In a moment of pride for the Manali community and the Indian winter sports fraternity, Praveen Sood, fondly known as “Pintu”, has been elected as the president of the National Ski Mountaineering Association, SkiMo India Federation.
The milestone is set to revolutionise winter sports in India, particularly in the remote snow-bound regions of Himachal Pradesh and the Himalayas.
Ski mountaineering a fast-growing Olympic sport
Ski mountaineering, also known as SkiMo, is a thrilling sport that combines skiing with mountaineering.
Recognised newest Olympic sport and governed internationally by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF), it is rapidly gaining global popularity.
Its minimal infrastructure requirements make it an ideal sport for India’s snow-covered Himalayan regions, unlocking immense potential for both sports and high-end adventure tourism.
Under Praveen’s leadership, SkiMo is poised to flourish across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, and the northeastern states.
Praveen said, “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.”
Advancing winter sports, tourism in remote areas
Praveen has been instrumental in bringing SkiMo to the forefront in India. In April 2024, India’s first SkiMo Open National event was successfully held at Jalori Pass in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
The event highlighted the area’s potential for competitive winter sports while providing a significant boost to tourism and local businesses.
Looking ahead, Praveen envisions SkiMo events in untapped areas such as Lahaul Valley, Baralacha, Chandra Valley, Parvati Valley and Mandi’s Prashar.
These regions, with their pristine slopes and challenging terrains, are perfectly suited for SkiMo and ski touring, the world’s largest winter tourism activity, said Praveen.
Praveen Sood: Pioneer of ski exploration in India
Praveen Sood brings unparalleled expertise and a legacy of achievements to his role. A former national ski athlete, he has won multiple national medals and represented India internationally.
As a professional backcountry skier, Praveen is an expert in avalanche safety and rescue and has pioneered ski exploration across the Himalayas.
He was the first to explore and ski on untouched slopes in Lahaul Valley, Baralacha, Chandra Valley, Parvati Valley and Mandi’s Prashar. Notably, he was also the first person to ski in Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-Tibet border in Tawang, showcasing his trailblazing spirit and passion for advancing the sport.
Proud moment for Manali and beyond
Praveen’s election as president of the body is a significant milestone not just for Manali but for the entire nation. It symbolizes the growing recognition of India’s potential in winter sports.
With regular events such as the Khelo India Winter Games and national championships, SkiMo is rapidly gaining popularity.
Praveen’s leadership is expected to catalyse this momentum, bringing transformative changes to the sport while attracting international athletes and tourists to India’s Himalayan regions.
This proud achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire sports community, the local government, and the people of Manali, who stand united in celebrating this historic moment