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Gulmarg soon be known for heli-skiing, adventure rides: Omar amid inability to announce new dates for KIWG 2025

Gulmarg soon be known for heli-skiing, adventure rides: Omar amid inability to announce new dates for KIWG 2025

Admin February 23, 2025 0

Srinagar, Feb 23: Amid inability to announce new dates for Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)-2025, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that Gulmarg will soon become a premier destination for heli-skiing and adventure rides.

"The government is not in a position to announce new dates for Khelo India Winter Games," Omar Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of an inaugural function of a year-round helicopter service in Gulmarg.

The second leg of the Khelo Indian Winter Games 2025 was earlier scheduled to be held in Gulmarg earlier this month. However the event was postponed due to less snowfall.  

The administration is monitoring the snowfall situation," he said.

He said that experts from the Ski Federation will also assess the slopes in the coming days, and if they approve, the games could be held in the first week of March.


"As of now, we are not in a position to make any announcements. If we receive adequate snowfall, the games will take place in early March; otherwise, it won t be feasible due to the approaching summer," he said.

The Chief Minister said that the helicopter service will promote heli-skiing  and also offer tourists a unique sightseeing experience. "Soon, Gulmarg will be recognized as a premier destination for heli adventures alongside the famous Gondola rides," he said.

He said the helicopter service will operate throughout the year, allowing visitors to enjoy scenic aerial views.

The Chief Minister revealed that the government is in talks with private investors to enhance Gulmarg s ski infrastructure.

Additionally, plans are underway to develop the Gondola further, with new cable car projects in the pipeline, he said.

Omar however refused to comment, on the upcoming budget session.

"I will address the issue on March 7 of 2025," he said. (KNO)

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