Gulmarg (J-K), Jan 22 : Sports like ice hockey, snow rugby, ice-skating, and ice-skiing have been very popular but now snow cycling seems to have caught the fancy of the young generation.

The first ever snow cycling event was recently organised by Department of Tourism here.

"Snow cycling is a new thing here. We want to convey that in European countries such events are common but in India, I think, its something new and that too for the first time in Kashmir," said Shabir Ahmed, a resident.

Snow cycling is difficult as the crust thickness vary according to the amount of sun it has been exposed to.

The bikers were geared up with the latest available equipments and warmer suits to cover the difficult terrain on their cycles to the top and then racing downwards.

According to the bikers this adventure sport requires a lot of practice.

"One needs to know the proper technique while cycling in snow. For this event, we have been practicing for a while and all the boys have succeeded in cycling up and down the hill very nicely," said Tariq Ahmed, a resident.

Adventure sports during winter being almost new to the valley are a special attraction that lures many youngsters in the region.

With upper reaches in Kashmir valley continually experiencing heavy snowfall, there is no let down in the enthusiasm of the bikers who are enjoying every bit of the sport.

ANI