SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A skier from Sweden was killed and his companion was rescued Thursday after an avalanche hit them while skiing in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.

The avalanche hit the skiers at the ski resort of Gulmarg, about 52 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"An avalanche today triggered on Affarwat peak in Gulmarg. Two skiers from Sweden got trapped in it," a police spokesman told Xinhua.

"One of the skiers identified as Daniel was found dead while his companion Benjaman was rescued safely."

Thousands of tourists including foreigners throng Gulmarg during winters for taking part in skiing and other winter sports.

The Himalayan slopes in Gulmarg offers access to daredevil practitioners of the sport to ski on its virgin snow.

On Wednesday evening some upper parts of the region received snowfall, following which authorities issued avalanche warnings for people living in higher reaches and urged them not to venture in avalanche prone zones.

Indian-controlled Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered by frequent rains and heavy snowfall in the mountains.