Why? Lots of snow, massive terrain and backcountry skiing and snowboarding in India. Set in the majestic Himalayas, it’s an experience you won’t get anywhere else on the globe! So you’ve always dreamed of skiing in the Himalayas? Gulmarg Ski Resort is the perfect place for that dream ski trip! Skiing in Kashmir - that little region in the northern part of India known for snow, snow and more snow. Skiing in Gulmarg, India’s world-class resort, should be on high on your list. In the 19th century, Gulmarg was a hill station for wealthy tourists. Later, the British elite chose the “Meadow of Flowers” during their Indian occupancy to escape the summer heat. It was also a favorite vacation spot for Mughal kings. In 1927, it was established as a ski resort by two British army officers.
Gulmarg is located in the Pir Panjal peaks of India at the extreme western edge of one of the six mountain ranges that form the Himalayan Mountains. Gulmarg is in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir – not far from the Pakistan border. It’s 52 kilometers from the Kashmir state capital, Srinagar. Visitors can take a taxi to Gulmarg, which should take approximately 2-3 hours. English is widely spoken so it shouldn’t be too difficult for those skiing in Kashmir. Gulmarg – skiing in the Himalayas - is known for its snowfall – it receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the Himalayan Mountain range – a whopping annual average of 550 inches (14 meters). That’s due to the resort’s elevation, which starts at 2,600 meters (8,727 feet) and tops off at 3,980 meters (13,057 feet). That’s a good reason for snowboarding India!
The village sits high on Mt. Apharwat, which peaks at a staggering 4,124 meters. You can expect majestic views from your hotel window or wherever you go in Gulmarg. The resort gained notoriety after CNN International gave it a number 7 ranking for best ski areas in Asia. The addition of the second phase of the Gulmarg Gondola in 2005 also brought the Gulmarg Ski Resort into the spotlight. The second phase ascends to 3,980 meters. Skiing in Gulmarg means over 1,330 vertical meters of skiable terrain.
It’s also home to the highest golf course in the world! Much of Gulmarg Ski Resort is not patrolled. Skiers can access inbound skiing (patrolled) on the Main Bowl (also known as Gondola Bowl) from the Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 2). Although it’s only one bowl, it’s huge and there are lots of possibilities to ski pow…North Aspect, South Aspect, Mary’s Shoulder, etc. At the mid-station of Phase 1 of the Gulmarg Gondola, there’s lots of gladed areas if you love skiing the trees and snowboarding India. For those who want more adventure when Skiing Gulmarg, consider hiring a powder guide. A qualified guide will show you the rest of Gulmarg – over 90% of the resort is considered backcountry (not patrolled). For trees, places like Monkey Hill or the Babarishi Trees are really fun places to ski or snowboard with a guide. For wide open skiing above the tree line, a guide can take you to 18 bowls with fresh, long lines of pow pow. Skiing in the Himalayas is the trip of a lifetime. That’s Gulmarg Ski Resort in a nutshell.