SWAT: Surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks, Swat — often dubbed the Switzerland of Pakistan — is on the verge of a major breakthrough in mountain tourism and adventure sports. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced plans to establish a world-class skiing resort in Boyun Valley, Kalam, a step expected to reshape the region’s tourism landscape.
The project, spanning nearly 2,900 acres, will feature around 1,400 acres dedicated to ski slopes and another 1,500 acres for infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. Officials stress that the development will be carried out with strict environmental safeguards. “No trees will be cut. Our commitment to nature is as strong as our commitment to progress,” said Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Museums, KP, while chairing a review meeting.
Experts believe the new resort will ease mounting pressure on Malam Jabba — currently the only ski facility in Swat — which struggles to accommodate thousands of tourists during peak season. Abu Zafar, President of the Adventure Club of Pakistan, noted, “Tourists often wait hours for ski passes at Malam Jabba. A new resort in Kalam is a timely and much-needed solution.”
Beyond tourism, the initiative promises economic opportunities for locals, with jobs expected to open up in hospitality, transport, ski training, and related businesses. “This resort can inspire our youth to become professional winter athletes. Who knows, the next world champion skier might come from Kalam,” added Dr. Samad.
International consultants, including skiing expert Alexander Stänlichenr, have also endorsed the project, highlighting its potential to draw global athletes. “The international skiing community is always searching for new, stunning locations. Boyun Valley has all the qualities to become a world-class hotspot,” he remarked during a Zoom session from Australia.
Swat already offers a unique mix of adventure activities, including skiing, ice hockey, paragliding, river rafting, trout fishing, and the scenic Swat Motorway. With the addition of the Boyun Valley resort, officials say the region could emerge as Pakistan’s ultimate adventure hub.
As the proposal awaits approval from the provincial cabinet, excitement is growing in Swat. “We are not just building a resort; we are building a future,” Dr. Samad concluded. “This marks the start of a new chapter that celebrates nature, nurtures talent, and connects Pakistan to the world.”
