Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a two-week integrated ski training course at famous tourist destinations in the Kashmir Valley ahead of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG 2026).
Omar said approximately 500–600 students aged 12–18 will be given certified skiing training this year, while also promoting winter tourism in these destinations. Kashmir Valley boasts some of the best skiing locations at Gulmarg, Sonmarg, and Doodh Pathri.
The programme is aimed at providing affordable training courses, focusing on foundational skills such as gliding, snow ploughing, and turns.
The office of the Chief Minister, J&K, said on X, “The Chief Minister today virtually inaugurated the 14-day Integrated Ski Training Course covering Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Doodh Pathri, aimed at placing these destinations firmly on the skiing map.”
During the inauguration event, Omar also released the official calendars of the tourism department and the J&K Cable Car Corporation. The calendars feature stunning photographs of destinations across both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, highlighting key achievements and aiming to boost tourism promotion.
The calendars showcase breathtaking landscapes, cultural heritage, and tourist treasures of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir is also preparing to host the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 at Gulmarg, with events likely to commence from late January.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 \ will be held in two phases, with ice events in Leh, Ladakh, likely from January 20 to 27, 2026, and snow events in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from late January to early February 2026.
The games include disciplines such as ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, skiing, and snowshoe running, with full schedules expected soon on the official Khelo India website.
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