Ganderbal, January 20,2026 The Tourism Department is actively nurturing young skiing talent in Sonamarg, an emerging winter sports and tourism destination, opening new career avenues for local youth and strengthening the region’s tourism potential.
Through structured training programmes and professional coaching, young skiers from Sonamarg and nearby areas are being introduced to winter sports at an early age. The initiative aims to identify talent, build skills, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities linked with adventure tourism.
Officials said Sonamarg is steadily gaining recognition as one of the country’s promising winter sports destinations, complementing established hubs like Gulmarg. With its vast snow-covered slopes and scenic landscape, Sonamarg holds immense potential to attract domestic and international tourists.
Local residents have welcomed the initiative, saying it will directly benefit the community by creating employment opportunities in skiing, guiding, hospitality, and allied tourism services. “When local youth are trained, they become stakeholders in tourism growth,” an official said.
The programme aligns with the broader vision of Naya Kashmir, Badalta Kashmir, reflecting a shift towards youth empowerment, sports promotion, and economic self-reliance. By investing in local talent, the Tourism Department aims to ensure inclusive development and long-term benefits for the region.
The initiative is also expected to boost winter tourism, extend tourist seasons, and position Sonamarg as a key adventure tourism destination on the national map.
