Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Ski Resort
Karakoram range of the Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
PAF (Naltar) Ski Resort is a ski resort situated in the Karakoram range of the Naltar Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan province, Pakistan, at a top elevation of 2,950 meters (9,680 ft). The resort is located, 40 kilometers northwest of Gilgit. It also serves as the main facility for the Ski Federation of Pakistan.
Skiing in its raw from was known to local residents of snowy mountainous terrain of northern parts of Pakistan who used improvised wooden skies to commute in winters. PAF formally pioneered skiing in Pakistan, by introducing this sport as part of the snow survival training for its aircrew besides offering this facility to Government Department. Pakistan Army civilians and students at its Natter Ski School.
In December 1990, the formation of the Ski Federation of Pakistan was the first modest step towards promotion of skiing in the country. With the Chief of the Air Staff PAF as its Patron in Chief and the Vice Chief of the Air Staff as the President. The goal of Ski federation of Pakistan is to promote winter sports particularly skiing in Pakistan. It is hoped that efforts of the Federation would go a long way in achieving the goal of producing skiers of international standard.
As the sport gained popularity, Government of Pakistan created an additional venue at Malam Jabba as a Ski resort. The sport is now accessible on a countrywide basis as training and participation for competitive skiing is offered to all. Today there are several hundred Ski enthusiasts spread all over the country National Championships are held annually and Pakistani skiers have also represented the country at various international competitions.
Pakistan skiers also featured in the 3rd and 4th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China and Kangwon, Korea in 1996 and 1999 respectively. The children's team, which represented Pakistan in the 2nd Children's Ski Competition held in Iran in February 1998, managed to secure the coveted 3rd position. Pakistan was also represented by a female skier Miss Anmaar Habib at Aomori Japan, at the 12th Asian Children Alpine Ski Championship.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Ski Federation of Pakistan is an elected body with a defined constitution. The Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force is the Patron in Chief. The affairs are directed and supervised by its President, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Member Associations and Organizations include the four Provinces, Federal Capital, the three Defence Forces, Northern Areas, HEC, Adventure Foundation of Pakistan, PTCL, Citi Bank, CAA, ABN AMRO Bank, PTDC and Alpine Club of Pakistan.
AFFILIATION
The Federation is affiliated with the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and is a member of its executive council. It is also a recognized body with the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).
Internationally, it is affiliated with the International Ski Federation (FIS) and the Asian Ski Federation (ASF). Through these organizations the SFP is linked to the national federations and ski clubs of all member countries.
CURRENT STATUS
Winter sports are getting popular day by day and the number of new members is increasing, many new skiing venues are being added and more are under development.
Currently the Ski Federation of Pakistan is organizing, conducting and offering ski courses in winter for beginners besides holding the annual National Ski Championships.
DISCIPLINES
At present, only Alpine Skiing facilities are available in the country. These include Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and Down Hill skiing. Subsequently the disciplines will gradually be expanded to include the entire range of winter sports. The possibility of initiating the novel sport of grass skiing is also being actively explored. Similarly Snow Boarding is also gaining popularity in the country.
FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP
Members of SFP reflect the entire national spectrum with representation from Ski Associations of all the four Provinces plus Federal Territory and the three Armed Forces. In addition, the HEC, autonomous bodies, sporting/adventure clubs and many private companies also enjoy membership.
There are two types of memberships; their present annual subscriptions are as follows:
* Full Membership Rs. 2500.00
* Affiliate Membership Rs. 2000.00
SERVICES OF FEDERATION
The federation offers the following facilities to the new entrants:
*Free consultations
*Free coaching
*Free use of equipment and ski lift
*Lodging facilities at subsidized rates (subject to availability).
Contact Information:
Contact Person:
Chief of the Air Staff PAF as its Patron in Chief and the Vice Chief of the Air Staff as the President. ( president)
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