All-Weather Sonamarg: Winter sports, scenic beauty now just a tunnel away

Sonamarg, Nov 14: Famous for its summer beauty, Sonamarg is gearing up to transform into a bustling winter sports hub, aiming to establish itself as an all-weather destination.

With the recent completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel, which keeps the region accessible even in harsh weather, Sonamarg is poised to draw winter tourists and host a range of winter sports activities that will add it to Jammu and Kashmir's lineup of premier winter spots.

Chief Executive Officer of the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA), Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, shared that substantial efforts are underway to make Sonamarg a sought-after winter destination. "The Z-Morh Tunnel has been a game-changer, ensuring that Sonamarg is accessible year-round. This development will not only support the local economy but also significantly boost Sonamarg's appeal as a winter tourism destination," Bhat told *Greater Kashmir*.

As preparations ramp up for the winter season, Bhat highlighted the winter sports lineup, which will include ice skating, snow skiing, and other activities designed to attract tourists. "Sonamarg is just beginning to host winter events, and we’re currently developing additional infrastructure for visitors' convenience. We have around 300 rooms available to accommodate tourists daily," he added.

Further emphasizing the commitment to maintaining the area’s natural beauty, Bhat noted that SDA is conducting cleanliness drives to make Sonamarg a garbage-free, polythene-free zone.

With a strong tourist turnout over the summer, local hoteliers and traders are anticipating even greater interest in the winter season. Many tourism stakeholders and locals have applauded the government’s decision to keep Sonamarg accessible in winter, a shift from previous years when heavy snowfall and avalanche risks forced a seasonal closure, especially around the avalanche-prone Hung area near Gagangeer. The Z-Morh Tunnel, which bypasses this hazardous stretch, has enabled a continuous influx of visitors.

An official from the district administration added that all essential services, including electricity and water supply, are being readied for the winter season. “This initiative by the administration has brought cheer to hoteliers, traders, and tourists from across the country, who are eager to experience the winter charm of the ‘Meadow of Gold’.”

With these developments, Sonamarg is well on its way to securing its place as a top winter destination in Kashmir, combining natural allure with winter adventure.