Shopian and Kupwara could soon become a skiing hub according Winter Games Association of J&K (WGAJK), who are mulling introducing snow sports in these two regions.
A four member delegation of WGAJK led by President WGAJK Mohammad Abbas Wani, with the help of some local youths surveyed Dubjan, Hirpura, Begum Pathri and other areas in district Shiopian.
Abass Wani said that these youths showed keen interest in introducing snow sports in southern districts of Kashmir.
He added that many areas of the district remain snowbound in the winter and has great scope for snow sports.
“Snow clearance is the only problem here from Dubjan onwards and up to Dubjan it remains open,” he said.
General Secretary WGAJK Mohammad Yousuf said that Hirpura has good slopes for all levels of skiers but it has no accessibility due to heavy snowfall.
“District administration needs to gear up and this slope just needs a ski lift and a groomer and that will turn Shopian district into a ski hub,” he said.
“It also has great potential for other snow sports like snowshoeing and snow tubing etc,” he said.
He added that in the second phase the survey committee shall visit Kupwara.The Secretary J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul has already advised the Association to find out the possibility of introducing snow sports in other resorts.