PLANNING AND PREPARATION OF A SKI TRIP TO THE HIMALAYA
Best Time Go
To make sure that our guests enjoy good snow conditions our programs are offered from mid-December to mid-March. During that period we have a good ground coverage and the snow is mostly cold and dry thus offering perfect conditions to ski every day.
Skiing Skills and Backcountry Experience
You should be an advanced to expert skier or snowboarder capable of riding backcountry terrain in all types of snow, from powder to crust and wind packed snow. We find runs with good snow conditions most of the time. On times we may have to hike up or walk out and nearly all runs require traversing, an aspect snowboarders need to be aware of.
Of course Gulmarg can also be visited by skiers who master all types of groomed slopes but have never skied off piste. However, we recommend that they come as a group of people with identical skills or book a one to one guided stay.
Fitness Level
We ski at 4’000 meters above sea level and most of our off piste runs are in excess of 1’000 vertical meters therefore our guests need a strong physical condition to join our programs. You find recommendations on getting fit for the Himalaya on our blog on this subject.
Snow Quality
The snow quality changes with each fresh storm as in most other ski resorts and also varies at different areas of the mountain. In the period from end of January to the beginning of March you can expect mostly dry powder from the top of the mountain down to the valley floor. Exposed areas on the upper mountain can sometimes suffer from wind crust and on sunny days the lower parts of the terrain can become sun affected. At the end of the season by mid-March there is also a good chance for good corn skiing.
Temperature
On average the day temperature in Gulmarg is at the tree line at 3’200 meters around minus 5 degrees and on the top of the mountain at 4’000 meters approx. minus 10 degrees Celsius. With the exception of the mountain ridge the terrain on Mt. Apharwat is well wind protected so wind chill is rarely an issue. The ski clothes you will wear when in at higher elevations in the Alps will therefore offer sufficient protection.
Avalanche Danger
All ski areas that receive considerable snowfall are exposed to avalanche danger, Gulmarg is no exception and therefore the avalanche risk is usually high or considerable for one or more days after storms. Most of the time, however, the snowpack becomes stable quit quickly and the terrain can then be accessed. But even when the avalanche danger is considered moderate or low people should be aware that they ski in complex and steep high alpine terrain which always includes some dangers
Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country.
Originally called "Gaurimarg", the name of Lord Shiva's consort. In 16th century Yousuf Shah Chak changed its name to Gulmarg, meaning the place of roses. Sultan Yusuf Shah Chak, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned with wild flowers. Gulmarg was favourite of Emperor Jehangir who once collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.
The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there - roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer’s rich emerald, or autumn’s golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance.
The Winter Games Federation of India, during its annual general meeting declared Gulmarg as the winter sports capital of India. Coming from the apex body that organises winter sports in the country, this is indeed a great honour for Gulmarg.
Sledging: A flat wooden board is taken up the hilltop and, without a navigator, allowed to slide downhill on the snow-covered slopes. Sledges as well as sledge-pullers are always available on hire.
Skiing: Some of the best slopes in the country for beginners and intermediate skiers are available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment is available on hire from the Ski-Shop. In winter Gulmarg's natural slopes and inclines turn into the country’s premier skiing resort. Not all tourists who visit in winter come for skiing - some simply are there to watch the skiing or to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many of these are infected with the excitement of the skiers, and have donned their first pair of skis within a short while of their arrival. Click here to know more about Skiing in Kashmir.
Among the multitudes of slopes, there are a few which are serviced by ski lifts. Most of the skiing becomes centred on these slopes, which are specially suited to beginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski runs ranging from 200 m to 3kms, instructors are available for both levels.
Each of these is quieter than the immensely popular ones with skilifts. Advanced skiers often trek in the snow for several hours to the very top of Apharwat peak, to make a descent lasting no more than 30 minutes.
And now, with the operation of the Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car, it has become all the more convenient for skiing enthusiasts, as they can gain a ski run of nearly 3 kms with the help of this cable car which goes up to Kongdori.
There are a host of snow sports at Gulmarg at this time of the year. Tobogganing, the most popular among them requires no skill. No skill is required - a flat wooden board is taken up the hill and is allowed to descend downhill. There are also snow scooters and snow bobbing, neither requiring special skills.
Contact/Reservations
- Email :- gulmargskii@gmail.com / imran_zaindari@rediffmail.com
- Cell No :- +919797715922 - +917298043450
