The Skiing resort of Gulmarg in Kashmir valley has been turned into a big canvas by the budding artists assembled there to create “ice sculptures” and other art forms. Braving sub zero temperature conditions these artists have already started working on different themes to give shape to their imagination.

To facilitate these artists the Department of Tourism has come forward to ensure they get a stimulating environment during the four day long competition. The department has also kept ready large ice blocks for the participants to ensure they are able to carve out the shape as per their chosen themes. 

In the competition over 30 participants drawn from various districts of the Kashmir valley, both amateur and professional sculptures, are participating. On Wednesday Director Tourism, Kashmir Nisar Wani flagged off the participants from TRC, Srinagar. The special camp was organised to attract tourists  and promote the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.

 “Adventurists and nature lovers throng these picturesque resorts during winter carnival every year. This year we also decided to organise a snow sculpting competition to give a platform to the budding artists from different parts of kashmir valley”, a senior officer of the Tourism department said.

The theme of the four day long camp is depicting culture,heritage, life and nature of  Jammu and Kashmir.

Director Tourism Nisar Wani Wednesday said, “a four-day snow sculpting competition, aimed at providing a platform to budding artists in Kashmir, began on Wednesday in the famous skiing resort of Gulmarg”.

“The four-day competition will also provide an opportunity to amateur artists to learn from professionals who are part of this event. We are also planning to develop an ice park and promote this tourism product in a big way,” he said.

Nisar Wani said, “Kashmir is blessed with a natural and advantageous geographical environment for ice and snow tourism which the department will promote to attract tourists to this snow art during winter months”.