Gurez, Jan 30: Amid nearly four feet of snowfall and prolonged winter isolation, snow cricket and skiing have returned to the frozen grounds of the remote Gurez Valley along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir. Local youth and the administration have come together to promote winter sports and tourism in the border region.
Officials said that a series of winter sports activities, including snow cricket, football and skiing, are being organised on snow-covered and frozen grounds to attract tourists and provide recreational opportunities to local youth.
The Gurez remains cut off from the rest of Kashmir during winter due to heavy snowfall on the Bandipora–Gurez road, the only surface link to the valley.
“Gurez has immense potential for winter sports as it remains under thick snow cover for several months every year. Like previous years, locals have taken the initiative to organise snow cricket and football tournaments, along with skiing courses. The administration is providing all necessary support,” an official said.
Snow cricket has emerged as a winter tradition in the valley, with matches played on compacted snow fields, surrounded by snow-laden mountains. Despite harsh weather and isolation, residents continue to organise annual tournaments, turning the frozen landscape into a vibrant sporting arena.
“We wait for this season all year. Playing cricket on snow keeps us active and motivated during long winters,” said Irfan Ahmad, a local youth cricketer. “It gives young people something positive to look forward to when roads remain closed for months.”
The tournaments, supported by the Indian Army, have drawn participation from across the valley and are seen as a symbol of resilience in the border region. Army personnel have also initiated basic snow skiing training programmes for local youth.
“Skiing here feels natural because snow is part of our life,” said Mohammad Shafi, a trainee skier from Gurez. “If proper facilities are developed, many youngsters here can excel in winter sports.”
Residents, however, said sustained government intervention was needed to develop Gurez as a winter sports destination. They said infrastructure, regular sporting events and promotion could help the valley remain attractive even during winter.
“If places like Gulmarg can host winter events, Gurez should not be left behind. We have the terrain and the snow,” said a local organiser.
Officials said arrangements were being made to ensure the smooth conduct of all activities, adding that tourism had shown gradual growth with active community participation. Helicopter services between Bandipora and Gurez have also been initiated to maintain winter connectivity.
With snow cricket matches underway and skis gliding over frozen slopes, the valley once again stands out as a high-altitude border valley turning winter adversity into sporting opportunity—(KNO)
