Avalanche kills a Russian skier while 5 others are rescued in ski resort in Indian-held Kashmir

A Russian skier tragically lost their life, and five others, alongside their local guide, were successfully rescued following an avalanche at a renowned Himalayan ski resort in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Thursday, officials reported.

According to authorities, the avalanche struck at a high altitude in the mountains near the tourist destination of Gulmarg, burying at least six Russian skiers and their guide under snow. Search and rescue teams managed to extract six survivors from the snow, though the identity of the deceased Russian skier is yet to be confirmed.

Gulmarg, situated in the Pirpanjal mountain range of the western Himalayas, boasts one of Asia's largest ski terrains, drawing thousands of both domestic and international tourists annually.

The region is prone to avalanches and landslides, particularly affecting the Indian and Pakistani armies stationed along the militarized Line of Control that separates Kashmir between the two nuclear-armed nations.

In past incidents, avalanches have exacted a heavy toll, such as in 2010 when 17 soldiers perished in an avalanche at the Indian army's High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg during a training session. Similarly, in 2017, three avalanches claimed the lives of at least 20 Indian soldiers. Additionally, in 2012, a devastating avalanche in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir resulted in the loss of 140 lives, including 129 Pakistani soldiers.