Tourism Dept Kashmir rolls out 14-day skiing course for 50 children

Aatif Qayoom
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30 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 30: The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has taken a fresh step to promote adventure tourism with a 14-day integrated skiing course for children. The department will engage forty to fifty children from Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Doodhpathri. The idea is to expose participants to multiple winter destinations across the Valley. The course will be conducted at Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Doodhpathri will be included, subject to weather and ground conditions. The aim is to build interest in winter sports and bring more people into adventure tourism. Director Tourism, Syed Qamar Sajad said the course is an exclusive skiing program for children. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, he said the focus is on structured training, safety, and full support for every child. He added that the department wants to introduce professional skiing at an early stage. "All facilities will be provided under the program. These include food, accommodation, ski equipment, and transport. Professional ski trainers will remain with the group for the entire fourteen days," Sajad said. The registration fee has been fixed at 5,000 rupees per participant for the full course. Locals have welcomed the move. Athar Ahmad from Gulmarg called it a major boost for adventure tourism. He said that providing food, stay, training, and equipment for fourteen days at this cost is a big step. He noted that many hotels charge the same amount for a single night's stay. Stakeholders believe the programme will help identify young talent and create future ski professionals. They say it will also strengthen Kashmir’s image as a winter sports destination beyond Gulmarg. Officials believe the initiative will have long term impact. It supports youth engagement, promotes healthy outdoor activity, and positions Kashmir as a growing hub for adventure tourism.