Gulmarg: As another spell of snow graces the picturesque slopes of Gulmarg, the Department of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K has launched its 2nd Skiing Training Course for girls from various districts of J&K. The course started on Wednesday, following the successful completion of the inaugural course for 50 boys earlier this week.
This new initiative, aimed at training young girls in the adventurous sport of skiing, marks another milestone in the Department’s ambitious plans to promote winter sports across the Union Territory. The training, taking place amidst Gulmarg’s world-renowned skiing slopes, offers a unique opportunity for students from districts like Udhampur, Reasi, Kuthua, Ramban, Samba, Kupwara, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Bandipora, and Budgam, to develop their skiing skills under professional guidance.
Commissioner Secretary YSS Sarmad Hafeez, and Director General YSS, Rajinder Singh Tara, have played pivotal roles in shaping and executing these training programmes. Their guidance has ensured that the Department is not only providing top-tier training but also fostering an atmosphere of environmental responsibility. DG YSS urged the trainees to not only focus on learning the technical aspects of skiing but also to be conscious of preserving the natural beauty of Gulmarg by minimizing any environmental impact.
“Our goal is not just to introduce these young students to the sport of skiing but to imbue them with a sense of responsibility towards the environment and their surroundings,” DG said.
This initiative is part of a larger plan by YSS to organize 5 specialized skiing courses this season, catering to both boys and girls from various districts. While speaking about the lodging facilities arranged for the trainees and trainers, Hilal Ahmed Shah Incharge Hutments YSS Gulmarg has said that the best possible lodging and dining facilities for the students, have been ensured so that the student trainees feel comfortable and well-supported during these courses.
The upcoming courses are expected to draw participation from more districts across the UT, further broadening the scope of this transformative initiative.
This year’s skiing courses are part of a broader effort by the YSS to promote winter sports in Jammu & Kashmir and position the Kashmir as a global winter sports hub. The Department has already begun expanding its efforts to reach other iconic tourist destinations in Kashmir, with future plans to introduce skiing courses in areas like Pahalgam, Yousmarg and Sonamarg. This will give students from across the UT access to world-class facilities and expert training, while also boosting tourism and the local economy.
To ensure the highest standards of training, the YSS has enlisted a team of highly skilled and certified instructors to guide the trainees. The instructors bring a wealth of experience to the course, ensuring that the students are trained in the most effective and professional manner. Among the dedicated team are Course Incharge Muzamil Ahmad Dar, Qadeer Ahmad, Shah Faisal, Masooda, Yasmeena, and other experienced staff including Sajid Ahmad Sofi, Fayaz Ahmad Dhobi, M Abid Bhat, Tanveer Ahmad, and M Ashraf Bhat.
Each instructor brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the programme, making sure that every student, regardless of their initial skill level, is able to progress and master the basics of skiing. The comprehensive nature of the course, which covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of the sport, is designed to ensure that every participant leaves the training with newfound confidence and competence in skiing.
Over the years, the Department of Youth Services and Sports has organized similar courses for students from various educational institutions throughout Jammu & Kashmir. The aim is not only to teach winter sports but also to inspire young people to pursue a healthier, active lifestyle.
