Tourism Department started first batch of ski courses at world famous ski resort Gulmarg, official statement said on Friday.
It said 20 boys from various districts of J&K will undergo the seven day Introductory ski course at Gulmarg.
All the lodging and boarding including ski equipment is being provided free of cost by the department, it said.
It said four member team of ski Instructors will be imparting the training to the selected boys.
It added the department has framed weekly calender for imparting basic skiing training to nearly six groups this season.
Among the six groups, two groups will be exclusively for outside J&K youth, including one girls group,w hile another girls group will be exclusively from J&K, it said.
The best three among the trainees in each of the six groups will be selected for Intermediate and advance level courses, it added.
Meanwhile, it said Youth Services & Sports Department is also imparting basic ski training this season. Besides, the statement added that The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering has also started various ski training courses at Gulmarg.