Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Jan 23: Taking adventure to another level, the tourism department with the active support of district administration Baramulla is all set to start heli-skiing at Gulmarg.
The service is being introduced by the tourism department in collaboration with the Baramulla district administration to cater to adventure seekers from across the world.
“All approvals are in place and the service will take off soon. Gulmarg has been a favourite skiing destination for skiers from across the world. As such, the introduction of heli-skiing will further promote Gulmarg at an international level,” official sources said.
They said the service is being run by a private player adding the trial runs for the same have already started.
“This service will be run by a private player who will take into consideration every aspect, to come up to the expectations of the adventure seekers. The trial run for the service has already started and the experts as well as tourists are very much satisfied with the service,” sources added.
Gulmarg, a high-altitude skiing destination in north Kashmir, is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and world-class skiing slopes.
With the introduction of heli-skiing, the region’s status will be further elevated as a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Heli-skiing involves using helicopters to access remote and untouched powder-covered slopes, providing skiers with an unparalleled experience away from traditional ski resorts.
The Tourism Department believes that this venture will not only attract seasoned skiers but also cater to adventure seekers looking for an adrenaline-packed escapade in the heart of the Himalayas.
“The proposed heli-skiing routes will take participants to some of the most challenging and breath-taking terrains, offering a unique opportunity to carve through virgin snow in an untouched alpine environment,” official sources said.
Officials said the department has assured that safety measures will be paramount, with experienced guides and rescue teams accompanying participants to ensure a secure and enjoyable adventure.
In the absence of snow, the service- provider has started the service by taking tourists to the sunshine peak.
Tourists, who availed the service, expressed their excitement and thrill for the aerial journey to the highest peaks of Gulmarg.
“It is a good idea to start helicopter services at Gulmarg. We were able to visit Sunshine Peak, which is completely snow-clad. It was a joyous trip,” said Pooja Kapoor, a tourist.
