SRINAGAR, India — A massive avalanche plowed into an Indian army training center at a ski resort town in Indian-controlled Kashmir today, killing 17 soldiers and critically injuring 17 others.

The avalanche slammed into the army's High Altitude Warfare School and swept away the soldiers during a training session, said army spokesman Col. Vineet Sood. It was the worst avalanche in the area in many years, he said.

Seventeen bodies were found and 53 troops were rescued about six hours after the speeding mass of snow and ice struck the center high on a Himalayan slope, senior police officer Qayoom Manhas said.

Manhas said of those rescued, 17 needed emergency medical care.

About 70 troops were taking a skiing test when the avalanche came crashing down, he said.