Skiing in Gulmarg: Fulfill Your Snowy Mountain Dreams in India’s Hidden Ge
When dreaming of skiing along the snowy mountains, one cannot help but envision such adventures in foreign locales like Sun Peaks in Canada or Girdwood in Alaska.
Faraway dreamy places include famous ski destinations like Val Thoren in France and, of course, Zermatt in Switzerland. However, we often forget that right at our doorsteps lies a better option – the breathtaking slopes of Gulmarg await your winter escapade.
Gulmarg, the ultimate ski destination
Gulmarg, India’s best ski destination, offers something for everyone. The gorgeous destination is situated amid the tranquillity of the Himalayan Mountains. It certainly lives up to its name which literally means ‘a meadow of flowers’ because of its stunning peaks, lush greenery, lovely surroundings, and untouched lakes. This is an ideal winter getaway for many.
Gulmarg has some of the highest ski slopes in India, and travellers can indulge in some great snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing while staying in Gulmarg, where the atmosphere is full of serenity and calmness.
Leena Kukreja has always been fascinated with skiing in Gulmarg and has been regularly visiting the place for the last two years with her kids. She usually visits in February which is the best time to ski. Leena mentions; “Gulmarg has the baby slopes. These slopes consist of different difficulty levels, equipped with ski lifts and dozens of highly experienced instructors available. So kids can enjoy the thrill to the fullest, along with necessary precautionary measures.”
Skiing was first introduced to Gulmarg by two British Army officers who established the first ski club here in 1927; though it wasn’t until 9-10 years ago when Gulmarg got its due recognition as a skiing destination.
Photo by Azmaan Baluch on Unsplash
Getting to Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a small isolated hill-village situated in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s easier to get here than you might expect. It’s only an hour-long flight from Delhi to Srinagar, and then another 90 minutes from Srinagar to Gulmarg. “Getting to Gulmarg is rather straight forward.” Leena continues, “Delhi is the hub for international and domestic flights, and from there you can take up a road to Srinagar.” Once here, there are some great new local transport and mountain guiding services available now.
Kruti Desai who has been to Gulmarg multiple times shares a similar sentiment. “It is faster to reach Gulmarg from Mumbai than other ski destinations in India. E.g. Auli takes two days to reach Mumbai since you need to stop over for a night in Hardwar and then drive for 8-10 hours to reach Auli. For Gulmarg, we took a direct flight to Srinagar, and then it’s just a 2-hour drive from there.”
A place perfect to ski
Due to its geographic location, Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and has been declared as being the best ski resort in the same region. Thus, for a passionate skier and snowboarder, it cannot get any better. Gulmarg’s ski terrain includes alpine bowls, chutes, cornices, and glade skiing amongst ancient pines. The slopes along Mt. Apharwat offer some of the best terrains for powder ski something which the Gulmarg ski resort is famous for.
“The slopes in Gulmarg are much better than other slopes in India.” Kruti adds, “This is an inexpensive ski destination as compared to a ski destination outside India. A place like Switzerland may cost about 100 times the cost of skiing in Gulmarg.”
Due to the nature of the environment, the avalanche risk, and the complexity of the region, it is highly recommended to engage some quality trained guides into service. “The IISM ski institute here and the facilities like the ski lifts are quite good.” According to Kruti, “You can easily get ski lessons from experts at IISM.”
Photo by Christian ter Maat on Unsplash
Given the high cost of living in Kashmir, the hotels in Gulmarg can be a bit pricey. But if you choose wisely, it would be all worth it. Ski equipment is easily available on rent, on a per-day basis, at many Government-run ski shops.
It’s advisable to shop for your winter wear beforehand, especially if it’s going to be an annual adventure for you and your family. You would need warm jackets and sweaters. Particularly for skiing, one should get a good waterproof and windproof jacket, snowshoes along with a pair of water-resistant gloves, also a pair of woollen socks, and a woollen cap. Here some good dark sun-glasses would be useful.
It is always advisable to go for a multilayer option, wherein you get two or more layers of clothing to keep you warm. In between the layer are the trapped air pockets that shall keep the heat encased inside. This is where options, such as an all-weather jacket and waterproof pants turn into the ideal solutions.
The Gulmarg experience
Skiing in Gulmarg is very different and of course, that is exactly what makes it so special. Most striking is the trees when going on a ride up the hill; tall and beautiful Himalayan Pines covered in snow. The airlift at the Gulmarg Gondola is the second-highest cable car in the world, taking you as high as 4,000 meters to the Kongdoori Mountain. The ride up the mountain in a helicopter is also a surreal experience in itself. When it snows in Kashmir, it really snows. All skiers should bring their touring equipment which includes important tools and clothing, such as avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, cross-country touring skis, climbing skins, ski crampons, water bottle or thermos, headlamp, pocket knife, repair kit, blister kit, ski goggles, ski bindings, ski brakes, ski poles, ice axe, and climbing harness.
Leena has so much to share, “While moving through the village, you would get to see villagers going about their everyday chores and children who come up running to greet you or wave at you …unforgettable! It also has some great restaurants which serve some local dishes, such as Yakhni Pulav, Gosht Curry Recipes and many more from the enormously variant Kashmiri cuisine.”
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It will cost you very little per person, which includes renting equipment, a Gondola pass, and instructor service. On the other hand, the Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering (IISM) offers a 14 days skiing course. Guides are rigorously trained in avalanche rescue and medical aid as per international standards, which means you will be in good hands at all times. Regularly updated reports on snow conditions are also readily available with the ski patrol.
The Gulmarg skiing and snowboarding is mainly suited for expert riders who enjoy the off-piste backcountry terrain. But an average beginner can also experience the thrill with help of highly trained instructors and guides. Even the ones who are simply keen on hiking and experiencing a laid-back adventure would appreciate the time spent here.
Kruti Desai, Partner at ALMT Legal remembers her time in Gulmarg quite fondly, “The local food is mainly mutton. They serve a herbal tea called “Kahva” which is delicious. The people are very friendly.”
Places to visit
The place has breath-taking views of beautiful landscapes and amazing gardens, which will leave you amazed and that’s something you should not be missing out on. The ultimate afternoon involves heading up to the summit of Mt. Apharwat, which is a ‘must-do’ excursion. Arriving on the summit, at the same time as the sun starts to dip, casting its golden light on the mountain peaks, you are bound to be moved by the sheer beauty in front of you. It’s hard to pull yourself away and head down, once the sun has set.
The Highlands Park Hotel here has a certain colonial charm to it that really takes you by surprise. Though it was left a bit run down a few years ago, it’s been improved immensely to meet the standards and expectations of the tourists. Another great option according to Leena was the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa, which is a perfect place for a luxurious family stay. Kruti and her friends stayed at The Vintage, which is 1km from the ski slopes.
You can also visit Ziarat of Baba Reshi dargah, which can be reached easily from Gulmarg, the Rani Temple near the main market, and the Maharaja Palace. A newly developed Lake and Children’s park here is fascinating as well.
When asked about the experience of skiing in Gulmarg, Leena has only one thing to say. “Five days of untracked powder all day, all over! But don’t forget to stop and take in all the sensational scenery around you when you are there.”
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Some amazing events at Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a glamorous place in winter as it was seen during a three-day long International Heli-ski competition held here in February 2014. Around 200 professional skiers across the country and the world tuned up for a high stake game of thrill and skill. Gulmarg is also a place of dazzling fun for snow enthusiasts who gathered to celebrate World Snow day in January. Organised by the Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering, this was a carnival of Kashmiri culture and food celebrated with the conjugation of international music and arts.
Store all those fun moments with GoPro
Skiing on some of the highest mountains is definitely a unique experience and now with the help of technology, we can preserve and share such beautiful memories. One device that helps this to achieve is the Go-Pro camera. Mounted directly on a skier, a camera provides us with an exclusive point-of-view when going down on a mountain slope with incredible speed. Many skiers tend to use such a camera to enhance their skill set, as many of us just require to record some of our fondest recollections.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best time to ski in Gulmarg?
The best time to ski in Gulmarg is between January and March, when the snow conditions are at their best. However, the ski season can extend into April if the snow conditions are good.
2. What are the ski slopes like in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg offers a variety of ski slopes to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There are beginner slopes, intermediate slopes, and advanced slopes, as well as off-piste terrain for experienced skiers.
3. What are the lift-accessed vertical meters in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg has a total of 1,330 meters of lift-accessed vertical terrain. This is spread across three phases: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Gulmarg Gondola.
4. What is the altitude of Gulmarg?
The base elevation of Gulmarg is 2,660 meters, and the top elevation is 3,980 meters. The summit of Mt. Apharwat is 4,124 meters.
5. What are the snow conditions like in Gulmarg?
Gulmarg receives an average of 7 meters of snowfall per year. The snow is typically dry and powdery, which makes it ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this exhilarating adventure, navigating the pristine slopes of the Himalayas in the enchanting surroundings of Gulmarg emerges as a truly precious accomplishment. The key to unlocking the full splendor of this experience lies in meticulous preparation. By ensuring you are equipped with the right gear, honing your skiing skills, and being attuned to the unique charm of Gulmarg’s winter landscape, you open the door to an inimitable essence of skiing.
The breathtaking vistas, crisp mountain air, and the thrill of carving through powdery snow create moments that are not only memorable for yourself but become stories worth sharing with your loved ones. Whether it’s the joy of conquering challenging descents or the serene beauty of the Himalayan peaks in the backdrop, Gulmarg offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.
Check out the wonderful experience of Yuktie Jhangiani in Gulmarg and get to know many new things about skiing.
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