January 15, 2019, Dehradun: In order to promote winter tourism in Uttarakhand, the tourism department has started skiing courses in the world famous Winter Destination, Auli. In accordance, the necessary actions have been started to organize the proposed ‘National Junior Skiing Contest 2019’ in February. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in association with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has begun their attractive skiing courses and packages, in the spirit of adventure in winters. This has also led to the repair of the ice/snow-making machine and the process of cultivating artificial snow has also started.
Shri Satpal Maharaj, Hon’ble Tourism Minister of Uttarakhand said, “Auli is known worldwide as the capital of winter sports. The State Government has planned that this centric theme can be propagated among tourists in the form of a prestigious winter destination with the help of the community. For this, vigorous promotions will take place on social media channels in addition to electronic and print media. The abundance of sunlight and fresh air that holds the winter in the hills, usually attracts tourists due to which Auli is not only developing as a center of adventure tourism but also as a tourist destination”.
Shri Dilip Jawalkar, IAS, Secretary Tourism said, “The process of making artificial snow through the snow guns has started. In order to ensure the proper maintenance for these machines, a maintenance contract with the French Company, POMA has been signed in December. Moreover the necessary approvals for organizing the National Skiing Contest for the Junior Class are in discussion and if all goes according to plan, the event will take place in February. This will be good for the State as additional efforts are also being made for organizing South Asian Skiing Contest in the coming year. This will really boost the Tourism sector”.
The Skiing courses in Auli are organized annually by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam under Ms. Jyoti Yadav, Managing Director (GMVN), who was shared her views on the same, “This year, two curses sub categorized as seven days and fourteen days as per the level of advancement are being organized. A total of 30 vacancies for seven-day course and 10 vacancies for fourteen-day course are available and all the trainees till now have enjoyed skiing to build up their skills”.
Kamal Kishore Joshi
Public Relations Officer
Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
