Waris Fayaz
Gulmarg, Jan 12: Contrary to the traditional snowy landscapes, Gulmarg continues to captivate tourists with its unique allure, even in the absence of the customary winter snowfall, as tourists instead of skiing or sledging, are immersing themselves in the lively cultural tapestry woven by the town’s musical events and festivities.
Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA), Raja Waseem said that in the face of unexpected weather patterns, the destination’s ability to evolve into a cultural haven showcases its versatility. He said the array of events, from traditional performances to musical events, exemplifies their commitment to providing tourists with a rich and immersive experience, even in the absence of the customary snowfall.
Gulmarg’s meadows transform into stages of cultural performances, art exhibitions, and culinary showcases, offering a unique blend of tradition and entertainment – the official, who is also a Managing Director, JK Cable Car Corporation said. He said local artisans, performers, and musicians converge to present a kaleidoscope of cultural expressions against the picturesque backdrop of Gulmarg.
“Currently on average, the destination has a footfall of around 3-4 thousand tourists. Though the number is slightly low, the visitor’s anticipation is going to witness a surge with snowfall”, the official said.
The CEO added, “Gulmarg remains an inviting canvas for tourists seeking not just winter sports but also cultural richness. We invite visitors to explore the depth of our heritage and the richness of experiences Gulmarg has to offer.”
Meanwhile, visitors shared their experiences and sentiments with KNO. Some expressed disappointment, while others were satisfied with the destination’s cultural festivities and musical events taking centre stage.
“We had been to Gulmarg to enjoy the snow, with an anticipation of the thrilling experience of skiing on snow-clad slopes, however, its cultural festivities and musical extravaganzas have added an unexpected layer of joy to our experience,” said a group of tourists.
Similarly, the disheartened visitors, who had specifically chosen Gulmarg for its reputation as a winter wonderland and were caught off guard by the scarcity of snow, expressed surprise and disappointment at the unusual weather conditions of Gulmarg.
Meanwhile, local residents and businesses, heavily reliant on winter tourism, shared concerns of tourists and expressed hopes for a late-season snowfall to salvage the remaining winter months.
Waseem Bhat, a renowned athlete who thrives on the exhilarating slopes of Gulmarg, said that the absence of snowfall this season is truly disheartening, he said the crisp white canvas is not just a playground for winter sports but a source of inspiration and the backdrop to countless victories.
“The dearth of snowfall in Gulmarg poses a significant challenge for athletes, including him, who were diligently practising on these slopes, gearing up for international competitions. These mountains are more than terrain — they’re our training ground, shaping our skills and fortitude,” Bhat, an international skier, who recently represented India in the 30th Asian Alpine Ski championship at Mzaar Ski Resort in Lebanon said.
Meanwhile, the absence of snow has impacted winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, which are major attractions for tourists during the colder months.
Jahangir Ahmed Bhat, an adventure tour operator said the unexpected absence of snowfall in Gulmarg has posed a unique challenge for adventure tour operators. The thrill of skiing and snow-based activities is an integral part of our offerings and the current scenario is a cause for concern, he said
Bhat, who owns Third Pole Adventures Company, Gulmarg, said they have witnessed a dip in bookings, which is a direct reflection of the impact the absence of snowfall has had on Gulmarg’s appeal. “To counter this trend, we are strategizing marketing efforts to showcase the diverse cultural and recreational aspects Gulmarg has to offer beyond the snowy landscapes,” he said.
