Skiing in Kashmir

Gulmarg Skiing

Experience the magic of skiing in Gulmarg with Real Mountaineers Kashmir. Nestled amidst a winter wonderland, Gulmarg boasts stunning landscapes blanketed in snow throughout the season. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Gulmarg’s ski slopes cater to all levels of skiers. Renowned for its pristine snow quality, Gulmarg rivals even the slopes of Switzerland.

Venture beyond the slopes into exhilarating backcountry terrain adorned with pine trees, alpine bowls, and untouched peaks. Skiing in Gulmarg reaches dizzying heights, with the Apharwat Peak towering at 3,979 meters. Accessible via a two-phase lift system, skiers can ascend to breathtaking altitudes and explore the alpine paradise.

From December to March, Gulmarg beckons skiers from around the globe, offering endless winter activities. Plan your skiing adventure this year with Real Mountaineers Kashmir and immerse yourself in the thrill of the slopes with expert trainers and top-notch equipment.

Why Choose Real Mountaineers Kashmir for Skiing in Gulmarg

Real Mountaineers Kashmir specializes in crafting personalized Gulmarg skiing packages tailored to suit a diverse range of preferences and skill levels. Whether you’re an individual, a group, a family, a student, a beginner, or an advanced skier, we have the perfect package for you. We also cater to experienced skiers seeking bespoke experiences like Gulmarg Backcountry Skiing or Heli Skiing. Our clientele spans from novices to seasoned professionals, offering budget-friendly to premium and luxury packages.

In addition to Gulmarg, Real Mountaineers Kashmir organizes skiing adventures in other picturesque destinations such as Sonamarg and Aru, providing an escape from the crowds. Under the expert guidance of our highly skilled ski guides and mountaineers, we ensure a safe and exhilarating skiing experience. We take pride in being the pioneers of promoting “Skiing India” and showcasing the unparalleled beauty of skiing in Kashmir.

Gulmarg Skiing Season

Skiing, a quintessential winter sport, finds its perfect setting amidst snowy landscapes, with Gulmarg standing as a prime example of such a picturesque hilly region. The optimal season for skiing in Gulmarg spans from December to March, encompassing the heart of winter. For the ultimate skiing experience, plan your trip between mid-December and early March when the region boasts abundant snowfall. While Gulmarg typically receives ample snow during these months, occasional delays may push snowfall to January. Nonetheless, the winter wonderland of Gulmarg promises an unforgettable skiing adventure amidst pristine snow-covered slopes and breathtaking vistas.

Tips for Skiing in Gulmarg

  • Get the proper personal gear before you visit Gulmarg for skiing. Warm Clothes, Snow Jacket, Fleece, Thermals, Gloves, Snow Shoes etc. 
  • Always spend a day for acclimatization in Gulmarg before you start your skiing training.
  • Make sure during your training days, you take light lunch. Avoid heavy lunch meals. 
  • Bring the basic medicine with you. You should have a small medical kit with you having the basic medicine like painkillers, sprays, band-aid, etc. 
  • Always go for the qualified and certified ski or snowboard instructor. Never compromise on the quality of instructors and ski equipment. 
  • Gulmarg is a cold place, so make sure you book a room that has a heating facility. Centrally heated rooms are the best. 
  • Always plan and book in advance your skiing package. Gulmarg is a bit expensive place and also gets fully booked at times before even the skiing season starts. For transportation, you can book the cab via Kashmir Taxi Service.
  • Make sure you cross the Tangmarg check post before evening. At times because of the freezing temperature, cabs are not allowed to go to Gulmarg from Tangmarg after 5 pm.

Things to Carry for Skiing in Gulmarg

Before you come here to Gulmarg for Skiing, you need to have a clear understanding of what things to carry. As the snow will be around you and the temperatures will be sub-zero, you need to have a detailed list of things with you. Real Mountaineers Kashmir has compiled the essential list of things to carry for skiing in Gulmarg. Here is a list of essential items to carry for skiing:

Ski Clothing:

  • Thermals, Fleece, Dry Fit T-Shirts: You need these layers to keep yourself warm and dry. 
  • Insulated Ski Jacket: The ski jacket is a must. A waterproof insulated jacket will keep you warm and dry even during the peak of snowfall. 
  • Ski Pants: Waterproof and insulated pants for skiing.
  • Ski Socks: Warm, moisture-wicking socks that go up to your calves.

Accessories:

  • Gloves or Mittens: Waterproof and insulated to keep your hands warm.
  • Goggles: To protect your eyes from snow, wind, and UV rays.
  • Ski Helmet: For safety and warmth.
  • Neck Gaiter or Balaclava: To protect your face from the cold.
  • Woolen Cap: To keep your head warm.
  • Backpack: To carry your essentials and safety gear.
  • Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the strong sun and reflect off the snow.
  • Lip Balm: To prevent chapped lips in the cold and wind.
  • Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits.
  • Water: Stay hydrated. A water bottle or hydration system is essential.
  • Adhar Card or Passport: Carry identification and information in case of an emergency.
  • First Aid Kit: Include essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and blister treatment.
  • Dry Bag or Plastic Bags: Keep extra clothing and gear dry in case of wet conditions.

Safety Gear:

  • Avalanche Transceiver (if skiing in the backcountry): Essential for safety in avalanche-prone areas.
  • Avalanche Probe and Shovel (if skiing in the backcountry): For rescue purposes.
  • Avalanche Airbag (optional, if skiing in backcountry): Provides additional safety in case of an avalanche.

To check for further details, contact Real Mountaineers Kashmir Ski Experts. They will guide you in choosing the best of the ski apparel. 

Further, in case you wish to take some items on rent, Real Mountaineers Kashmir has a shop of ski rentals that includes ski goggles, ski pants, ski jackets, ski gloves, etc. 

Gulmarg Ski Resort

Gulmarg Ski Resort offers quite improved ski services. It is a regular ski resort in India, and undoubtedly the best one, too. It has proper avalanche forecasting techniques and a proper modern avalanche mitigation techniques. 

The resort staff is at work 24 * 7. The resort has first aid and rescue services, too, along with snow grooming. It has a dedicated Avalanche Help Centre. However, all these services are available within the boundaries of Gulmarg Ski Resort only. The government has specified the boundaries of the resort.

Gulmarg is famous for both amateurs as well as seasoned skiers. It holds half a dozen slopes with mild inclines and is ideal for beginners. For advanced skiers, it has backcountry and heliskiing options. A dedicated team frequently patrols the ski resort for any safety concerns. They are responsible for maintaining safety standards.

Most of the rush in Gulmarg is the temptation of Gondola Ride, the highest altitude cable car ride in Asia. It ferries people from Gulmarg Main to Apharwat Peak, ascending a total of 5,300 ft.

Gulmarg ski resort holds every year Gulmarg Winter Sports Games. It is the heartland of winter sports in India and snow skiing in Gulmarg is the most famous winter sport across the country. The heavenly snow in Gulmarg makes one feel otherworldly.

Things to Know

  • The road from Airport to Tangmarg is quite easy. However, the road gets tricky, snaky, and difficult from Tangmarg to Gulmarg. From Tangmarg you will have to use 4*4 cabs. The road is snowy, at times frozen so the drive will be slow and besides it’s an uphill drive snaking through the forest.
  • You will have all kinds of lodgings at Gulmarg. From luxury hotels to huts that offer the basic facility.
  • Wifi is available almost in all hotels and lodgings. Your SIM might or might not work. If it doesn’t work, you will have to buy a SIM in the nearby store and it gets activated in some hours.
  • Bars or alcohol in some of the hotels and restaurants.
  • Sometimes the Gondola or chair lift shuts if the weather turns rough.
  • Real Mountaineers Kashmir Guides, instructors, and helpers are well aware of their trade and place, they are qualified and experienced. So just relax about the instruction part.