Name: Gulmarg
Rating: 4.3

Skiing in Gulmarg, Gulmarg Overview

Known to be one of the most picturesque and scenic destinations in India, Gulmarg is a hill town in Jammu and Kashmir which is lately gaining a lot of popularity for its adventure sports. Skiing in Gulmarg is one of the top adventure activities which derives a lot. of tourists to the place.

During blizzards, beautifully characterised open spaces in the forest terrain can be skied below Gulmarg which may lead you to the local shrines. Ideal for both amateur and professional skiiers, the place has several skiing operators and institute that can tutor you on the same. Other activities include riding the gondola, hiking and sightseeing.

About the Place

Gulmarg is normally blessed with unbelievable amounts of snow. It ranks in the realms of Utah and Niseko in the snowfall stakes. The average annual snowfall is not well documented, but it is thought to be about 14 metres, while in the year 2004 it came around 20 metres.

Temperatures at Gulmarg are not super cold. It is generally milder than the toe-numbing frigidity of interior Canada and the USA. When the sun shines in Gulmarg you may notice how warm it is. Europeans would love to soak up the rays at the gondola mid-station, but unfortunately, there are no comfortable lounge chairs available for them.

Gulmarg Avalanche

Avalanche poses a great threat to those travelling in Gulmarg which goes to its extremes at times. An entire set of tools and their usage is standard attire required here. The main bowl under Gondola is the location under surveillance. One of the most significant challenges in Gulmarg is avoiding an avalanche triggered by many foreign tourists landing here.

Gulmarg Ski Terrain

Advanced and expert terrain are lumped together because the Gulmarg ski terrain requires competent skills wherever you go, and the difference between an advanced or expert line might be a matter of metres left or right. The main bowls under the phase 2 Gulmarg gondola offer fast lines down some spurs.

There are even some patchy trees skiers right of the lift line above the mid station restaurants. A short hike halfway towards the summit where one may access the North and South Apharwat bowls via a traverse. They can also be accessed via the summit proper. The skiing here is sublime. The possibilities beyond the summit are endless.

Medical fitness

Undergoing certain medical tests is suggested. Altitude sickness should be checked for before you embark upon this trip.

General tips

Good footwear is a must if you plan to go skiing. Find operators that are registered and provide decent equipment and safety harnesses for your ski trip.

Safety Tips

Carry medicines for cold and flu.
Make sure you carry plenty of warm clothes. Jackets that insulate are suggested.
Take your instructor's tips very seriously and pain relievers for casulaties!

How to reach Skiing in Gulmarg

Air: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar. One can easily hire a taxi from the airport to reach your destination. The fare may range from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000.
Rail: Jammu serves as the nearest railhead to Gulmarg, situated about 348 kms away. Udhampur railway station is another alternative, the station being at a distance of 283 kms. One can easily avail a taxi from Jammu and Udhampur till Gulmarg while enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.
Road: Gulmarg is easily accessible through motorable road from Srinagar and other neighbouring regions of the state. You can board a private or a public bus till Gulmarg all the while enjoying the natureÃ•s beauty. However, in winters the buses operates till Tangmarg from where you will need to hire small vehicles for remaining 11 kms.