India Postpones Winter Games Due to Low
Snowfall

India has postponed its national winter games, originally set to take place from February 22 to 25, 2025, in Gulmarg, Kashmir, due to a lack of sufficient snowfall. The Khelo India Winter Games, a major national event organized to promote winter sports, were expected to feature approximately 300 athletes competing in disciplines such as ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing. However, with key ski slopes in Gulmarg receiving far less snow than usual, organizers determined that the conditions were unsuitable for competition.

Typically, Gulmarg, a renowned winter sports destination, receives around seven to eight feet (approximately two meters) of snow by this time of year. This snowfall is essential for creating the necessary conditions for skiing and other snow-related events. However, this year’s unseasonably warm and dry weather has left the slopes with significantly less snow, making it impossible to hold the competition as planned. The decision to postpone the event was made after consultations with weather experts and local authorities.

The postponement of the winter games is part of a broader climate anomaly affecting Kashmir. The region has recorded a staggering 79% rainfall deficit this year, with February temperatures soaring 12 degrees Celsius above normal. This deviation from expected winter conditions is raising concerns not just for winter tourism but also for agriculture, a vital sector of Kashmir’s economy. Farmers and horticulturists, particularly those reliant on apple orchards and saffron cultivation, fear that the current hot and dry conditions could disrupt crop cycles and result in lower yields.

The reduced snowfall and high temperatures also pose ecological risks, including an increased likelihood of forest fires, shrinking water bodies, and the early melting of glaciers. These changes can have far-reaching consequences, from water shortages in the summer to adverse effects on the biodiversity of the region. Environmental experts warn that if these weather patterns persist, Kashmir's reputation as a prime winter sports hub could be at risk in the long run.

The Indian government and the event organizers have stated that they will reassess the situation and reschedule the games once snowfall levels improve. However, with climate change increasingly impacting weather patterns across South Asia, the future of winter sports in Kashmir remains uncertain.

In the meantime, weather forecasts for Gulmarg suggest that the situation may not improve drastically in the immediate future. While there is some snow expected in the coming days, the accumulation remains minimal, with only 1-3 cm predicted in the short term. This is far from the levels needed to create optimal skiing conditions.

This development serves as a reminder of how climate change is reshaping landscapes and activities that were once considered stable. As the region grapples with these changes, authorities, environmentalists, and local communities will need to explore adaptive measures to ensure both the sustainability of winter tourism and the livelihoods that depend on it.