Sonamarg, March 16, 2025 – The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports marked a historic milestone with the successful completion of its inaugural Method of Instruction Course in Skiing at the snow-covered slopes of Sonamarg. Held from February 22 to March 7, this 14-day intensive program trained aspiring instructors in advanced skiing techniques and teaching methodologies, reinforcing the region’s growing prominence in winter sports.
Led by Col. Hem Chandra Singh, Principal of JIM&WS, and renowned skier-mountaineer Everester Mahfooz Ilahi, the course attracted participants from across India, including three local talents from Jammu & Kashmir: Tajinder Singh, Mudasir Yaqoob Najar, and Tahir Shafi. The curriculum emphasized hands-on instruction, safety protocols, and skill development, equipping trainees to promote skiing nationwide.
Sonamarg, nestled in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, provided an ideal backdrop with its pristine snow-laden terrain. The initiative aligns with efforts to boost adventure tourism and winter sports in Jammu & Kashmir, a region with immense potential for skiing growth. The course’s conclusion has been hailed as a landmark achievement, setting the stage for future programs and solidifying Sonamarg’s place on India’s winter sports map.