Warm February rings alarm bells for Kashmir tourism

Unusually warm weather this winter has triggered fresh concerns over the future of Kashmir’s winter tourism, with stakeholders urging the government to take early and coordinated steps to address the emerging challenge.

The Valley has witnessed abnormal temperatures this month. Last week, the Meteorological (MeT) Department recorded the highest-ever maximum temperature in Srinagar and Gulmarg, underscoring a worrying climatic shift.

In Gulmarg — Kashmir’s premier winter tourism destination — heatwave-like conditions during the recently concluded Khelo India Winter Games led to accelerated snowmelt. Authorities were compelled to make last-minute adjustments, including shifting events to higher altitudes and rescheduling competitions to earlier hours to preserve snow conditions.

Those associated with the tourism sector say the changing weather pattern is no longer an abstract concern but a visible reality impacting livelihoods.

Farooq Kuthoo, President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), said the developments demand immediate policy intervention. “During winters, we host large-scale winter tourism and sports activities. Given the changing weather patterns, we now need to formulate policies accordingly,” he said.

Kuthoo stressed that the government must bring all stakeholders on board to develop a long-term strategy. “Our tourism season typically continues till March, but the current rate of snowmelt is worrying. It should concern all of us,” he added.

The issue has also drawn attention at the highest level. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently advocated a shift towards artificial snow generation to safeguard the future of winter sports in the region. “The time has come for us to move towards artificial snow generation,” Abdullah said while addressing a gathering. “I understand concerns about water and electricity usage, but if we do not create this infrastructure, a day may come when we will not even be able to ski in Gulmarg — and that would be truly unfortunate.”

Industry players believe the broader conversation must extend beyond artificial snow and emergency measures. With climate change increasingly affecting seasonal patterns, they argue that sustainable tourism practices must become central to planning.

Mohammed Shoib, a Srinagar-based hotel owner, emphasised the need to prioritise eco-sensitive development. “The focus has to be on ecotourism. Special care must be taken to balance tourism growth with environmental conservation,” he said.

As Kashmir’s winter economy — built around snow sports, skiing, and seasonal hospitality — faces climatic uncertainty, stakeholders say the moment calls not for alarm, but for adaptation, innovation and sustainable planning.