Gulmarg: The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Gulmarg, has successfully concluded its first Snow Skiing Course of the 2025–26 season, marking a significant step in strengthening winter sports training and adventure tourism in India.
The course was conducted under the leadership of Col. I. S. Thapa, SM, VSM and MID, Principal, IISM, and witnessed participation from across the country. A total of 88 trainees completed the programme, including 80 participants in the Basic course, six in the Intermediate course and two in the Advanced course.
Highlighting the growing national interest in snow sports, all six Snow Skiing courses scheduled for the season were fully booked online within just three minutes and 22 seconds.
The graduation ceremony was attended by Mr. Tariq Hussain, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer, Gulmarg Development Authority, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the trainees and faculty, he emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism practices and ecological conservation, particularly in environmentally sensitive destinations such as Gulmarg.
During the ceremony, certificates and awards were presented to the successful trainees. An IISM memento was also presented to the Chief Guest by Ms. Renu Bamrara, Assistant Director, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Reaffirming its mandate, IISM reiterated its commitment to training youth in adventure and mountaineering skills, promoting responsible tourism, and creating employment opportunities for local communities, while positioning Gulmarg as a premier winter sports destination in the country.
