- Commendations for Local Hospitality at Inaugural Himalayan Freeride Event
Srinagar, Feb 13: The stunning slopes of Gulmarg were filled with excitement as international skiers from the United States, England, Australia, New Zealand, France, Japan, Hong Kong, Russia, and Nepal participated in the inaugural Himalayan Freeride Event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council.
This event was thoughtfully designed to offer participants a unique skiing experience, highlighting Gulmarg’s acclaimed slopes, famous for their pristine powder and demanding alpine landscapes. Skiers from various countries navigated the diverse terrain, demonstrating their skills while reveling in the distinctive challenges that position Gulmarg as a top winter sports destination.
In the men’s division, Sam (Australia), Roro (France), and François Mortier (United States) took the top three spots, while Virginia Michele Winstone (New Zealand), Laura (United States), and Melanie Anderson (Hong Kong) excelled in the women’s division.
A notable aspect of the event was an engaging session with international skiers and industry experts, where they discussed Gulmarg’s rising reputation as a global winter sports center. Topics included infrastructure enhancement, safety measures, environmental sustainability, and methods to attract more professional athletes and skiing enthusiasts to the area.
Athletes from abroad were particularly struck by the exceptional skiing opportunities in Gulmarg. Rebecca, an American skier, commented, “The powder snow combined with the stunning Himalayan backdrop is incomparable. There’s nowhere else that offers such a distinct and thrilling experience.”
Beyond the extraordinary skiing, the warm hospitality of the locals left a lasting impression on international participants. Many athletes expressed their appreciation for the kindness and generosity of the local community, noting how welcomed they felt. “The people of Gulmarg have shown incredible warmth and hospitality. Their kindness truly enhanced this experience,” shared Vermeil Sebastian, a skier from France.
Numerous participants expressed gratitude to the J&K Government for hosting such an esteemed event and pledged to promote Gulmarg as ambassadors in their home countries, hoping for even greater international participation in next year’s Himalayan Freeride Event.
Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, spoke at the awards ceremony, expressing pride in the positive feedback from foreign athletes regarding Gulmarg. He congratulated the winners and highlighted that this event is a pivotal step toward hosting significant international winter sports competitions in the region. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing Gulmarg’s status as a world-class winter sports destination.
Nuzhat Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, thanked all international participants for traveling from around the world to attend. She emphasized Gulmarg’s extraordinary slopes as a premier winter sports attraction and noted that the involvement of professional athletes from various countries would greatly enhance Gulmarg’s global reputation. She also expressed gratitude to the J&K Government for its constant support in developing the sports ecosystem in the region.
Following the remarkable success of the first Himalayan Freeride Event and the enthusiastic support from international skiers, Gulmarg is poised to become a leading destination for winter sports on the world stage.
