Gulmarg, once a winter wonderland, is facing a harsh reality. The snow that used to blanket its slopes for months is now scarce, and the seasons seem to be shrinking. People are wondering: where are the snows of yesteryear?

The government is taking action to save the resort. Last year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned that erratic snowfall could turn Gulmarg's skiing legacy into memory. Europe and Japan have already turned to artificial snow and innovative infrastructure to extend their skiing seasons. Kashmir can't afford to fall behind.

The goal is clear: reduce reliance on natural snowfall and make skiing a year-round activity. To achieve this, the J&K Cable Car Corporation Ltd has invited bids for consultants to create a detailed project report and tender documents for an artificial snow-making system at Kongdori, a valley near Gulmarg. The deadline for submissions is May 2.

A parallel tender is seeking plans for an all-weather artificial ski surface, expansion of drag-lift slopes, and installation of a covered 'magic carpet' that can carry skiers, beginners, and even snow tubes uphill without poles or harnesses. The bid for this project closes on May 13.

Before any changes can be made, officials will conduct thorough technical studies, including meteorological, hydrological, and geotechnical assessments to determine viability. Foreign firms can participate, but only through Indian-registered offices or partnerships led by domestic companies.

On the ground, changes could be significant. Existing drag-lift slopes would be widened and segmented into lanes for different types of skiers, separated by safety nets. Synthetic turf would allow gliding even when snow refuses to fall. A covered conveyor would move crowds efficiently, reducing queues and making it easier for beginners to access the slopes.

The numbers are telling. Gulmarg once had 100-120 skiable days per year, with steady snow from December to March. However, the past decade-and-a-half has seen late snowfall, mid-season melts, and thinning snow bases at lower altitudes, leading to early shutdowns. The tourism economy is feeling the squeeze, with ski schools shortening schedules, hotels hedging their bets, and adventure operators juggling uncertainty.