Tourist vehicles at snowcovered ski resort in Gulmarg during fresh snowfall in Gulmarg on December 21, 2025. Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
The much-awaited snowfall at the most popular tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday brought joy and happiness to the tourists as well as stakeholders in the tourism industry. The wet weather also ended a long and alarming drought in Kashmir.
The tourist ‘golden triangle’ of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg recorded around two to five inches of snow during Sunday (December 21, 2025). Tourists were mesmerized by the thick white snow cover, which set the stage for Christmas and New Year celebrations and winter sports in the valley.
The beautification of St Mary’s Church in Gulmarg, built in 1902, is underway, officials said. Hundreds of tourists come to Gulmarg every year to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Tourists enjoy the snowy ski resort of Gulmarg during fresh snow in Gulmarg Famous ski resort 55 km from Srinagar, December 21, 2025. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
A long dry spell has threatened skiing in Gulmarg, an accolade earned for Alpine-like powder snow. “In recent years, the number of ski days at the winter destination of Gulmarg has decreased due to low snowfall. However, the fresh snow will allow ski enthusiasts from India and abroad to take up the high-adrenaline sport again,” said skier Khawar Javaid.
The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg has registered several groups of skiers from across the country this winter. Officials in Gulmarg expected an increase in the footfall of foreign tourists after the snowfall.
A snowy lodge in Gulmarg during fresh snowfall in Gulmarg famous ski resort 55 km from Srinagar, December 21, 2025. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
Jalaal Jeelani, an adventure sports enthusiast, said that fresh snow has finally graced Gulmarg, lifting spirits after a worrying dry season. “Winter is the backbone of adventure tourism and sustainable livelihoods. Snow is the fuel that keeps hotels alive, guides and ponies busy, gondola rides humming and local markets breathing in the harsh months,” said Mr. Jeelani, adding that snowfall in the headwaters and surrounding mountains has brought immense relief and joy not only to Gulmarg but also to tourism-dependent communities in Kashmir.
At Apharwat and Kongdori stations in Gulmarg at an altitude of about 4,390 meters, many tourists were seen playing in the snow and making reels for social media platforms. Sonamarg also saw enthusiastic tourists enjoying the snowfall.
A man walks under an umbrella in gulmarg during fresh snow in the famous ski resort of gulmarg 55 km from srinagar on December 21, 2025. Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
“Snowfall gives a fairytale look to the landscape. I am witnessing snowfall for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience,” said Kavita Sharma, a tourist from Delhi.
Tourism in Kashmir took a hit in April after the terror attack at Pahalgam’s Baisaran Meadows in which 26 tourists were killed. The incident has halved the number of tourists in Kashmir this year, which was expected to reach a record 26 million tourists in 2024. Security has been beefed up in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg following the attack. Following a security audit, additional security measures were put in place, including more checkpoints and bunkers.
Fresh snow in Kashmir also came on the first day of Chillai Kalan, a 40-day harsh winter. The day is also celebrated as ‘Pheran Day’ to celebrate the traditional woolen robes that the locals wear during winter.
Tourists enjoy the snowy ski resort of Gulmarg during fresh snow in Gulmarg Famous ski resort 55 km from Srinagar, December 21, 2025. | Photo credit: IMRAN NISSAR
Fifteen flights were canceled due to inclement weather at Srinagar airport. The Srinagar Meteorological Department has predicted light snowfall in some parts of the valley on Monday (December 22, 2025).
Published – 21 Dec 2025 20:29 IST
