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After early snowfall, Gulmarg thrown open for winter sports

LocalAfter early snowfall, Gulmarg thrown open for winter sports

With early snowfall across Kashmir Valley recently and winter sport ski resort of Gulmarg receiving around two-feet of snow, the authorities on Friday opened resort for the winter sport lovers.

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While the upper reaches of the Gulmarg received three to four feet of snow, main Gulmarg received two feet, unexpected for the month of November. Depending on the level of snow accumulation, the ski resort is normally thrown open during the period between latter part of December and first week of January. However, witnessing adequate amount of snow in the resort which is known for its winter sport activities, authorities have thrown it open in advance.

To make the slope ready for the activities, officials used snow beating machines first time this season on Thursday evening.

Gulmarg ski resort was thrown open by Department of Tourism Kashmir on the instructions of Secretary Tourism. Assistant Director Tourism, Nasir Mahmood Khan flagged off the run on the beginners’ slope formally starting the skiing activity.

Apart from throwing open the winter sports activities on beginners’ ski slope, the department has also thrown open its ski shop at the slope where ski and snowboard enthusiasts can hire all necessary equipment on all days.

“The unexpected snowfall is a bliss for Gulmarg as we could throw the ski resort open for the general winter sports lovers early in the November. Though the main activities would start in latter part of the December but people who visit Gulmarg can now enjoy their favourite winter activities on any day from here on till the end of the winter season,” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gulmarg Development Authority Syed Haneef Balkhi.

“Since the news has spread that Gulmarg has received early snowfall, there is rush of both local as well as outside tourists to the resort. All of them have welcomed the step and today some of them were seen enjoying the activity. We expect a large number of locals to visit Gulmarg and take part in winter sports on coming Sunday,” he said.

While the slope has been thrown open, the ski lifts are likely to be opened in coming days depending upon snow accumulation. Also, for the maintenance purpose and to keep it ready for the heavy winter rush, Cable Car Corporation has closed down Gondola first phase for 10 days.

“The maintenance of the cables and chair cars on the first phase has started and the Gondola would be close for everyone for the period of 10-days. The purpose is to make Gondola ready for the expected heavy rush winter tourists. The upper reaches of Kongdoori and Apharwat have received good snow accumulation and we expect a good season. The ski lifts opening depend on the amount of snow. If it remains same and we receive more snowfall in the coming days, then we may throw them open soon,” said General manager Cable Car Corporation Reyaz Ahmad.

The winter sports lovers have welcomed the step with the hope that snow may stay for longer and the resort receives more snow.

“It is early but one can still enjoy the skiing and other activities at the resort. I hope snow stays and we receive more snowfall in coming days so that winter sport seasons longer this time”, said seasoned skier Gulzar Ahmad (Gulu).

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