According to reports, the Ladakh administration will set up a snow ski institute along with other adventure sports facilities in the Kargil district. This will bear a strong resemblance to Gulmarg’s Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM).

The institute is being set up to promote winter sports in the Union Territory

A spokesperson mentioned that this decision was taken at a meeting that included Feroz Ahmad Khan, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Kargil. It was also attended by Colonel J S Dhillon, Principal of IISM-Gulmarg.

“A winter sports institute would be established in Kargil district on the lines of IISM Gulmarg. It was also decided to identify and earmark snow ski slopes at Naktul area near Kargil town, Lamochan and Goshan area in Drass besides Sankoo and Panikhar areas,” said the spokesperson.

Colonel Dhillon informed people present at the meeting that he has been deputed by the Union Ministry of Tourism to submit a detailed report with respect to the winter tourism potential of Ladakh UT. This report will help in setting up winter sports and adventure sports through IISM.

The meeting discussed the identification of suitable places for winter and adventure tourism

Khan assured that he would direct the authorities of the revenue department to identify land at the suggested areas. Apart from this, he will submit the report to the Tourism ministry in the coming future.

The meeting also decided to organise snow ski camps for around 100 boys and girls in the district this year. Colonel Dhillon assured that their team will provide skis and other equipment needed for the coaching camps and workshops. He also requested Khan to send a letter regarding this to the Tourism Ministry.

The Principal also assured that the skis and equipment would reach Kargil well before the Srinagar-Leh national highway is closed. This will help set up the proposed camps in due course of time.

Furthermore, it was decided a national level ice hockey championship will be organised by IISM at Drass Ice Hockey Rink.

Also, other than skiing and ice hockey, adventure sports like hiking, rock climbing, mountaineering, and trekking would be explored in the district. These activities can then attract adventure enthusiasts from across India and abroad. Also, this will give rise to employment opportunities.

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