Ladakh pioneers artificial snow-making machine to boost winter tourism, sports

By  News On Air   Jan 02, 2025

In Ladakh, in a major development, the Ladakh Ski and Snowboard Association has successfully pioneered the creation of an artificial snow-making machine in Kargil. This innovative solution holds significant importance for both winter tourism and sports in Ladakh, where snowfall has become increasingly unpredictable in recent years.

The machine, designed by Sadiq Ali and his team, utilizes easily accessible components such as compressors and spray nozzles to create artificial snow. Remarkably, the machine can produce one inch of snow over a 15×5 feet area in just an hour, which will be critical for maintaining skiing courses and supporting winter sports training in areas facing snow shortages.

The significance of this innovation goes beyond winter sports. Sadiq Ali highlighted that the technology could also be used for snow harvesting-storing snow for irrigation and other water management needs-thereby contributing to sustainable water solutions in the region. This can play a crucial role in addressing water scarcity, which is a growing concern in many parts of Ladakh.

The association’s efforts come at a time when winter tourism in Ladakh is gaining momentum. By ensuring a consistent snow cover, this technology will not only promote snow sports but also boost tourist arrivals, providing new opportunities for the local economy. The machine’s cost-effectiveness makes it an attractive option for scaling up operations, with plans to introduce fully automatic, portable snow spray machines.

Urging the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, the association has called for investment in this snow-making technology to help transform Ladakh into a global winter sports hub, generating jobs and stimulating growth in the region.

This achievement is not just a technological milestone but a beacon of hope for the region’s future, promising to reshape Ladakh’s winter landscape and make it more resilient to the challenges of climate change.