A much-awaited snowfall hit Kashmir's top tourist destinations on Sunday, bringing joy to visitors and tourism workers. Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg saw 2 to 5 inches of snow on December 21, 2025. The fresh snow brightened the landscape and ended a long dry spell that threatened winter sports like skiing. Tourists enjoyed the thick white blanket of snow, with many at Gulmarg’s Apharwat and Kongdori stations, around 4,390 metres high, making snow fun and sharing moments online. Gulmarg is famous for skiing, but dry years reduced ski days. Skier Khawar Javaid said, "The fresh snow will allow ski enthusiasts from India and abroad to pick up the high-adrenaline sport once again." The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg has already signed up many skiers this winter. Officials expect more foreign tourists due to the snowfall. Adventure sports lover Jalaal Jeelani called snow "the fuel that keeps hotels alive, guides and pony-men employed, the gondola rides buzzing, and local markets breathing through the harsh months." He added the snowfall brought relief and happiness across Kashmir’s tourism communities. Snow also touched Sonamarg, delighting tourists like Kavita Sharma from Delhi. She said, "Snowfall gives a fairyland look to the landscape. I am witnessing snowfall for the first time and it was a memorable experience." Tourism in Kashmir dropped after a terror attack in April at Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow that killed 26 tourists. This year’s visitor numbers fell to 13 lakh from a record 26 lakh in 2024. Security has been increased at Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg with more checkpoints and bunkers. The snowfall happened on the first day of Chillai Kalan, a harsh 40-day winter spell, also celebrated as ‘Pheran Day’ to honor traditional woollen robes. Weather troubles led to 15 flight cancellations at Srinagar airport. The Meteorological Department predicts light snow in some valley parts on Monday (December 22, 2025).