Feroz Ahmad Khan, CEC, Hill Council, Kargil convened a meeting to establish a snow ski institute and adventure with Colonel J S Dhillon, Principal, Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering, Gulmarg on November 3.

Director Tourism Ladakh, Kunzes Angmo; AD Tourism Kargil, Aga Syed Taha, members of Ladakh Ski and Snow Board Association besides other concerned officers were present in the meeting.

Colonel J. S Dhillon informed that he has been deputed by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to submit a detailed report regarding the winter tourism potential in Ladakh. The aim is to introduce winter and adventure sports through the Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering.

A winter sports institute will be established in Kargil district on the lines of Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering, Gulmarg. Discussion was held on the identification and earmarking of snow ski slopes in the district at Naktul area near Kargil town, Lamochan, and Goshan area in Drass besides Sankoo and Panikhar areas.

Also, a discussion on the identification of suitable sites for winter and adventure tourism was carried out. 

Feroz Khan assured that he will direct the concerned authorities of the Revenue Department to identify land at the suggested areas and submit the report to the Ministry of Tourism in the coming days.

The meeting also decided to organise snow ski camps for at least 100 boys and girls in the district this year. Principal IISM assured the CEC that they will provide skis and other equipment needed for the coaching camps and workshops. He requested the CEC to send a letter to the Ministry of Tourism, GOI.

Accommodation and other facilities for the trainers and coaches of these camps would be taken care of by the LAHDC, Kargil.

National level Ice Hockey championship will be organised by IISM at Drass this winter season. It was further decided that other than Snow Ski and Ice Hockey, Adventure Sports like Hiking, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, trekking, etc. shall be explored in Kargil district so that a maximum number of adventure sports lovers from India and abroad come here and more employment opportunities can be created for the unemployed youth.

Later, Colonel J. S Dhillon visited the Drass area, Naktul Slopes, and Sankoo area.