Kashmir Launches 14-Day Integrated Ski Training Course to Boost Winter Tourism

For those keen to take to the ski slopes of Kashmir but unsure where to begin, there is good news. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday inaugurated a 14-day integrated ski training course at key tourist destinations across the Kashmir Valley.

Abdullah said that around 500–600 students in the 12–18 age group will receive certified skiing training this year. The initiative has been launched to promote winter tourism at popular skiing destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Doodhpathri.

The Integrated Ski Training Course offers affordable and comprehensive programmes for beginners, with a focus on foundational skills such as gliding, snow ploughing, and turning. “The chief minister today virtually inaugurated the 14-day Integrated Ski Training Course covering Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Doodhpathri, aimed at placing these destinations firmly on the skiing map,” the Office of the Chief Minister said on X.

Tourism Calendars Unveiled

Meanwhile, Abdullah released the official 2026 calendars of the Tourism Department and the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at the Civil Secretariat. The calendars showcase stunning photographs highlighting the region’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and major tourist attractions across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

Congratulating the concerned departments, the Chief Minister said such initiatives would play a significant role in promoting Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential and enhancing its visibility at a wider level. “These calendars are not merely annual publications, they are visual narratives of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural beauty and evolving tourism infrastructure,” he said.

Official Website Launched

The Chief Minister also launched the official website of the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir. The portal has been designed to publicise tourism events and destinations, maintain digital archives, and provide comprehensive information related to tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The website also integrates useful links to Jammu Tourism, JKTDC, J-K Cable Car Corporation and other allied organisations, offering all relevant information on a single platform. The chief minister said a modern and dynamic digital presence is crucial for effective outreach. “The new Tourism Kashmir website would be informative and will serve as a comprehensive, single-window platform for tourists and stakeholders alike."

(With inputs from PTI.)

FAQs

How long is the ski course?
The ski course is a 14-day integrated ski training programme conducted across key tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley.

Where is the ski training conducted?
The training takes place at popular skiing destinations, including Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Doodhpathri, to promote winter tourism in the region.

What does the ski course focus on?
The Integrated Ski Training Course is designed for beginners and focuses on foundational skiing skills such as gliding, snow ploughing, and turning, offered through affordable and comprehensive programmes.