Chill back after fresh snowfall in Manali

MC Thakur

Manali, February 21

Wintry conditions got revived as the entire upper Manali region experienced a fresh spell of snowfall today, while the snowfall in the lower parts was mild.

The ski slopes of the Solang valley, which are used for different skiing courses by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, also experienced a fresh spell of snowfall. The snowfall on the ski slopes brought cheer to the faces of winter sports lovers as now the slopes had enough snow for the skiing courses.

A group of tourists from Gujrat, who came for their holiday to Kullu-Manali, said it was amazing to see fresh snow in Solang valley at this time when the plains in India had started warming up. It was also a dream that had come true for us to see the fresh snowfall. People connected with tourism industry expected a rise in tourist arrival.

Due to the fresh spell of snowfall, the upper Manali areas were in the grip of a severe cold wave. Icy winds lashed the region throughout the day bringing down the day temperature.

The entire higher reaches in the Kullu valley, including the 13,050-ft-high Rohtang Pass, the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti district, the Pir Panjal ranges, Marhi meadows, Gulaba, Kothi, Dhundi, Bhrighu slopes, Hamta slopes and Chanderkhani pass, also experienced fresh snowfall. The 14,000-ft Bhrigu ski slopes and the 12,000-ft-high Hamta ski slopes, famous for helicopter-skiing, also received heavy snowfall.