Ladakh is preparing to emerge as India’s next major winter sports destination, supported by its unique geography, extreme cold climate, and strong local enthusiasm for adventure sports. The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh is taking several steps to build the infrastructure and facilities needed to attract national and international winter sports lovers, while also promoting tourism and boosting the livelihoods of local residents.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level meeting in Leh to review development projects related to winter sports in Drass and Zanskar. The meeting was attended by key officials, including LAHDC Kargil Chairman Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Executive Councillor Er. Punchok Tashi, senior government officers, and representatives from the Ski Association and Zanskar Ski School. The focus of the discussion was on building sustainable winter sports infrastructure and improving connectivity in remote areas.
The administration plans to set up a state-of-the-art Winter Sports Academy and install Chair Lift and Ski Drag Lift facilities to make Ladakh a leading hub for winter adventure activities like skiing and ice hockey. These initiatives are expected to not only boost tourism during the winter months but also open up employment and business opportunities for local people.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the ongoing projects supported by the Government of India, including chilling plants for artificial ice rinks at NDS Stadium in Leh and in Kargil. These facilities will enable year-round practice for players and help local athletes prepare for national and international events such as the Winter Olympics.
Efforts are also being made to organise annual winter sports events under the Khelo India Winter Games banner, focusing on sports like ice hockey and skiing. The administration aims to position Ladakh alongside destinations such as Gulmarg, which is already known for its winter sports tourism.
Officials from Ronmas Pvt. India, the consultancy firm handling the project, informed that the first phase will include the installation of Chair Lift and Ski Drag Lift, while the second phase will focus on developing the Winter Sports Academy.
The local representatives from LAHDC Kargil and sports associations have expressed strong support for these initiatives, seeing them as a major opportunity to promote Ladakh’s youth talent and strengthen the region’s economy through winter tourism. With these plans in motion, Ladakh is set to become the country’s new centre for winter sports excellence.
