The temperature in the town dipped down to 1.7 degrees Celsius and several parts of the state and Shimla in particular, witnessed mild to moderate snowfall, bringing hope to the state’s tourism industry.

Manisha Nanda, secretary (Tourism), said: “It’s a very good beginning of the year. Snowfall has brought new hope for hoteliers and the entire tourism industry.”

In the main town, snowfall was mild and the tourists could not really enjoy the snow, but those driving up to Kufri and Fagu spent the day amid snow.

The hotels have reported fresh arrivals during the day after the news about the snowfall. Despite being a Sunday, there were several tourists on the Mall.

Snowfall has also been reported from higher reaches of Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kalpa, Chamba and Kullu districts. Manali and Rohtang Pass, beside nearby the areas of Solang nullah, also received snowfall this morning.

Kalpa village in Kinnaur and Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul-Spiti, experienced 5.2 cms of snow.

Heavy snowfall was reported from Rohtang Pass and higher ranges of Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar in Kullu. According to a report, Rohtang Pass received about 10 feet of snow.

Kinnaur recorded heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Sri Khand, Kinner Kailash and Pooh. Chitkul village in Pooh sub-division is currently snow-clad, which is considered good for the apple crop there.

State’s Horticulture Minister Narinder Bragta said apple orchards were in desperate need of snowfall because of a continued dry spell.