Tauseef Ahmad
Bandipora, Feb 2: As winter sports draw thousands of tourists to Kashmir’s famed ski resort Gulmarg and other destinations each season, similar activities are now offering relief and opportunity in the remote, snowbound Gurez Valley along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.
Buried under nearly four feet of snow and cut off for months after the Bandipora–Gurez road closes, the valley faces long spells of isolation. This winter, however, snow cricket, skiing have revived the sporting spirit of the border region, turning harsh conditions into a season of sports and enjoyment.
Local youth, with support from the administration and Army, have started winter sports programmes on frozen grounds to keep the region active and slowly attract visitors even during peak winter. Officials say Gurez holds vast potential similar to Gulmarg, which hosts thousands of skiers every year.
“Gurez remains snowbound for months but has huge scope for winter sports. Like earlier years, locals are organising snow cricket tournaments and skiing courses, while the administration is extending support,” an official said.
Snow cricket has emerged as a winter tradition, played on compacted snowfields against towering mountains.
“We wait for this season every year. Playing cricket on snow keeps us motivated during long winters when roads remain closed,” said Irfan Ahmad, a local youth player.
The tournaments, backed by the Indian Army, have seen wide participation, while soldiers have also initiated basic skiing training for locals.
“Skiing feels natural here because snow is part of our life. With proper facilities, many youngsters can excel and even earn livelihoods,” said trainee skier.
Residents say winter sports are becoming not just entertainment but opportunity in a region long affected by remoteness.
They have urged the government to build infrastructure, training centres and accommodation to promote Gurez as a winter sports destination alongside Gulmarg and other resorts.
To ease isolation, helicopter services between Bandipora and Gurez have also been started to maintain connectivity during peak winter months.
