GULMARG, Jammu & Kashmir — The scenic hill station of Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir woke up to a fresh covering of snow today, heralding the early onset of the winter season in the region. The resort town, nestled amidst the Pir Panjal range, turned into a white wonderland overnight as temperatures dropped and snowflakes began to settle.
Local tourism operators welcomed the snowfall as a positive sign for the upcoming winter sports season. For many, Gulmarg depends on consistent snowfall from December through March for skiing, snowboarding and winter tourism, with the snow-covered slopes being a major draw. skigulmarg.com
Authorities said the weather change followed forecasts of cooler temperatures and precipitation. While specific snowfall depths were not immediately released, recent regional reports indicate snowfall has been recorded in parts of the valley including Gulmarg and neighbouring areas. www.ndtv.com+1
Tourists and locals were seen taking early walks on snow-dust-covered meadows, and many photographers were quickly capturing the pristine scenes of the slopes, pine-lined paths and frozen panoramas. Winter sport operators hope this snowfall bodes well for the coming weeks.
Cautions & Outlook:
- With fresh snow comes the need for preparedness: slopes may be icy or uneven, so visitors are advised to use proper equipment and heed local advisories.
- Weather models suggest that while snowfall has occurred, the overall snow depth and consistency are still to be monitored. Snow Forecast
- The early arrival of snow is good news for the tourism sector, but sustained snow-cover will be key to a successful season for ski resorts and related businesses.
As winter settles in, Gulmarg is poised to welcome holidaymakers seeking the season’s first powder. Locals say this is the moment when the valley begins to don its “winter coat” — a transformation that many eagerly look forward to.
