Buluer, one of the most talented skiers on the men's team, said he and his peers enjoy each other's company, and the healthy rivalry among them is pushing them to achieve their Olympic dreams.

The 19-year-old attributed Team China's inspiring mixed relay win on the Norwegian stop of the Youth World Cup on March 17 to Cidan Yuzhen's exceptionally strong opening and finishing legs. "She got me flying," said Buluer, a native of Hemu village in Altay.

However, Buluer played his part in the victory, holding off a group of opponents from alpine sports powers, such as France and Norway, during his legs. His impressive effort echoed his victory in the men's U20 individual title the previous day.

It was the first time a skier outside Europe and North America, at both youth and adult level, had claimed the men's individual race, said team manager Li.

"Racing against the best in the most intense competitions, I feel big pressure," Buluer said. "But, that also pushes me to bring out my best."

He also prides himself on growing up on "fur skis". Rock paintings discovered around Hemu depict human figures skiing thousands of years ago, and the area is believed to be one of the locations where fur skiing originated.