Heavy snowfall brings ‘Ski drag’ lift back in operation at Gulmarg

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28 Jan 2026

Srinagar, Jan 28: The Ski drag lift in north Kashmir’s Gulmarg has become operational following heavy snowfall, bringing relief and excitement among professional skiers, trainees and visiting tourists at the country’s premier winter sports destination. Skiers said the opening of the drag lift has improved access to slopes and added much-needed capacity at a time when Gulmarg has received substantial snowfall after several lean winters. A professional skier from Srinagar, who has been skiing in Gulmarg for over a decade while speaking to reporters said that the resort was originally developed for skiing and the recent steps have helped restore that focus. He said Gulmarg has grown steadily over the years, adding that skiing provides livelihood opportunities to local residents, including people from nearby areas of Baramulla. He also appreciated the administration for being present on the ground and engaging directly with skiers. According to him, the new drag lift has addressed a long-standing gap, as earlier facilities were largely limited to beginner slopes, while intermediate and advanced skiers had fewer options. The skier said the newly installed drag lift is suitable for advanced training and practice, including for national-level events such as Khelo India. He added that this season’s snowfall has created good powder conditions, which many skiers described as ideal after several years. A visiting snowboarder from Japan, currently based in the Netherlands told reporters that it was her first experience in Gulmarg and described the snow conditions as different but enjoyable. She said the soft powder and landscape offered a unique experience and called Gulmarg a special place for winter sports. An official from tourism department told Rising Kashmir that the department’s focus is to keep the resort functional and accessible for different categories of skiers, including backcountry enthusiasts. He said coordination among various agencies working under the tourism sector has been strengthened to ensure smooth operations during the peak season. He also said that agencies including the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation and the Directorate of Tourism Jammu and Kashmir are working together to manage visitor flow, infrastructure and services. The official added that infrastructure upgradation and capacity enhancement are essential for a growing ski destination like Gulmarg, especially with increasing domestic and international footfall. He said that the new drag lift was installed by the J&K Cable Car Corporation and forms part of ongoing efforts to upgrade skiing infrastructure in the area. He added that further improvements to tracks and facilities are being reviewed to ensure the resort meets the expectations of professional skiers and tourists alike.