GILGIT: As snow blankets the majestic peaks of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the region has come alive with a vibrant display of winter sports activities, providing a much-needed escape from the biting cold to locals and tourists alike.

The tourism department in collaboration with local communities and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) is currently organising ice sports competitions in various areas of the region.

On Friday, a two-day intra-district ice hockey tournament concluded in Sultanabad village of Yasen in the Ghizer district.

Yasen is situated approximately 148 kilometres (92 miles) from Gilgit city in the Hindukush mountain ranges.

The event was organised by the Ghizer district administration in collaboration with the tourism department and the Snow-capped Adventure Club.

It featured male and female teams from all across the district.

Ghizer Flyers Khalti emerged victorious in the male ice hockey category with Yasen Janbaz as the runner-up.

In the female category, Yasen Janbaz clinched the trophy, outplaying their competitor Phander Ibex.

The event’s chief guests distributed trophies and prizes among the winner and runner-up teams and players.

Moreover, traditional games, food stalls and musical performances of local artists drew thousands, creating a joyful atmosphere.

The event was also attended by Ghizer Acting Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ali Zafar and Yasen Assistant Commissioner Hussain Shah as chief guests.

Separately, a two-day Winter Sports Festival, organised by the district administration in collaboration with the tourism department and Pakistan Army concluded in Astore’s Gorikot.

In the final of the ice football competition, Gorikot defeated Shonter Club by a margin of four goals while in the ice volleyball match the district administration defeated the police by three to one.

Iqra Public School emerged victorious in the ice polo competition.

On the sidelines of the event, tug-of-war competitions also exhilarated the locals as artists danced to the tunes of traditional music.

Astore Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tariq said events like these were essential to promoting winter tourism in the valley.

He said more events would be held in the upper areas of the valley so that people there could also have access to entertainment opportunities.

In Hunza, the Karakoram Winterlude Season 7 is currently underway. The colourful event kicked off at Altit on January 11 amid fanfare.

Moreover, the tourism department has announced a seven-day “Frozen Fairytale Winter Feast 2025” in Hunza and Skardu from January 19.

Organisers said the events will thrill spectators amid freezing temperatures.

Addressing a press conference in Gilgit city, Tourism and Culture Secretary Zamir Abbas flanked by Director Iqbal Hussain said the GB government in collaboration with local communities and NGOs had been organising winter festivals for the last three years.

He said the events aimed to promote winter tourism and provide opportunities for local players to enhance their skills besides providing entertainment opportunities to locals.

Zamir Abbas said the events also benefited the local economy.

“In various areas, local communities have been organising winter sports events on a self-help basis which was encouraging.

He said the Frozen Fairytale Winter Feast 2025’s third edition will be held in Hussainabad, Skardu and Murtazaabad, Hunza.

Zamir Abbas also said similar events were underway in 10 districts; however, players from nearby districts will take part in the upcoming mega events.

He said the events will feature traditional games, ice hockey, ice football, polo, ice skating, ice curling, musical nights and traditional food stalls.

The tourism secretary said scores of national and international tourists were expected to join the events.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2025