Snow-Clad Slopes Ready: Khelo India Winter Games return to Gulmarg

Baramulla, Mar 3: The second leg of the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), postponed due to the ‘insufficient’ snowfall, is now set to take place from March 9 to 12 at the world-famous ski destination Gulmarg.

Notably, with Kashmir witnessing wet weather systems, the higher regions recorded considerable snow and rain in the plains. With two snowspells across Kashmir, the authorities on Monday decided to organise the event from March 9 to 12.

The secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, while conforming the revised date for the event, said the fresh snowfall has created ideal conditions for the games. “There is adequate snow and ideal conditions for the games. We are confident of the event's success,” she said.

Featuring four snow sports, Ski Mountaineering, Alpine Skiing, Snowboard & Nordic Skiing, the mega winter event was initially scheduled to be staged in Gulmarg from February 22 to 25, but the authorities announced postponement of the event due to scant snowfall on the ski slopes of Gulmarg.

The ski resort has received good snowfall during the last seven days, and even on Monday, five to eight inches of fresh snowfall accumulated on the ground while it was still snowing at Gulmarg.

Over 300 athletes from across the country will compete in various disciplines, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding, showcasing their prowess in Kashmir’s breathtaking winter landscape.

The first leg of KIWG 2025 was held in Leh from January 23 to 27, featuring ice sports such as ice hockey and ice skating at Ladakh NDS Stadium and Guphuk Pond & LSRC Army Rink.

Sports enthusiasts believe that Gulmarg has some of the world’s best ski slopes comparable to other countries like France, Switzerland, or Italy.

The mega sporting event—Khelo India Winter Games—has grown into a flagship event, promoting winter sports and attracting top talent to Kashmir.