Russians enjoy summer skiing in artificial snow

In a season-defying spectacle, eager skiers headed to a western Russian resort on Saturday to ride down a snow-covered slope under the beating summer sun.

Dozens of skiers donning swimming costumes took part in the traditional event organised at Khvalynsk's ski resort, by the river Volga.

"This is the most unusual event," said one visitor.

"To have downhill skiing in the middle of July when it's 30 degrees (Celsius, 86 degrees Fahrenheit) is amazing."

The 300 meter-long slope (330 yards) was layered with 1000 cubic meters (35,300 cubic feet) of snow prepared and stored from February.

Usually, it can resist the summer heat for up to three days, according to the resort's director-general.

However, due to this year's high temperatures, it's only likely to last for one day.

(Representative Image)(Image Credit Pixabay)