Russian skier killed, 4 others rescued in Gulmarg avalanche accident (Lead)
Russian Skier Killed in Avalanche at Gulmarg Ski Resort
Srinagar, Feb 22 (IANS) – A tragic incident occurred at the Gulmarg ski resort in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday as a Russian skier lost his life in an avalanche. Fortunately, 4 others, including 3 Russians and a local guide, were rescued from the treacherous snow.
According to officials, the group of skiers had ventured out to Afarwat heights in Gulmarg ski resort when disaster struck in the form of an avalanche. The harrowing incident resulted in the death of a male Russian skier, while the others were fortunate to escape with their lives.
The region has witnessed heavy snowfall in the past few days, further enhancing the appeal of winter sports at Gulmarg ski resort. This has attracted numerous skiers and adventure enthusiasts to the area, aiming to make the most of the pristine, snow-covered landscapes.
Inaugurating the 4th Khelo India national snow sports event at Gulmarg, J&K Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha, emphasized the significance of promoting winter sports in the region. However, the unfortunate incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers posed by the volatile weather conditions in the area.
The tragic loss of the Russian skier highlights the perils that come with pursuing adventure sports in such challenging terrains. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the need for caution and preparedness when venturing into the mountains, especially during periods of heavy snowfall and potential avalanche threats.
The authorities and local officials are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances leading to the avalanche and explore measures to enhance safety protocols for skiers and adventure enthusiasts visiting the region.
As the Gulmarg ski resort continues to attract visitors with its snowy appeal, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness when engaging in winter sports in these picturesque yet perilous landscapes.