MANALI: With snow already falling in Manali and its neighbouring areas this month, winter sports enthusiasts and athletes have made a beeline for the snow-covered slopes of nearby Hamta, Fatru and Gulaba areas.The tourist town is home to many winter games athletes. The Western Himalayan range received less than average snow last year and skiers did not get enough time to practise. Even government-run ski courses had to be cancelled because of absence of snow last year.Rajat Thakur, a skier from Solang village who has participated in many national games, said he spent the entire Friday on the slopes of Fatru. “This year, we have received unexpectedly good snow. Though Solang did not get enough snow for professional skiing, high-altitude natural slopes in other nearby areas have snow which will many days,” he said.Local operators are promoting less-ventured slopes near Manali among tourists who want learn skiing. Praveen Sood, a local skier, said, “Hamta slopes have 50 to 60cm of snow. The snow quality is also good. I am sure this skiing season will last till April.”Manali-based Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), which offerse basic and advanced skiing courses from January 11 every year, is hoping to start courses in advance this year. Last year, the courses could start only in February, a month late, as there was no snowfall in January.

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