Winter Sports Festival in Ghizer: Ice Hockey Takes Center Stage Amid Snow-Capped Splendor

Nestled in the breathtaking highlands of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Ghizer district has rapidly emerged as one of Pakistan’s most vibrant hubs for winter sports. Each year, as temperatures drop and lakes freeze into shimmering natural ice rinks, Ghizer transforms into a playground of snow-bound excitement. Among the many attractions of its Winter Sports Festival, ice hockey has become the star of the show—drawing enthusiastic crowds, young athletes, and national-level attention.

Ice hockey has gained remarkable traction among the youth of Ghizer in recent years. Community-supported teams, often formed with minimal resources, train throughout the winter to participate in the festival. Their dedication reflects a deeper cultural shift: winter sports are no longer just seasonal pastimes, but an emerging pathway for athletic development and regional representation.