Pakistan Winter Sports 2026: Epic Skiing, Ice Hockey & Adventure in the North

Table of Contents – Pakistan Winter Sports 2026

Introduction — The Rise of Winter Sports Tourism in Pakistan
Naltar Ski Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan
Malam Jabba Winter Games – Swat
Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza & Madaklasht
Snow Rally Challenge – Koh-e-Sufaid & Malam Jabba
Ganga Choti Snow Trekking – Azad Kashmir
Skardu Ice Climbing Expedition – Satpara Valley
Ziarat Winter Festival – Balochistan
Adventure Training & Ski Camps – Army & Civil Programs
Tourism Infrastructure, Accessibility & Local Voices
Eco-Tourism & Future of Winter Sports in Pakistan
Conclusion

1. Introduction — The Rise of Winter Sports Tourism in Pakistan

Over the past decade, Pakistan’s northern landscapes have transformed into vibrant hubs for winter adventure tourism. What was once a quiet, off-season lull in Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, and Azad Kashmir has evolved into a celebration of snow, sports, and cultural unity — led by the now globally recognized Pakistan Winter Sports 2026 initiative.

This nationwide effort connects iconic snow destinations like Naltar, Malam Jabba, Skardu, Hunza, and Ziarat, drawing both professional athletes and casual explorers. Supported by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), GB Tourism Department, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority, the events merge modern athleticism with regional traditions — where skiing meets Sufi music, and ice hockey blends with Balti hospitality.

The revival of winter sports isn’t just about competition; it’s about sustainability, youth engagement, and introducing Pakistan’s hidden alpine valleys to the world. In 2026, over 40 national and international winter events are expected across 15+ mountain destinations, making Pakistan the undisputed snow capital of South Asia.

Snow-covered Naltar Valley with skiers descending the slope under a clear blue winter sky.

🎿 2. Naltar Ski Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan

Nestled deep in the Karakoram Range, the Naltar Ski Festival is Pakistan’s flagship winter sporting event. Hosted annually by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan, it transforms this pine-forested valley into an international ski arena from December to February.

The Naltar slopes are home to Pakistan’s only operational ski resort, complete with chairlifts, professional tracks, and snowboarding areas. Each year, teams from Pakistan Army, PAF, Police, and international ski clubs compete in categories like:

Giant Slalom
Cross-country Ski
Snowboarding Freestyle
Children’s Ski School Race

The festival’s atmosphere is a blend of sportsmanship and festivity. Local musicians from Gilgit and Hunza perform traditional tunes around bonfires while travelers enjoy butter tea, apricot soup, and yak kebabs in heated tents. The crisp air, mixed with laughter and music, gives Naltar a fairytale feel in mid-winter.

Hidden Gem:
Naltar’s Rainbow Lake freezes beautifully in January, creating mesmerizing reflections of snow-capped ridges — a secret favorite among photographers. A short hike from the ski site, it’s best visited during early morning light.

Local Tip:
Arrive in Gilgit a day early for acclimatization. Roads to Naltar can be slippery — local jeep drivers offer the safest rides to the slopes.

FAQ:
Q: Can beginners join the Naltar Ski Festival without prior experience?
A: Yes. There’s a beginner’s training camp where visitors can rent gear and receive basic skiing lessons under professional supervision.

Skiers competing on snowy Naltar slopes surrounded by tall pines and mountains

🏔️ 3. Malam Jabba Winter Games – Swat

If Gilgit is Pakistan’s alpine heart, then Malam Jabba is its winter soul. Located in Swat Valley, this resort town has become synonymous with snow adventure and family tourism. The Malam Jabba Winter Games 2026, organized every January, attract skiers, snowboarders, ice climbers, and adventure trekkers from all over Pakistan — and beyond.

The event takes place at Malam Jabba Ski Resort, which offers 2.5 km of ski slopes, zipline rides, and a snow tubing zone for non-skiers. Competitions range from alpine skiing to snow mountain biking, accompanied by music concerts, snowman contests, and heritage food stalls.

The cultural highlight is the Pakhtun Snow Cultural Parade, where locals don colorful shawls and perform traditional Attan dance to drumbeats echoing through the valley. Every evening, bonfires light up the resort’s hilltop restaurants, creating a magical winter glow.

Hidden Gem:
A short 30-minute snow trek leads to Saidgai Lake viewpoint, offering one of the most surreal panoramas of frozen Swat.

Local Tip:
Book early at Pearl-Continental Malam Jabba or nearby lodges — accommodation fills weeks before the festival.

FAQ:
Q: Are there beginner-friendly slopes at Malam Jabba?
A: Absolutely. The resort provides separate beginner areas and professional instructors, making it perfect for first-time skiers and families.

Malam Jabba ski resort during Winter Games with athletes and tourists enjoying snowy slopes under sunshine.

4. Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza & Madaklasht (December–January)

Few things capture the spirit of northern Pakistan’s winter transformation like the sight of Hunza’s frozen lakes turning into ice hockey arenas. The Ice Hockey Championship, held in Madaklasht (Lower Chitral) and Altit (Hunza), has gained immense popularity since 2022. What began as a local youth event is now a national spectacle, drawing teams from across the country — and even international players from Canada, Russia, and Japan.

The frozen Attabad Lake becomes a breathtaking setting for friendly matches under the blue sky, with the Karakoram peaks forming a dramatic backdrop. Players glide, fall, and laugh as the crowd cheers — a rare blend of rugged adventure and community joy.

The event includes:

Men’s and women’s Ice Hockey Tournaments
Speed Skating Competitions
Curling Demonstrations
Cultural nights featuring Hunza music and traditional teas

The Ice Hockey craze in Pakistan began after the Winter Sports Federation’s youth training camps, which introduced local children to skating and hockey techniques. In 2026, the championship expanded to Madaklasht, known for its crisp snow and natural frozen ponds.

Hidden Gem:
Madaklasht village, a two-hour drive from Chitral town, offers stunning snow-clad valleys ideal for ice trekking and village photography. Locals rent out warm wooden chalets for visitors.

Local Tip:
Carry polarized sunglasses; the ice’s glare can be intense during midday. Early morning light is perfect for photography.

FAQ:
Q: Can tourists rent ice skates and join public sessions during the event?
A: Yes, rental skates are available at the venue for short sessions, especially at Hunza’s open-ice rink managed by GB Youth Sports Wing.

Players competing in an ice hockey match on frozen Attabad Lake in Hunza, with mountains reflecting on icy surface.

🚗 5. Snow Rally Challenge – Koh-e-Sufaid (Parachinar) & Malam Jabba (Swat)

For adrenaline junkies, Pakistan’s Snow Rally Challenge is the ultimate winter motorsport event. Every year, Parachinar’s Koh-e-Sufaid mountain range and Malam Jabba’s frozen trails become battlefields for roaring jeeps, 4×4 trucks, and ATVs.

Drivers maneuver through snow-covered roads, icy hairpin turns, and deep valleys, making this one of the most challenging winter rallies in Asia. The event attracts major off-road clubs, including Pakwheels, Islamabad Jeep Club, and Karakoram Offroaders.

The rally offers multiple categories:

Stock Jeep 4×4 Race
Modified Turbo Class
Women’s Challenge Race
Snow Drift Freestyle Showdown

At night, both venues host a Snow Night Music Fest, where local Pashto and Balti artists perform in heated tents as bonfires crackle under the stars.

Hidden Gem:
The Bari Tang Valley, en route to Koh-e-Sufaid, remains largely unexplored. It offers dazzling snow meadows — perfect for drone photography.

Local Tip:
If driving your own jeep, deflate tires slightly for better traction on icy slopes. Local guides offer tire chains for rent at rally checkpoints.

FAQ:
Q: Are amateur drivers allowed in the Snow Rally Challenge?
A: Yes, but they must attend a safety briefing and vehicle inspection session before joining. Safety helmets and roll cages are mandatory.

Off-road vehicles speeding through snow-covered mountain track during Koh-e-Sufaid Snow Rally Challenge

🥾 6. Ganga Choti Snow Trek – Azad Kashmir (December–February)

The Ganga Choti Snow Trek is a serene yet exhilarating experience for hikers seeking a blend of nature and solitude. Located near Bagh District in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, the peak stands at 3,044 meters and is blanketed in thick snow from December through February.

The winter trek starts from Sudhan Gali, where travelers follow a scenic snow trail surrounded by pine forests and small hamlets. The path opens to wide snowfields leading to the summit — offering a panoramic view of the Pir Panjal Range, often wrapped in a golden sunrise glow.

Locals host the Winter Sports & Snow Trek Festival, featuring:

Snow Hikes and Photography Walks
Traditional Kashmiri Kehwa Nights
Bonfire Musical Gatherings
Local Craft Exhibition by Women Artisans

Travelers also enjoy the nearby Ganga Lake, which freezes during peak winter, mirroring the snow-laden mountains like glass.

Hidden Gem:
A lesser-known path from Lasdana Pass leads to an untouched glacier viewpoint — ideal for seasoned trekkers and photographers.

Local Tip:
Pack layered thermal wear and snow spikes. The weather can shift rapidly, and fog can limit visibility above 2,500 meters.

FAQ:
Q: Do I need a local guide for the Ganga Choti trek?
A: Highly recommended. Guides from Sudhan Gali are familiar with changing snow routes and ensure safety during sudden whiteouts.

Trekkers walking through deep snow toward Ganga Choti peak in Azad Kashmir with pine forests in background.

Sources

7. Skardu Ice Climbing Championship – Baltoro & Hushay Valleys (January–February)

The Skardu Ice Climbing Championship represents one of Pakistan’s most extreme and visually mesmerizing winter adventures. Set against the towering granite walls of the Karakoram, this championship draws professional climbers from Europe, Japan, and North America, alongside local mountaineers from Gilgit-Baltistan.

Frozen waterfalls and vertical ice walls in the Hushay Valley become natural climbing arenas. The event is divided into categories:

Speed Ice Climbing
Lead Climbing (Mixed Terrain)
Amateur Ice Climbing Training Sessions

Instructors from the Alpine Club of Pakistan and GB Mountaineering School supervise safety gear, belay setups, and environmental ethics briefings to ensure responsible adventure.

Evenings transform the cold into warmth — bonfires glow in the open base camp, with Baltistani folk songs echoing under starlit skies. Hot yak butter tea and local walnut bread fuel climbers before dawn ascents.

Hidden Gem:
A small side valley near Mashabrum Glacier offers hidden frozen cascades perfect for photographers — resembling crystal blue curtains of ice.

Local Tip:
Wear crampons with deep teeth and insulated gloves with anti-slip grip; the ice surface can be glassy and fragile during mid-afternoon thaw.

FAQ:
Q: Can beginners participate in the Skardu Ice Climbing Championship?
A: Yes, training workshops are held two days before the main competition, allowing beginners to learn under certified instructors.

Climbers scaling frozen waterfalls during Skardu Ice Climbing Championship in Hushay Valley, surrounded by snow-covered Karakoram peaks.

⛷️ 8. Ziarat Winter Festival – Balochistan (January)

Balochistan’s Ziarat Winter Festival has transformed this quiet hill station into a rising star of Pakistan’s winter tourism map. Known for its Juniper forests — some over 4,000 years old — Ziarat glows under snow-dusted canopies each January.

The Winter Festival celebrates culture and sport in equal measure. Locals organize:

Snow Jeep Races and Cross-Country Skiing
Snow Sculpture Contests
Folk Music & Balochi Cultural Dance Nights
Snowball Championship for Kids
Local Handicraft & Food Stalls

The central venue near Quaid-e-Azam Residency turns into a lively bazaar — hot sajji, chai, and roasted corn fill the air with warmth. The government of Balochistan supports the festival to attract youth toward mountain adventure.

Nearby, the Prospect Point viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic scenes of the entire valley, blanketed in pure white.

Hidden Gem:
Drive toward Kawash Valley, a less-explored region where frozen waterfalls hang off cliffs like glass. Locals often guide small snow treks for visiting tourists.

Local Tip:
Travelers should book guesthouses early; accommodation fills quickly. Night temperatures can fall below -12°C, so layered thermal gear is essential.

FAQ:
Q: Is skiing equipment available for rent at the Ziarat Winter Festival?
A: Yes, limited rentals are available at the main event ground, but serious skiers should bring their own gear for better performance.

Tourists enjoying skiing and cultural music during Ziarat Winter Festival surrounded by snow-covered juniper trees.

🪓 9. Pakistan Army & Alpine Winter Survival Camp – Rattu (Astore District)

Every year, the Pakistan Army and Alpine Club of Pakistan conduct the Winter Survival Camp at Rattu, a military-administered high-altitude training zone near Astore. This unique program opens to selected civilians, climbers, and foreign adventure trainees.

The camp focuses on:

Ice Wall Rescue Techniques
Crevasse Navigation & Avalanche Response
Cold Weather Survival Drills
Snow Camping & Rope Skills
Night Hikes under Starlight

Participants sleep in snow tents at sub-zero temperatures, learning real alpine survival tactics. Days are spent building snow caves, cooking in blizzards, and trekking across frozen rivers.

Though primarily a training event, the experience has become a rite of passage for Pakistan’s new generation of mountaineers, many of whom later climb in Nanga Parbat and K2 regions.

Hidden Gem:
The nearby Rattu Glacier viewpoint offers a dramatic landscape perfect for sunrise photography — rarely visited due to restricted access.

Local Tip:
Apply for training passes early (usually October) through the Alpine Club of Pakistan’s website. Only 40 participants are accepted each season.

FAQ:
Q: Can international climbers join the Rattu Winter Survival Camp?
A: Yes, foreign nationals can apply through official tourism channels, provided they have prior trekking or basic mountaineering experience.

Trainees practicing snow rescue drills during Pakistan Army Winter Survival Camp in Rattu under alpine supervision.

🎿 10. Ice Skating & Curling Gala – Malam Jabba & Naltar (January)

An elegant mix of speed, precision, and art — the Ice Skating & Curling Gala is among the most picturesque winter sports events in Pakistan. Hosted at Malam Jabba Ski Resort (Swat) and Naltar Valley (Gilgit), this event draws both athletes and families for festive fun.

Competitions include:

500m and 1000m Speed Skating Races
Figure Skating Performances
Curling Doubles Matches
Snow Yoga and Meditation Sessions (Naltar special)

The colorful costumes of skaters gliding across the rinks create a beautiful contrast against the alpine blues and whites. Tourists sip hot cocoa in stands while kids enjoy mini snow parks beside the rink.

Hidden Gem:
Malam Jabba’s Sunrise Point Café offers a breathtaking panorama over the Hindu Kush — an ideal stop for early risers before events begin.

Local Tip:
Arrive a day early; practice rinks open to the public for free skating sessions. Bring waterproof gloves — rental ones tend to get wet quickly.

FAQ:
Q: Do beginners need lessons to join the Ice Skating Gala?
A: No, short beginner lessons are offered on-site every morning before the competitions start.

Skaters performing during Ice Skating and Curling Gala at Malam Jabba with audience watching under snow-covered trees.

11. Shandur Snow Polo & Winter Carnival – Chitral–Gilgit Border (January)

Known worldwide as the “Roof of the World Polo Ground,” Shandur Pass lies at 12,200 feet and becomes an enchanting frozen arena during the Shandur Snow Polo & Winter Carnival.
This seasonal variant of the summer festival blends polo, ski trekking, and snow paragliding into one breathtaking experience.

Teams from Chitral and Gilgit ride specially trained mountain ponies through icy terrain where the white field acts as a natural mirror. Local spectators cheer with traditional drums (dhol) while tribal elders narrate old tales of Shandur’s founders.

Cultural Highlights:

Snow Polo Matches (three days)
Ski Relay & Paragliding Show
Cultural Night with Folk Music and Bonfire Feasts
Mountain Craft Market displaying Chitrali wool, silver jewelry, and hand-woven shawls

Hidden Gem:
A ridge north of the ground called Langar Hill gives a panoramic view of sunrise lighting up the polo field in shades of gold and silver — a favourite spot for photographers.

Local Tip:
Pack sunglasses with UV filters and carry thermos flasks — dehydration is common at high altitude despite the cold.

FAQ:
Q: Is the Shandur Snow Polo open to foreign tourists?
A: Yes. Special permits are granted by the Tourism Department GB and Chitral District Offices; tour operators usually handle the process in advance.

Players on horseback competing in Shandur Snow Polo under clear blue skies with snow-covered mountains in the background.

🎿 12. Neelum Valley Winter Carnival – Azad Jammu & Kashmir (December–January)

The Neelum Winter Carnival in Arang Kel and Sharda has become a signature event for adventure tourists and families alike. It combines sports, culture, and eco-tourism in the snowy landscape of AJK’s most scenic valley.

Attractions include:

Snow Trekking Competitions (Arang Kel track)
Ice Sculpture Show by Local Artists
Traditional Music Evenings featuring Kashmiri instruments like rabab and nagarah
Local Cuisine Festival highlighting harissa, gushtaba, and butter chai

Hidden Gem:
Hike to Kel Valley Ridge Point for a 360° view of snow-laden pine forests and Neelum River’s emerald flow beneath thin ice layers.

Local Tip:
Neelum Road is open year-round but can get icy — four-wheel drive and chains are recommended for January visitors.

FAQ:
Q: Are accommodation facilities open during the Neelum Winter Carnival?
A: Yes, most eco-lodges and guesthouses operate through winter, offering heated rooms and hot spring baths.

Tourists enjoying folk music and snow trek competitions at Neelum Valley Winter Carnival.

🏂 13. Naltar Ski Cup & Snow Festival – Gilgit (December to February)

The Naltar Ski Cup is Pakistan’s flagship winter sports event and a recognized competition in the Fédération Internationale de Ski (FIS) Asia Calendar. Held at the Pakistan Air Force-run Naltar Resort, it attracts skiers from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Nepal, and other mountain countries.

Events include slalom, giant slalom, snowboard cross, and junior races. The setting — a forest valley blanketed in powder snow — is spectacular. Evenings feature documentary screenings on mountaineering legends and local music performed by students from Gilgit universities.

Hidden Gem:
A short hike to Naltar Lake (Blue Lake) reveals its frozen surface mirroring the pine skyline — ideal for sunset portraits.

Local Tip:
Book transport through local ski clubs as the road to Naltar is steep and requires jeeps with chains after snowfall.

FAQ:
Q: Can non-professionals participate in the Naltar Ski Cup?
A: There is a “Citizen Category” for new skiers; training sessions run daily one week before the official race begins.

Professional skiers racing down snow-covered Naltar slopes during the annual Ski Cup

🧭 14. Future of Winter Sports Tourism in Pakistan

Pakistan is emerging as a true winter-sports destination — where adventure, heritage, and hospitality blend into a unique experience. From Hunza’s ice hockey arenas to Swat’s ski runs and Skardu’s frozen falls, the nation is attracting media attention and investments in eco-friendly resorts.

The government and private stakeholders plan to:

Expand Malam Jabba and Naltar Resorts with modern chairlifts
Promote student ski camps and school winter sports programs
Introduce ice marathons and snow cycling races for youth
Partner with international tour operators for training exchanges

Hidden Gem:
A new spot under survey — Deosai Frozen Plains — may soon host an annual “High-Altitude Snow Run” for elite athletes.

Local Tip:
Early February to mid-March is the ideal window for winter sport travel when roads are open and snow conditions stable.

FAQ:
Q: What is the best month to experience multiple winter events in Pakistan?
A: Late January to February covers over 70% of major festivals from Naltar to Ziarat, making it the prime season for winter sports tourism.

Aerial view of ski resorts and snow parks across northern Pakistan showcasing the growth of winter sports tourism

Comprehensive FAQs — Pakistan Winter Sports 2026

Event	Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
1. Naltar Ski Festival – Gilgit-Baltistan	Q: Do international skiers participate in Naltar Ski Festival 2026? A: Yes, FIS-registered athletes from Asia and Europe compete in slalom and freestyle categories beside local skiers.
2. Malam Jabba Winter Games – Swat	Q: Is Malam Jabba open for family tourists during the games? A: Absolutely — family snow zones, ski rentals, and food courts operate throughout the festival.
3. Ice Hockey Championship – Hunza & Madaklasht	Q: Are women’s teams allowed in the Ice Hockey Championship? A: Yes, the 2026 season features separate women’s divisions supported by Hunza Girls Skate Club.
4. Snow Rally Challenge – Koh-e-Sufaid & Malam Jabba	Q: Can private drivers join the Snow Rally Challenge? A: Yes — drivers with 4×4 vehicles may register in the Amateur Class before mid-December.
5. Ganga Choti Snow Trekking – AJK	Q: Is Ganga Choti safe for beginners in heavy snow? A: Yes, guided treks follow secured ridges and use fixed ropes for steeper ice segments.
6. Broghil Yak Festival & Winter Sports Demo – Chitral	Q: What’s unique about Broghil Yak Festival’s winter edition? A: It mixes yak races with cross-country skiing and heritage markets celebrating Wakhi culture.
7. Skardu Ice Climbing Championship – Hushay Valley	Q: Can tourists spectate the ice-climbing finals safely? A: Yes — a marked viewing zone with safety barriers is maintained by Alpine Club Pakistan.
8. Ziarat Winter Festival – Balochistan	Q: Are families encouraged to join snow games in Ziarat? A: Yes — dedicated kids’ snow arenas and women-led cultural stalls make it family-friendly.
9. Rattu Winter Survival Camp – Astore	Q: Is medical support available at Rattu Camp? A: Yes, an army-supervised medical tent and oxygen station operate 24 hours.
10. Ice Skating & Curling Gala – Malam Jabba & Naltar	Q: Do I need prior experience to join the Curling matches? A: No — newcomers get 30-minute orientation before their first round.
11. Shandur Snow Polo & Winter Carnival – Chitral / Gilgit	Q: When is the best time to reach Shandur before snowfall closes the pass? A: Arrive by the first week of January; weather windows shrink after the 10th.
12. Neelum Valley Winter Carnival – AJK	Q: Is the road to Arang Kel open during the Carnival? A: Yes, but only for 4×4 vehicles; locals assist with snow chains near Kel Bridge.
13. Naltar Ski Cup – Gilgit	Q: Can visitors rent professional ski gear in Naltar? A: Yes, FIS-approved rental shops near the base lift provide skis, poles, and helmets.
14. Future of Winter Sports – Pakistan	Q: Which new destinations will host events after 2026? A: Deosai Plains (snow run) and Kumrat Valley (ice camping challenge) are in the upcoming expansion plan.