Developer Alfred Ford of ABF International has received approval from the Himachal Pradesh state government in India for a proposed US$300m (£159m, 232m euro) ski resort in the Indian Himalayas.

Plans were temporarily put on hold in February following local opposition over fears that the local environment would be destroyed and water courses polluted. In response, ABF submitted modifications to the plans, which have met with state approval.

The Himalayan Ski Village will comprise 700 hotel rooms, 300 Swiss-style ski chalets, a 2,400-seat food court and a handicraft village. A ski lift will transport up to 500 passengers every hour from the ski village to an altitude of 14,000ft (4,300m) above sea level.

Colorado-based designer Jack Zehren will draw up plans for the ski resort, which will feature traditional Tibetan hill architecture featuring wood and stone houses with slated roofs.

Work on site is expected to start early next year, with completion scheduled for 2009–10.

The village hopes to hold future international ski tournaments and the Winter Olympics. Details: www.himalayanskivillage.com