Russian skier dead, six rescued after avalanche hits Gulmarg

Officials said the avalanche site is located far from the Kongdoori area, where the Fourth Khelo India Winter Games are currently underway. The ongoing sporting events remain unaffected by the incident

Rescue operation underway after avalanche hits ski resort, in Gulmarg on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

A Russian national died and six others were rescued on Thursday after an avalanche hit the upper reaches of Kashmir’s Gulmarg while they were skiing.

“Despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, one Russian skier tragically lost his life due to the avalanche. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” the local administration said in a statement.

VIDEO | Army conducts rescue operation in J&K’s Gulmarg after an avalanche hit a ski-resort earlier today. pic.twitter.com/6Y8Z7eJF1n

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 22, 2024

Officials said the avalanche site is located far from the Kongdoori area, where the Fourth Khelo India Winter Games are currently underway. The ongoing sporting events remain unaffected by the incident.

The Tourism Department’s Gulmarg Ski Patrol and the Jammu and Kashmir Police rescued five Russian skiers and a guide from the area known as Army Ridge.

One of the rescued skiers sustained minor injuries, but is in stable condition and is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Russian embassy in New Delhi confirmed that one Russian national was dead, and said it was in constant touch with local authorities. In a release, the embassy said, “The avalanche was triggered by the heavy snowfall observed in the region since February 17. On February 21, a medium danger level avalanche warning was issued for Baramulla district, J&K.”

📌 The Embassy of #Russia in #India maintains constant contact with the local authorities.

The avalance was triggered by the heavy snowfall observed in the region since February 17. On February 21, a medium danger level avalanche warning was issued for #Baramulla district, J&K. https://t.co/L0LBepa59v

— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) February 22, 2024

Meanwhile, former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah said on X, “…It appears the skiers were skiing off the piste or groomed slopes in the ‘back country’. Days like today remind us that while skiing is fun, the fresh powder exhilarating & the visuals spectacular, skiing is not without its dangers & risk to lives. Praying that all the missing skiers are found alive & the reports of a casualty end up being unfounded.”

– With ENS, New Delhi

Naveed Iqbal

Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More

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