Govt to host Khelo India Winter Games from Feb 21
SRINAGAR, FEB 15: After widespread snowfall across Kashmir Valley, especially in the higher reaches, winter tourism has picked up the pace again with over 30,000 visitors flocking to the famous Gulmarg ski resort in the past few days.
Following over two months of dry weather, heavy snowfall over the past week has turned Gulmarg into a picturesque winter wonderland with several feet of fresh powder snow, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders. All hotels in the ski town are fully booked for February as tourists who had previously cancelled their plans also returned to enjoy the snowy slopes.
“I feel so sad that I have come to Kashmir Valley so late in my lifetime. This is paradise. There is a saying that you get life twice, but the second life only starts when you realize that you just get life once. So, what I want to say is, this is amazing, the skiing slopes are so amazing, and people are so hospitable and respectful. I have been everywhere in the world right from Alaska, Antarctica and Swiss Alps. What I found here is that everything is super cheap, and you don’t have to wait for visas etc. Everything is 20 times cheaper here. I will ask everyone to come and visit the Valley,” said Arun Kumar, an enthralled tourist from Delhi.
The heavy snowfall has brought great relief to the tourism industry in Kashmir which had been severely impacted by the dry spell. Officials are optimistic that the winter season will now pick up and boost the local economy.
The recent snowfall has brought cheer not just among tourists but also for the tourism industry stakeholders in Kashmir Valley. The famous ski resort of Gulmarg is buzzing with various snow activities like skiing, snowboarding and even heli-skiing after receiving several feet of fresh snow.
The gondola ride at Gulmarg has seen a huge rush of enthusiasts after remaining nearly empty for over two months due to lack of snow. “This year the snowfall was delayed for two months, and we lost business for over a month. Luckily, due to the snowfall, Gulmarg has returned to its charm. The slopes which were barren till recently are finally buzzing with people. We are ready with regard to skiing and adventure sports. We have various slopes here and all have been kept ready for visitors. Even elderly people this year have come to ski this year. We would definitely do more improvements in the future,” said Bashir Ahmad a local tourism operator.
The heavy snowfall has come as a big relief for the tourism industry which had been severely impacted by the prolonged dry weather. The government of Jammu and Kashmir had also postponed the Khelo India Winter Games scheduled for February 10-14 due to lack of snow. The fourth edition of the national winter games competition will now be held from February 21-25. With snow activities back in full swing, tourism stakeholders are hopeful the winter season can still be salvaged and Gulmarg will be abuzz with tourists well into March. The hospitality industry has geared up to provide the best experience to visitors in the valley.
