KARACHI: The revival of international skiing in Pakistan since the Swat operation in 2006 now appears to be a tangible reality as the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP) counts down the days for the international body’s decision regarding the approval of the slopes in the country.
The International Ski Federation (FIS) officials inspected the slopes at Malam Jabba in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Naltar in Gilgit-Baltistan last week to determine whether they deserve certification or not, confirmed SFP spokesperson Obaid Abbasi.
The FIS technical delegation, headed by Bernard Alian Gayruad, visited the two slopes in their week-long stay in order to check the facilities for the skiers and to assess the quality of the slopes with a view of holding international events.
According to SFP secretary Mussarat Ali, the last time an FIS delegation came to Pakistan was in 2006, but due to the destruction of facilities during the military operation in the Swat Valley, which became a no-go zone, skiing activities never began formally until recently.
“We can’t improve skiing in the country without holding international events,” Ali told The Express Tribune. “The delegation’s visit is just the first step. However, it’s just an inspection and we still need to wait on their decision.
“If the slopes do get approved, this will be a big achievement for us. It will attract international skiiers and coaches and we can promote the sport in Pakistan by holding proper competitions with foreigners.”
Although the final verdict is yet to be given, Ali said they have received constructive feedback from the FIS officials, which included a directive to set up chairlifts in Malam Jabba as a first step. But according to the secretary, the K-P government has given the contract of installing chairlifts to a private firm, so this is something that will take time to implement.
However, with the Pakistan Air Force’s assistance, the SFP has managed to install chairlifts and other facilities in Naltar after the Malam Jabba slope was destroyed.
The duration of FIS certification for each slope is 10 years, with Malam Jabba’s expiring next year. Meanwhile, it will be a first time for Naltar if it receives certification.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 6th, 2014.
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