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March, 2005
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Narkanda turns paradise for ski-freaks

A skiing enthusiast in the hill resort of Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh

     Narkanda (Himachal Pradesh): Hundreds of skiing enthusiasts have flocked to India's northern hill resort of Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh to beat the heat. Situated at a distance of 65 km from Shimla, Narkanda offers ideal skiing conditions. The thick snow cover is even more alluring as the region witnessed the highest snowfall in over two decades this year. The local skiing and trekking centre is giving the essential training to youngsters and grown-ups alike to slide down the snow-covered terrain with grace. This two-week training camp is just one amongst several such camps set up here that have already imparted training to more than 500 people. "Our courses used to be conducted earlier but we are getting a good response.

     Due to a good and heavy snowfall this year the rush has almost doubled and people from far off places are also enlisting themselves in the course. We have last course on March 16, but, seeing the rush I feel we will have to conduct more courses till March 31," said Sanjeev Atri, incharge of the trekking and training centre. Against the scenic backdrop of towering Hattu Peak, Narkanda's slopes are considered ideal for Alpine skiing. The gentle slopes of Narkanda are a hit with tourists who enjoy the thrills of skiing among the fir-tree laced mountains. "This is our second day, we are just learning. I have never participated in such an event and that's why I am here," said G.P Kumar, a skiing learner from the Indian navy. Himachal Pradesh, located in the foothills of Himalayas, offers picturesque scenes full of snow-clad mountains, blue skies and green valleys. Nearly four million tourists visit the state every year and the figure has been increasing by about 15 percent every year. The tourism department has made elaborate arrangements, as tourism is a major contributor to the state's economy.
-Mar 7, 2005

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