Skiers and snowboarders from all over the country gathered in Jammu and Kashmir's popular skiing destination Gulmarg to participate in National Ski and Snowboarding Championship.
The championship, which includes more than 21 teams, began on Sunday after a gap of four years.
The week-long championship will include, snowboarding, snow skiing and snow cycling.
President of Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Shah said this event will give fillip to winter sports in the state.
"The main objective of this championship is to promote Gulmarg city as an international skiing destination. It is now coming up as the most affordable skiing destination in the world. Our slope is at par with the European slopes and also about the snow conditions, our snow is considered the best in the world," Shah said.
Participants praised snow and slopes in Gulmarg and said it was perfect for beginners as well as for professionals.
"We have already participated in similar national championship in Shimla and Uttarakhand but if we have to compare the slopes, the slope in Gulmarg city is really good and it has a huge area. From beginners to professionals, this is a good place for training," said Nawaz, a participant from Kerala.
Local players said that such events help Gulmarg to get exposure and prove to be a boon for the tourism industry. Gulmarg this year has received more than six feet of snowfall enthralling winter sports enthusiasts as well as tourists.