Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Jan 23 : The government is mulling to start snow skiing at the famous border tourist destination Gurez in northern Kashmir’s Bandipora district as the equipment for the same have been dispatched to the snow bound valley.
A top official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the equipment for snow skiing has been dispatched to the snow bound Gurez valley while other winter sports activities are already on going there.
“Promoting winter tourism would create more employment avenues for the local population in the border areas, he said, adding that the promotion of new spots will help cater to the huge influx of tourists coming to the valley.
The official further said that the chopper service has been already activated in the border areas of northern Kashmir for local people and medical emergencies but it will be augmented for tourists soon to make these all-weather tourist destinations.
“This adventure tourism destination is a hotspot for tourists throughout the summer months, but this year, visitors will be able to see the town in all its glory during winter as well, he said.
Meanwhile, the locals of the Gurez said that there is a lot of potential for winter sports in this area as it remains snow-covered for at least 5-6 months. “We wish we could get support from the government to further boost winter sports in this part of the valley,” a group of residents told KNO.
As already reported by KNO that these local cricket lovers from the bordering village known as Markoot, Gurez have started a Cricket tournament on the Ice pitch surrounded by the snowclad mountains—(KNO)
