Gulmarg is known as the world’s third-highest ski resort at an elevation of 3950 metres. The awe-inspiring location is known around the world for its majestic Apharwat (4390m) peak and powdery snow runs, the longest ski slope in Asia.
Despite having a penchant for adventurous sports and being a native, I had never visited Gulmarg during the frosty winters till recently.
I was selected by my university–Islamic University of Science and Technology–where I am currently pursuing a postgraduate programme in Journalism and Mass Communication . I was among the 12 lucky selectees to participate in a 14-day long basic skiing course, which began on March 3 and culminated on March 18, 2022.
On the first day of the course, when I wore a pair of ski boots, weighing approximately 5-8 kg each shoe, I found it difficult to walk in these heavy shoes and began taking baby steps. But after a couple of days, I realised that I have to live with these weighty pair of shoes for more or less next two weeks.
Next day carrying ski’s and poles(two sticks to balance body) on our shoulders, we left our hotel at around half past 9 am and walked in a single file towards a baby slope(beginner’s slope).
Ghulam Nabi Reshi, a middle aged trainer sporting chevron moustache and roughly 5.5” tall, was waiting for us near the slope. He gave us a rundown about the history of skis and helped us to put them on.
He asked us to move in circular motions with skis . As we began, I fell on the ground clumsily. But I enjoyed the fun and felt a temptation to go for a run.
When we were taken to the top of a baby slope it was hard to stand there. As we crashed into the powdery snow, it caused a laughing roit.
Reshi instructed us how to maintain balance by putting pressure on the inner edges of your skis. In next few days, I learnt the game. And gradually as my confidence grew, I took long runs.
Now, the more steeper slopes, such 85 degree and Highland slopes piqued my interest. These slopes are meant for skilled skiers. As I was better off than others, I was allowed by our trainer to ski on these slopes.
On the last day of our course, I also skied on the Phase 1, a kilometer long steep location where only professional skiers ski.
Each time, I skied down the slopes, the icy winds of Gulmarg serenaded my face and a strange feeling would overtake me.
On the last day of the course, our Vice Chancellor, Shakeel A. Romshoo showed up and felicitated the three top skiers with trophies. And then then he sprang the surprise when he said :
” …And the first prize goes to Arjumand from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication”.
