Tourists thrilled as much-awaited snowfall paints Gulmarg white

Baramulla, Jan 30: Gulmarg tourist resort is buzzing with excitement as the Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy snowfall in the next 48 hours. The recent light snowfall brought joy to the tourists and sledge operators, setting the stage for a winter wonderland.

Over the past two days, tourists have flocked to Gulmarg, enjoying sledge rides on the freshly covered meadows.

Sledge operators, who initially faced disappointment due to the lack of snow, now express relief and satisfaction seeing the barren landscapes transform into pristine white landscapes.

At the baby slope, the skiing learners are excited after Slope 85 and Highland Park Slope were lashed with a few inches of snow on Monday and Tuesday.
“The tourists are learning the art of skiing at the baby slopes. With more snow expected in the next 48 hours, the skiing activity will see momentum,” said a skiing instructor.
Fayaz Ahmad Khatana, a sledge operator said, “After dejection, there is finally some smile on our faces. For the last two days, tourists have been enjoying sledge rides, giving us the satisfaction that finally, the barren meadows are covered with the white blanket of snow.”
The Department of Tourism eagerly awaits the commencement of full-bloom winter activity, particularly skiing in the Kangdori and Affarwat areas.
Though the ideal skiing slopes have received 20-25 cm of snow in the past two days, officials said that there was a need for at least 3 feet of snow for optimal skiing conditions.
“Our main winter activity is skiing. The slopes at Kangdori and Affarwat must receive over 3 feet of snow, which is perfect for skiing,” a Tourism Department official said.
The recent increase in tourist flow, especially domestic visitors, is attributed to the onset of snowfall. Tourists are relishing the snowy landscapes, expressing hope for heavier snowfall in the coming days.
A tourist from Maharashtra shared his initial disappointment at the absence of snow but expressed delight at his decision to visit Gulmarg after hearing about the fresh snowfall.
“We were waiting for the snowfall at Gulmarg. Once we heard of snowfall at Gulmarg, we rushed to the area and are now enjoying the dancing snowflakes, making our visit worth it,” said Ramesh Kumar.
As Gulmarg anticipates heavier snowfall in the next 48 hours, stakeholders including sledge operators, hoteliers and tourism officials are optimistic about the positive impact on winter activities.
Winter games, rescheduled for February, are expected to receive a boost with the forecasted snowfall, promising an extended season of winter revelry in Gulmarg.