Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Feb 24 : With the launch of year-round helicopter services for skiing and adventure rides, the famous ski resort in ‘Gulmarg’ has added a new feather to its cap.
The service was inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday—aiming to transform Gulmarg into a premier destination for Heli adventures.
Speaking at the launch event, CM Omar Abdullah has stated, “Soon, Gulmarg will be recognized as a top-tier destination for Heli adventures. This helicopter service will not only promote Heli-skiing but also provide tourists with a unique aerial sightseeing experience.”
The Heli-skiing service being operated by Billa Majeed Bakhshi was initially introduced in 2024 for ‘advanced foreign skiers and snowboarders’.
However, the service has now been thrown open to all visitors, offering them an opportunity to explore the breathtaking snow-covered alpine peaks of the ski resort throughout the year.
“The service will introduce new and less crowded destinations like the sunshine mountain that earlier used to be accessible in summers only. Heli adventure allows them to reach mountain peaks at 4,300 meters within minutes and spend hours exploring the beauty of Apharwat and other locations,” Bakhshi explained.
He further mentioned that the peaks accessible only during summers for trekking and hiking can now be reached in winter as well.
“With a carrying capacity of five passengers per trip, the chopper service will ferry upto 60 passengers per hour and can accommodate over 200 tourists daily. The service is supported by a team of 25 employees, including two pilots, engineers, ground staff, and guides to ensure smooth operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Gulmarg Farooq Ahmed Shah lauded the initiative, saying that it would significantly enhance the region’s tourism sector.
“This Heli service adds another feather to Gulmarg’s cap and it will attract more domestic and international visitors,” Shah said.
There has long been a demand for Heli-skiing, which is considered one of the highest forms of adventure tourism, particularly drawing enthusiasts from foreign countries.
“As Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that Gulmarg is the winter capital of India, we want to make it a reality. There is still more to do, and in the next five years, infrastructure for skiing, the Gondola, and other adventure sports will be significantly enhanced,” the MLA said.
“The upgraded infrastructure will make people forget the tourist destinations in Europe after visiting the Gulmarg. This destination will surely compete with Switzerland,” he said—(KNO)
