A Russian skier was killed when a massive avalanche hit the Afarwat area of Gulmarg in North Kashmir on Thursday while six of his compatriots and a local guide have been rescued.

The incident took place at a time when the ski destination is abuzz with the 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games with more than 800 youths from different parts of the country gathered at Gulmarg.

The Winter Games was inaugurated by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday even as authorities had warned of avalanches in the area following heavy snowfall earlier this week.

Reports said a group of six of the seven skiers from Russia, who were trapped when the avalanche hit the area, were rescued, one of them in an injured condition.

Teams of the Army, Tourist Ski Patrol Police, and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering rushed to the spot to launch a rescue operation. Helicopters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were deployed for the mission.

Nuzhat Gull, secretary, the J&K Sports Council, said all Khelo India athletes were safe after the avalanche hit the Khilanmarg area of Gulmarg. All the fixtures are being run as per schedule, she added.

An official spokesman said a collaborative effort between the Gulmarg Ski Patrol of the Tourism Department and the J&K Police resulted in the successful rescue of a group of six Russian skiers and one local guide following an avalanche at the higher reaches of Gulmarg, known as Army Ridge.

The spokesman said, “Despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, one Russian skier tragically lost his life due to the avalanche. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.”

It is important to note that the avalanche site is located far from the Kongdoori area where the 4th Khelo India Winter Games are underway. The ongoing sporting events remain unaffected by the incident.

The rescued individuals are currently under the care of the district administration, receiving basic medical treatment. One skier sustained minor injuries but is in stable condition and is receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The response and the coordinated efforts of the rescue team, ski patrol, and police played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by this unfortunate incident, the spokesman added.