Avalanche kills Russian skier in Indian-controlled Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- A skier from Russia was killed and four of his companions rescued Friday after an avalanche hit them while skiing in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The avalanche hit the skiers at ski resort of Gulmarg, about 52 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"An avalanche today triggered in Gulmarg hitting a group of foreign skiers," a police spokesman said. "One Russian skier was killed, while four others in the group were rescued safely."

Last month a Swedish skier was killed under similar circumstances in Gulmarg.

Thousands of tourists, including foreigners, throng Gulmarg during winters for skiing and other winter sports.

The Himalayan slopes in Gulmarg offers access to daredevil practitioners of the sport to ski on its virgin snow.

Indian-controlled Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfall. Enditem