Malam Jabba packed as snowfall delights visitors

APP

Swat: With a steaming cup of green tea in one hand and a sizzling plate of fresh trout in the other, Ehtisham Khan sat by a hotel window overlooking snow-draped slopes, soaking in the quiet grandeur of Malam Jabba — Pakistan’s famed ski resort.

For the 30-year-old university lecturer, the season’s first snowfall transformed a simple weekend getaway into a memory to cherish.

Following snowfall forecasts issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), tourists poured into this popular hill station of Swat over the weekend, eager to witness nature’s winter spectacle.

As temperatures dipped below freezing, Malam Jabba turned into a shimmering white paradise, warming the hearts of snow lovers arriving from across the country.

“Coming here with family to experience snowfall is the best feeling,” Khan told APP with a smile, as snowflakes were expected to fall on Sunday. “The beauty of winter, the mountains and being with loved ones — it’s simply unmatched.”

The snowy spell also breathed new life into Malam Jabba’s ski slopes. Beginners and young skiers flocked to the resort, their laughter echoing across the hills as they stumbled, slid and learned, adding colour and energy to the majestic winter landscape.

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According to the Met Office, a rainy spell accompanied by snowfall is expected in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a possibility of landslides over the weekend. Tourists have been advised to exercise caution while travelling.

Echoing this advisory, a spokesperson for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority urged visitors to follow safety guidelines.

“Tourists should wear warm clothing to avoid cold-related illnesses,” the spokesperson said. “Drivers must use vehicle heaters intermittently, ensure fresh air circulation and carry snow chains to prevent accidents.”

Authorities, he added, are on high alert, with all relevant departments providing round-the-clock services to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.

Among the delighted tourists was Sumbul Bibi, who travelled from Nowshera with her husband and children to soak in Malam Jabba’s winter charm. Wrapped in a warm overcoat, she described the trip as unforgettable.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/chasing-snowfall-winter-tourism-comes-alive-in-northern-kp/

“I am having the time of my life,” she said. “This is my third visit, and I always wanted to come back. Playing in the snow, skiing and riding the chairlift to see the valley from above — it’s pure joy.”

Originally planning a two-day stay, her family extended their visit by another day, unwilling to leave the enchanting snowfall behind.

The surge in winter tourism has also brought a welcome boost to the local economy. Hotels and restaurants are operating at full capacity, with many establishments fully booked days in advance.

“All major hotels are pre-booked in Malam Jabba,” said Ataullah Khan, a hotel and restaurant owner in Mingora. “We are booked for at least the next two days. Guests are even waiting for cancellations. We’re doing our best to give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

As snow continues to blanket the hills of Swat, Malam Jabba remains alive with excitement — a place where winter turns into celebration, and every falling snowflake carries a story of wonder, warmth and shared joy.