extravaganza. Over the next 17 days, nearly 3,000 athletes will compete in 109 events spread around three zones in central Beijing, Yanqing district of north-west Beijing, and Zhangjiakou city in neighbouring Hebei province. Artificial snow will be used for outdoor competitions, including here at the illuminated Big Air Shougang.

The new structure, built at the site of a former steel factory, features a steep ramp about 540ft long and nearly 200ft high. It will be used for the big air freestyle skiing and snowboarding events in which athletes hurtle down the ramp and into the air, attempting to pull off the biggest and best tricks to win gold. So, it’s time to go big, or go home. Let the Games begin!