Mussoorie, Feb. 14 -- National Skiing Championship and Winter Carnival 2026 commenced on Friday at the ski resort of Auli, with state tourism minister Satpal Maharaj inaugurating the four-day event amid vibrant cultural performances celebrating the region's rich heritage. Addressing the gathering, Maharaj announced that the Joshimath-Auli ropeway would soon be restored to full operation and revealed plans to extend the ropeway project, a move expected to significantly boost tourism and create employment opportunities for young population in the state. "It is a matter of immense joy and pride for me to be present among you all in the sacred and picturesque land of Auli," he said, adding that the initiative to establish the hill state as a world-class winter tourism destination reflects the vision and resolve of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The Women's Giant Slalom marked the highlight of the opening day of the championship, with 18 participants from across the country competing on the snow-laden slopes. Aanchal Thakur clinched the gold medal, while Sandhya secured silver and Tanuja Thakur won bronze, drawing applause from spectators and officials present at the venue. The minister said the region's favourable climate and geographical features make it an ideal venue for hosting national and international-level competitions. The Winter Carnival, scheduled from February 13 to 16, will feature skiing and adventure sports events along with exhibitions of local products and a series of cultural programmes, including performances by the Jyotirmath mythological Lata folk cultural group and the traditional Ma Nanda Devi Doli procession. Maharaj said the event would promote homestays and local enterprises, strengthen the regional economy and generate new livelihood opportunities for youth in the hill districts....