Ski slopes come alive as Himachal Pradesh's Solang receives very heavy snow

MANALI: The ski slopes of Solang valley in Manali are all set for skiing competitions and courses as the valley has received over 120cm of snow in the last 10 days.

Solang received over 60cm of snow on Friday and then again it received overnight snow with people waking up to a thick layer of powder snow. The vehicles, shops, roads, houses and trees had donned a thick white mantle. The slopes are ready for skiing and snowboarding. Local skiing clubs are grooming the snow for sports. The road to Solang and Atal tunnel was blocked in the morning but was later opened for four-wheel-drive vehicles only.

A large number of tourists thronged Solang valley on Saturday to experience winter sports activities including skiing, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicles, sledging and snow tube slide.

Himachal Pradesh Winter Games Association (HPWGA) is grooming the ski slopes to conduct Ski and Snowboard India championship from January 26. Earlier, the slopes had no snow but now the slopes are covered with a 90 to 100cm thick layer of good quality snow.

HPWGA president Ludar Thakur said, "Himachal Ski and Snowboard Championship will be held from January 26 to 28 at Solang. The event will be held under the aegis of Ski and Snowboard India, HP sports council, HP Olympic Association and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. The top performers will be selected for various national and international competitions."

"We are happy that Mother Nature is showering its blessings upon us in the form of heavy snowfall. More snowfall is predicted from January 24 to 26. There is the possibility that our slopes will be covered with over 150cm thick blanket of snow," he added.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is clearing the snow from Manali-Keylong-Darcha highway for general traffic. According to Lahaul-Spiti police, the highway is now open from Manali to Keylong for four-wheel-drive vehicles. “Other vehicles will not be allowed due to slippery road conditions,” police said.

Meanwhile, an avalanche was recorded from near Tholang village of Lahaul on Saturday. The clouds of snow and ice particles spread over a large area for over 10 minutes. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident. This is the third incident of the avalanche in Lahaul this winter season.

The IMD has predicted heavy snowfall from January 24 to 27. This time, the people here expect a very heavy snowfall for four continuous days. The district administrations have already asked all the departments to remain on alert and don’t let snow interrupt the roads, electricity and water supply.

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