SKIS 4 KASHMIR

Empowering Communities Through Skiing

WildSnow is proud to introduce Skis4Kashmir

The initiative collects used skis, snowboards, and gear from New Zealand donors (ski resorts and rental shops), ships them to Kashmir, and trains locals in equipment maintenance, rental management, and wax production. This model ensures:
✔️ Economic resilience – Jobs in tourism, manufacturing, and retail.
✔️ Gender equity – Women-led enterprises like Sheen Wax.
✔️ Security through stability – Reducing poverty-driven vulnerabilities.

  • How It Works

    We collect used skis, snowboards, and gear from New Zealand resorts and shops, then ship them to Kashmir. Your support helps cover shipping costs, workshop setups, and training—turning gear into jobs.

  • Impact

    WildSnow’s Skis4Kashmir initiative delivers tangible economic and environmental impacts, transforming lives in Kashmir while reducing waste in New Zealand. 
GIVEALITTLE
WILDSNOW WORKSHOP

Gear Donations

Thanks to our generous donors across New Zealand, we've collected:
1148

Skis 

 254

Snowboards

 386

Ski boots

 56

Snowboard Boots

WildSnow’s Skis4Kashmir initiative is a transformative project that repurposes donated ski gear from New Zealand into sustainable livelihoods for communities in Kashmir. By establishing ski rental shops, repair workshops, and the Sheen Wax women’s cooperative, the initiative creates year-round income, fosters local entrepreneurship, and enhances security in a region historically affected by conflict and economic instability.

MICRO BUSINESS

Ski Rental Hubs

Your support helps us expand our network of community-run rental hubs to new areas across Kashmir, bringing opportunity to more mountain villages. Each $4,500 establishes a new hub—like our first in Kilwara, near Gulmarg, where Raja (our first technician) now trains others in equipment maintenance. These micro-businesses create local jobs, provide affordable gear to Kashmiri youth, and generate sustainable income through tourist rentals. With your help, we can grow beyond Gulmarg to areas like Sonamarg, Pahalgam, and Doodhpathri, empowering more communities through winter sports. "Working at the hub changed my life—now I want to help others learn," says Raja.

MICRO BUSINESS

Ski Workshops

Our workshops are the backbone of Kashmir’s growing ski economy—keeping both donated gear and local equipment in action. Each $18,500 establishes a repair center where technicians like Raja (our first hire at Kilwara Hub) master the skills to maintain hundreds of skis annually. These workshops:
✓ Extend the life of donated gear from NZ and beyond
✓ Service local equipment relied on by Kashmiri guides and rental shops
✓ Train technicians in professional tuning/repairs
"Before, broken skis meant lost income. Now we fix everything—even 20-year-old skis," says Mushtaq, who’s trained many apprentices. Your support funds tools, workstations, and training to build sustainable expertise. Help Launch a Workshop

MICRO BUSINESS

 Sheen Wax

Sheen Wax empowers Kashmiri women through eco-friendly manufacturing. Led by Wild Snows own Virginia Winstone, each $3,000 donation launches a production unit employing women to craft premium wax from local materials. Workers like Shakeela gain financial independence while supplying rental hubs and international markets: "Now I earn while protecting our mountains." Your support covers equipment, business training for this women-led enterprise.
2

Ski Rental Hubs

 1

Ski Workshops

 3

Wax Production Hubs