A Russian skier died today after being hit by a massive avalanche in the ski resort town of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. Seven skiers from Russia were hit by avalanche and six have been rescued.

Helicopters were deployed for search and rescue operations. Officials said today a massive avalanche occurred near the Kongduri slope in the upper part of Gulmarg. PTI quoted officials as saying that the foreigners had gone to the ski slopes without locals.

Army personnel and a patrol team from the Jammu and Kashmir administration were called in to conduct the rescue-cum-search operation.

Visuals after the avalanche show tourists trapped in knee-deep snow and a civilian helicopter hovering over the area. A snowmobile, which is often used by tourists for adventure sports in Gulmarg, got stuck in the snow covering the slopes after an avalanche.

All participants of the Khelo India Games are reportedly safe. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Kumar Sinha inaugurated the 4th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg yesterday.

Gulmarg, which experienced drought in the first few weeks of January, has seen heavy snowfall since early February. The town, known for its landscapes and world-class skiing slopes, has become a center of attraction for adventure seekers and tourists after a two-month dry spell following recent snowfall.

The lack of snow during the peak winter season was a disappointment to tourism players as winter sports enthusiasts were eagerly waiting to see the terrain turn white, which finally happened in late January, leaving both locals and tourists in a bleak mood. Happiness has come.

Earlier this month, there was a massive avalanche in Sonamarg area on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Officials said the avalanche occurred near the workshop for construction of Zojila tunnel in Sonamarg. However, there is no news of any damage in the incident.

Authorities have issued an avalanche warning in the higher reaches of Kashmir Valley after heavy snowfall in the first week of February.