A Russian skier was killed and six others, including a local guide, were rescued after an avalanche hit a group of skiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg ski resort on Thursday.

Officials said the avalanche struck the Kongdoori slopes of Gulmarg at around 2 pm, trapping six Russian skiers and the local guide under its debris.
They said Gulmarg Ski Patrol of the Tourism Department and J&K Police launched a rescue operation and successfully rescued six Russian skiers and one local guide.
“Despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, one Russian skier tragically lost his life due to the avalanche,” an official said.
He said the rescued persons are currently under the care of the district administration, receiving basic medical treatment.
“One skier sustained minor injuries and is receiving treatment at a local hospital. His condition is stable,” he said.
The incident took place amid the 4th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg.
Authorities also pressed a chopper into service to assist in the rescue operation.
“The ongoing 4th Khelo India Winter Games remain unaffected by the incident. All athletes participating in the ongoing 4th Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg were safe. All the fixtures are being run as per schedule," Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council secretary Nuzhat Gull posted on X.
The area where the skiers were trapped is considered prone to avalanches given the steep terrain, leading to casualties at times.
The identity of the deceased skier in Thursday's avalanche was not immediately known.
Avalanches are very common in Gulmarg after heavy snowfall.
Two Polish tourists were killed and 19 rescued after a massive avalanche hit them in the Haput Khud area of the Afarwat mountain range at Gulmarg in February last year.
In 2010, at least 17 soldiers were killed after an avalanche hit the army’s High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg.