The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM&WS) was established at Aru (Pahalgam),Jammu & Kashmir on 25 October 1983. The Institute is a Registered Body under the J&K Society Registration Act VI of Samvat 1998 (1941 AD). Raksha Mantri is the President and Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir is the Vice President of the Institute. The superintendence, direction and control of the affairs of the Institute vest in the Executive Council of the Institute .The Executive Council has representatives of the Central & State Governments , Members elected by the General Body of the Institute nominated from among donors and persons who promote the cause of the Institute. A representative each of the Ministry of Defence and the State Government of Jammu & Kashmir acts as Secretary of the Institute
Aru, the most picturesque town and sought after tourist destination was chosen, as it fulfilled most of the qualitative requirements. It boasts of being a trekker's paradise, provides facilities for rock craft, ice craft, stream crossing, has a glacier in close vicinity and slopes for skiing in winters. The Institute is administered through an Executive Council, the members of which are drawn from the state as well as the centre. At present Jt. Secretary (G/Air) of the Ministry of Defence and the Commisssioner/Secretary Tourism, J&K are looking after the affairs of the Institute. The Hon'ble De- fence Minister and the Hon'ble Chief Minister of the J&K State are the President and Vice President of the Institute respectively. The Institute is headed by an officer from the Armed forces, of the rank of Colonel or equivalent. The Instructors (JCOs/NCOs) are drawn from the three services. They are on deputation for three years. Clerical and class 'D' staff has been recruited locally, and are given remuneration as per Govt, of J&K pay scales.
The Institute exposes the youth to nature and kindles the spirit of adventure in consonance with National Ethos with an aim to develop their personality, character, courage and confidence through adventure sports.
1. Promote adventure activities in the state. 2. Impart training on technical aspects of Mountaineering. 3. Hone Mountaineering skills of individuals. 4. Act as coordinating agency for National and International Adventure activities and Winter games. 5. Create Environment awareness amongst youth. 6. Undertake rescue operations / search missions. 7. Character building.
