Srinagar, February 2 : The Tourism Department Jammu and Kashmir in Gulmarg has strengthened its winter sports infrastructure with the commissioning of a new ski drag lift at Kongdori, a move aimed at easing congestion and improving learning conditions for beginners while supporting advanced skiers.
A new ski drag lift at Kongdori has been commissioned, adding capacity to Gulmarg winter sports infrastructure and improving access for beginners and trained skiers.
According to Kashmir News Service, the project was completed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.65 crore under Phase II development of the ski area. Officials said the lift will make skiing more accessible and reduce congestion on existing facilities.
The drag lift has a total track length of 726 meters with a vertical rise of 172 meters. The longer stretch allows skiers to complete extended runs and return quickly to the starting point. This benefits beginners who need repeated practice and trained skiers who prefer continuous movement.
The lift can carry around 380 skiers per hour and operates at a speed of 1.6 meters per second. It is supported by 19 towers and uses a 14 millimeter diameter rope. The system is powered by a 22.5 kilowatt motor. A total of 99 tow hangers are placed about 14.5 meters apart, helping reduce waiting time during peak hours.
Ashwani, an aspiring skier from Gujarat, said the length and slope allow professional skiers to train from the top. He added that beginners and intermediate skiers can start from mid sections and learn comfortably.
He said fresh snowfall allowed them to complete five to six runs since morning. He described the experience as excellent and said the new drag lift offers better skiing opportunities.
Tourism officials said the lift provides a steady and manageable ride for first time skiers. Experienced skiers can use it for faster access to higher Kongdori runs.
Local guides said the new lift improves the overall skiing experience by offering longer runs and smoother uphill movement. They added that such infrastructure is important to keep Gulmarg competitive as a winter tourism destination.
With the commissioning of the Kongdori drag lift, Gulmarg continues to expand its skiing facilities to meet growing demand from domestic and international visitors (KNS).
