Helicopter service launched at Gulmarg to promote heli skiing

Gulmarg, Jan 12: Helicopter services were formally launched at Gulmarg on Monday with a focus on promoting heli skiing, marking a significant step towards strengthening winter adventure tourism at the internationally known resort.
The service was inaugurated by Farooq Ahmad Shah and Salman Sagar in the presence of senior officials, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Gulmarg Development Authority.
Officials said the helicopter service has been introduced primarily to provide skiers with swift access to high altitude slopes such as Sunshine Peak and the Apharwat range, which are considered ideal for heli skiing but remain difficult to reach through conventional means, particularly during peak winter.
They said the initiative is expected to position Gulmarg as a stronger destination for high end adventure tourism, allowing experienced skiers to access untouched snowfields while also offering aerial views of the surrounding landscape.
Speaking on the occasion, the legislators said heli skiing has the potential to attract international adventure tourists and extend the winter tourism season. They said improved access to upper reaches will not only enhance Gulmarg’s global profile but also generate economic activity for locals.
A key feature of the initiative is that the helicopter service has been launched by a local youth entrepreneur, Abdul Majeed Bakhshi, popularly known as Ballu Bakhshi. The move was widely appreciated by officials and public representatives as an example of local enterprise contributing to tourism development.
Tourism officials said the introduction of helicopter based heli skiing is expected to create new employment opportunities, support allied services and further establish Gulmarg as a major hub for winter adventure tourism. [KNT]