Yumthang (Sikkim), Mar 11 : The Sikkim Tourism Department (STD) has organised a 15-days basic course on snow skiing to promote tourism in the state.

The course is also aimed to generate employment opportunities for the local youths.

For the second consecutive year, with the help of Sikkim Tourism Department, the Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) in association with Blue Sky Tours and Travels has organised this 15-day basic course on snow skiing for the educated and unemployed youth in the state.

The course, in which 25 youngsters are undergoing the art of skiing, was commenced on March 3 and it will culminate on March 16.

After the success of the skiing course, the Tourism Department is hopeful of enhancing the tourism potential in several other areas of the state as well.

"If these youngsters properly learn skiing in Sikkim then there is a lot of scope in self employment. Last time when we organised seven to eight day course then we got a very good response from tourist. Even these guys can earn more than rupees 1000 a day. So I hope such course will give boost self-employment," Officer on Special Duty, Sikkim Tourism Department, Kazi Sherpa said.

The trainees at the camp are on high spirit after the completion of the course.

"We can make our future in tourism by guiding tourists. We can also participate at the national Skiing championship as well," said Mohan Vishwakarma, a trainee. (ANI)