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Inadequate snow jeopardises Auli international ski c’ship

DEHRADUN: Lack of adequate snow in the ski resort at Auli in Chamoli district is giving anxious moments to organisers who will host the International Ski Championship from January 15 to 21 under the aegis of the International Ski Federation.

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Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 1

Lack of adequate snow in the ski resort at Auli in Chamoli district is giving anxious moments to organisers who will host the International Ski Championship from January 15 to 21 under the aegis of the International Ski Federation.

Though the snowfall in the higher reaches started today, the Winter Games Federation of India and the Department of Tourism will hold a meeting on January 5 to inspect the slope for adequate snowfall.

In anticipation of the ski championship, around 30 participants from Europe, including France, Luxembourg, and from Central Asia have given their consent for participation.

Along with the skiers from abroad, around 100 skiers from India, including 30 from Jammu and Kashmir, will also be competing in the championship.

Based on their performances in these championship, the skiers can hope to book their places in the world championship to be held later.

Lack of snow a few days before the tournament could force the Department of Tourism to reschedule the championship to a later date.

“The snow season in most hilly areas is unpredictable, we require adequate snow for preparing the 1.5-km-long slope and the security net and other paraphernalia. The snowfall started in Auli today,” said Vivek Kumar, Additional Director, Tourism.

To deal with the dry winter conditions, artificial snow made with the help of snow machine is one option that could be looked into as the Department of Tourism is already in possession of a snow machine.

“But the snow making can only take place in low temperatures which is not happening in Auli,” said Kumar.

If the organisers are forced to reschedule the championship, questions will be raised about the scheduling of the event in January, when there is less snow in these parts.

Participation from France, Luxembourg

  • The Winter Games Federation of India and the Department of Tourism will hold a meeting on January 5 to inspect the slope for adequate snowfall
  • Around 30 participants from Europe, including France andLuxembourg, and from Central Asia have given their consent for participation
  • Around 100 skiers from India, including 30 from Jammu and Kashmir, will also be competing in the championship
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