Srinagar, July 30: A delegation comprising representatives of the SnowShoe Federation of India (SSFI), J&K SnowShoe Association and the World SnowShoe Federation called on the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, on Wednesday and discussed a wide range of issues aimed at strengthening winter sports and positioning Jammu & Kashmir as India’s premier SnowShoe destination.
The delegation comprised Abid Hussain Secretary General, SnowShoe Federation of India, Dr. Altaf-ur-Rehman General Secretary J&K SnowShoe Association, and Gulzar Khan International SnowShoe Athlete and Marathon Runner.
Proposal to Make J&K India’s SnowShoe Capital
The delegation submitted a comprehensive proposal seeking the integration of SnowShoe Walking, Hiking and Running into Jammu & Kashmir’s Winter Tourism Policy. It highlighted that SnowShoe activities require minimal infrastructure and investment compared to skiing while offering immense potential for tourism, recreation and employment generation.
The delegation proposed developing dedicated SnowShoe trails across destinations including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Doodhpathri, Yousmarg, Gurez, Lolab, Bhaderwah and other snow-bound regions to diversify winter tourism beyond traditional skiing.
International Festival and Tourism Initiatives Proposed
To establish Jammu & Kashmir as an international SnowShoe destination, the delegation proposed the creation of an annual Kashmir International SnowShoe Festival on the lines of Italy’s world-famous La Ciaspolada event. The proposed festival would include international races, family snow walks, school competitions, cultural programmes and exhibitions of local handicrafts and cuisine.
The delegation also recommended establishing SnowShoe rental facilities through hotels, tourism centres and local entrepreneurs while requesting Government support for district-level SnowShoe festivals and restoration of SnowShoe Running as a Host Choice Sport in the Khelo India Winter Games.
J&K’s Growing Legacy in SnowShoe Sports
Highlighting Jammu & Kashmir’s contribution to the sport, the delegation informed the Chief Minister that the SnowShoe Federation of India was established in Gulmarg and that 10 National SnowShoe Championships have been hosted in Kashmir, including the last three editions in Sonamarg in collaboration with the Tourism Department.
These championships have attracted athletes from nearly 20 States and Union Territories, reinforcing Jammu & Kashmir’s position as the country’s leading SnowShoe destination while promoting winter tourism and local economic activity.
Demand for Athletes’ Hostel and Winter Sports Excellence Centre for Skiers
The delegation also urged the Chief Minister to establish a dedicated Athletes’ Hostel in Gulmarg to provide affordable accommodation for winter sports athletes during training.
It further requested the Government to expedite the completion and operationalization of the long-pending Winter Sports Excellence Centre, envisioned as a common high-performance training facility for skiing, snowboarding, SnowShoe Running and other winter sports disciplines. The delegation emphasized that such infrastructure is essential for restoring Jammu & Kashmir’s dominance in winter sports at the national level.
Invitation to World SnowShoe Championship 2027
During the meeting, the delegation formally presented an invitation from the World SnowShoe Federation inviting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to attend the World SnowShoe Championship 2027, scheduled to be held on January 5, 2027, in Fondo, Trentino, Italy, as part of the prestigious 53rd La Ciaspolada festival.
The Championship is expected to bring together athletes and officials from over 40 countries, while La Ciaspolada itself attracts more than 5,000 participants annually, making it the world’s largest SnowShoe event. The invitation expressed hope that the Chief Minister’s presence would further strengthen global ties in winter sports and showcase Jammu & Kashmir’s immense potential as an international winter tourism destination.
Chief Minister Assured Consideration
The delegation said the Chief Minister gave a patient hearing to all the issues raised and appreciated the initiatives being undertaken for the promotion of SnowShoe sports in Jammu & Kashmir. The members expressed optimism that the Government would positively consider the proposals, which they believe can generate tourism, create employment, strengthen winter sports infrastructure and establish Jammu & Kashmir as India’s undisputed hub for SnowShoe activities.
