The introduction of a 14-day ski programme for young people in Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and Gulmarg is more than just another seasonal tourist opportunity. This programme is a key part of Jammu and Kashmir’s future by combining the need for economic development and job creation, skill enhancement and training for sport on a national level. Gulmarg is beginning to look ahead after experiencing record occupancy rates for the New Year’s period (2021). This announcement indicates a real commitment to the development of long-term sustainable opportunities through the growth of winter sports. The programme will also be an important part of the winter tourism revival of Kashmir as noted by the Director of Tourism:
The return to 100 per cent occupancy at Gulmarg is evidence of the sustained popularity of the destination. However, this season there is a marked move away from ski tourism being only passive scenic opportunities and towards winter sports opportunities. The installation of Asia’s largest drag lift has improved the experience of skiing at Gulmarg and made skiing accessible to families with children, as well as beginning and inexperienced skiers. The use of this kind of lift will dramatically increase the number of skiers and snowboarders on the slopes of Gulmarg. The provision of this new infrastructure will be a vehicle for the transformation of the Gulmarg winter getaway into an internationally recognised ski training centre for athletes.
In a very commendable way to democratise access to winter sports, an integrated training program will cost only ₹5,000 which includes boarding and lodging. The training program exposes participants to a range of different terrain such as baby slopes in Sonamarg and Pahalgam as well as the more challenging conditions in Gulmarg and Afarwat. This is definitely more than just teaching participants how to ski; it is available to young people to provide a full understanding of mountain sports and develop resilience and adaptability. The course is also the foundation of a sporting culture.
The program Director articulates the broader vision as building up a pool of skilled athletes to be able to represent our region, and ultimately the nation, at the national and international levels. This vision is in alignment with India’s increasing focus on sporting excellence as well as building out the infrastructure for sports. The natural features of Kashmir with its pristine slopes and long winters have great potential to establish the region as a sporting cradle for the entire country. This training program is the first firm step toward establishing this potential.
The departments’ simultaneous interest in improving and enhancing dependence on local youth to take on refurbished properties for the purposes of generating local entrepreneurship is of equivalent importance. The three-pronged initiative regarding the Infrastructure, Employment, and Destination Grooming Initiative clearly demonstrates that the tourism development process has matured. This recognizes the real potential for creating lasting and more broadly based economic capability through the channels of local community empowerment.
Yet, in order for the vision that is articulated to be realised in entirety, additional strategies must be developed. The creation of a curriculum in conjunction with schools and colleges to facilitate early identification of talent will enhance the training programme. This will further allow for better quality and larger scale training via collaboration with National Sports Authorities and Private Sponsor Firms, respectively. In addition, the continued protection of environmental sustainability as tourism grows substantially as activity continues to increase on the slopes must be a priority. The pristine and beautiful environments that these locations offer as their core value must be protected through stringent environmental policies.
