With abundant and timely snowfall this year, the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) is scheduled in Gulmarg in the last week of February, fuelling a surge of optimism among athletes and local businesses alike.
Following a successful first phase in Ladakh last month, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya confirmed the Gulmarg leg will run from February 23 to 26. Coming hot on the heels of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, Mandaviya noted the timing is “perfect” for athletes to once again “battle nature and challenging conditions.”
The sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 scheduled for the last week of February, brings excitement and renewed hope among local businesses and athletes.
The opening phase of the games was successfully conducted in Ladakh on January 20-26, drawing enthusiastic participation from winter sports lovers.
“The Gulmarg leg is coming at the back of the Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026, and this is the perfect time to host the Khelo India Winter Games. We had a very successful first phase in Leh and surely we will see the same excitement in Jammu & Kashmir as athletes once again battle nature and challenging conditions,” Mandaviya said in a statement.
In 2025, authorities were forced to postpone the games due to inadequate snowfall in Gulmarg. This year, however, abundant snowfall has made it possible to hold the event on schedule. Gulmarg has received around 3.5 feet of snow, while Kongdori — the premier competition venue — has recorded nearly 4 feet. The Apharwat Peak area has accumulated more than 5.5 feet, creating ideal conditions for winter sports.
Azhar Fayaz Lone, Director of Gulmarg Adventure Academy, said many athletes have already arrived and begun training in alpine skiing, slalom, and snowboarding. “Athletes were waiting for the dates and are happy and excited,” he said, adding that more than 1,000 participants from across the country are expected.
Local Optimism
Local businesses are also anticipating a boost. Sharif Ahmad Dar, Manager at Hotel Grand Mumtaz, said the event will provide much-needed relief after last year’s downturn. “Gulmarg is already sold out. The event will give an impetus to business,” he said.
A local tour operator said the steady snowfall and the upcoming games have revived tourism activity. “Footfall has picked up over the past few weeks. Events like these help small businesses like ours recover losses and sustain livelihoods during the winter season,” he said.
Gulmarg will host four medal events — ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, and snowboarding — with nearly 400 athletes set to compete. Alpine skiing is expected to attract the largest number of participants. The Gulmarg leg of KIWG 2026 assumes added significance as it follows closely after the Winter Olympics, placing the spotlight on India’s premier winter sports destination.
Published on February 13, 2026