Praveen Sood elected President of SkiMo India Federation

Himachalscape bureau December 30, 2024 3 minutes read

Shimla, Dec 30,

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Praveen Sood, fondly known as “Pintu,” has been elected as the President of the National Ski Mountaineering Association, SkiMo India Federation, marking a historic moment for Indian winter sports. This milestone is set to bring transformative changes to the sport, particularly in the snow-bound regions of Himachal Pradesh and the Indian Himalayas.

Ski mountaineering, or SkiMo, is an exciting blend of skiing and mountaineering. Recently recognized as an Olympic sport and governed internationally by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), SkiMo is rapidly gaining popularity due to its minimal infrastructure requirements. This makes it an ideal fit for India’s snow-clad Himalayan terrains, unlocking immense potential for sporting excellence and high-end adventure tourism. Praveen Sood, a seasoned skier with a legacy of pioneering achievements, emphasized the broader vision for the sport. “With the support of state associations and governments, SkiMo will reach the remotest snowbound areas of the hill states, driving not just sporting excellence but also tourism and economic development in these regions,” he said.

Praveen has already been instrumental in placing SkiMo on the national stage. In April 2024, India hosted its first SkiMo Open National Championship at Jalori Pass in Himachal Pradesh. The event showcased the region’s capability to host competitive winter sports while boosting local tourism and businesses. Praveen now plans to expand SkiMo to unexplored areas such as Lahaul Valley, Baralacha, Chandra Valley, Parvati Valley, and Prashar Lake in Mandi, highlighting these pristine terrains as ideal for winter sports and ski touring, the world’s largest winter tourism activity.

Praveen’s expertise and contributions to Indian skiing are unparalleled. A former national ski athlete and medalist, he has represented India internationally and pioneered ski exploration in challenging Himalayan terrains. As a backcountry skiing expert and avalanche safety professional, he was the first to ski untouched slopes in Himachal Pradesh and even ventured into Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-Tibet border in Tawang.

This achievement is a moment of immense pride for Manali and the Indian winter sports fraternity. Praveen’s leadership is expected to elevate SkiMo to new heights, attracting international athletes and adventure tourists to India’s Himalayan regions. With events like the Khelo India Winter Games gaining momentum, the sport is poised for exponential growth, bringing recognition to India as a global hub for winter sports.

Praveen’s election symbolizes the dedication of the Indian sports community and the unwavering support of local governments and communities. As India embarks on this transformative chapter, SkiMo under Praveen’s guidance is set to flourish, enhancing tourism, fostering economic development, and showcasing India’s potential on the global stage

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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