🎿 SKIING IN GULMARG

Skiing in Gulmarg is a unique Himalayan experience combining spectacular mountain scenery, deep winter snow and terrain for different levels of skiers. From gentle beginner slopes in the Gulmarg meadow to the high-altitude terrain of Apharwat, the mountain offers a natural progression from learning your first turns to exploring advanced terrain.

Gulmarg sits at around 2,650 metres, while the upper Gondola reaches close to 4,000 metres at Apharwat. The mountain is accessed primarily through the Gulmarg Gondola, with Phase 1 reaching Kongdoori and Phase 2 continuing towards Apharwat.

🟢 1. BEGINNER SKIING

Learn the Basics

If you have never skied before, Gulmarg's beginner slopes are the perfect place to start.

Beginner lessons normally begin in the lower Gulmarg meadow, where the terrain is relatively gentle and suitable for learning fundamental techniques.

You will learn:

• How to put on and control your skis

• Correct skiing stance

• Balance and movement

• Snowplough / wedge position

• Turning

• Stopping and speed control

• Using surface lifts

• Basic mountain safety

Once you become comfortable with stopping and turning, you can gradually progress towards the easier terrain around Kongdoori.

🔵 2. INTERMEDIATE SKIING

Take Your Skiing Higher

Intermediate skiers can progress to Gondola Phase 1 and the Kongdoori area, where the terrain becomes longer and more varied.

Phase 1 connects Gulmarg with Kongdoori, providing access to open snow terrain and longer descents back towards the village.

Intermediate skiers can work on:

• Parallel turns

• Speed control

• Carving fundamentals

• Skiing on wider mountain terrain

• Variable snow conditions

• Longer descents

• Tree and natural terrain awareness

• Building confidence at higher altitude

The Mary's Shoulder chairlift also provides access to additional terrain around the Kongdoori area.

🔴 3. ADVANCED SKIING

Apharwat & High-Altitude Terrain

For experienced skiers, Gondola Phase 2 provides access to the high-altitude terrain around Apharwat.

This is where Gulmarg becomes a serious mountain environment rather than a conventional groomed ski resort. The terrain includes open bowls, ridges, natural features and ungroomed snow.

Advanced skiers should have strong control, confidence in variable snow and appropriate off-piste experience before attempting this terrain.

Advanced terrain should be approached with a qualified local guide, particularly when skiing outside controlled/managed areas or after significant snowfall.

🗺️ 4. GULMARG SKI AREA — HOW IT WORKS

Gulmarg is different from a typical European or North American ski resort. Much of its famous terrain is natural mountain terrain rather than a network of heavily groomed pistes.

The mountain can be understood in three main levels:

Gulmarg Village — Beginner Area
Approximately 2,650 m
→ Beginner slopes
→ Ski schools
→ Basic lessons
→ Surface lifts

Kongdoori — Intermediate Area
Approximately 3,050–3,080 m
→ Gondola Phase 1
→ Longer descents
→ Open terrain
→ Chairlift access
→ Intermediate progression

Apharwat — Advanced / Expert Area
Approximately 3,979 m at the Gondola top station
→ Gondola Phase 2
→ High-altitude terrain
→ Open bowls
→ Advanced off-piste terrain
→ Guide recommended/required for serious backcountry terrain.

🚡 5. GULMARG GONDOLA

The Gulmarg Gondola is the primary lift system that gives skiers access to the mountain.

PHASE 1

Gulmarg → Kongdoori

Phase 1 takes skiers from the Gulmarg base towards Kongdoori and provides access to intermediate-level mountain terrain and longer descents.

PHASE 2

Kongdoori → Apharwat

Phase 2 continues higher towards Apharwat and provides access to high-altitude terrain suitable for experienced skiers. Conditions can change quickly at this elevation, and lift operations can be affected by weather and snow safety.

🚠 6. MARY'S SHOULDER CHAIRLIFT

The Mary's Shoulder chairlift operates from the Kongdoori area and provides another way to access mountain terrain.

It can be particularly useful for intermediate and advanced skiers looking to explore terrain around Mary's Shoulder and the surrounding mountain area.

🎯 7. SKIING BY SKILL LEVEL

🟢 LEVEL 1 — COMPLETE BEGINNER

Recommended area: Gulmarg beginner slopes

Perfect for:

• First-time skiers

• Beginners with no previous experience

• Learning balance and stopping

• Basic turns

Main goal: Build confidence and control.

🟡 LEVEL 2 — BEGINNER / INTERMEDIATE

Recommended area: Lower Kongdoori

Perfect for skiers who can:

• Stop confidently

• Make controlled turns

• Control their speed

• Ski continuously on gentle terrain

Main goal: Move from learning slopes to mountain skiing.

🔵 LEVEL 3 — INTERMEDIATE

Recommended area: Kongdoori / Phase 1

Perfect for skiers who can:

• Ski parallel

• Control speed on longer runs

• Handle changing snow

• Ski independently on moderate terrain

Main goal: Improve technique and explore more of Gulmarg.

🔴 LEVEL 4 — ADVANCED

Recommended area: Phase 2 / Apharwat

Suitable for experienced skiers who can:

• Handle variable snow

• Ski confidently on steeper terrain

• Navigate ungroomed mountain terrain

• Understand off-piste hazards

Main goal: Explore Gulmarg's high-altitude terrain responsibly.

⚫ LEVEL 5 — EXPERT / BACKCOUNTRY

Gulmarg's high mountain terrain can become serious backcountry skiing.

This level requires:

• Strong off-piste ability

• Avalanche awareness

• Mountain navigation

• Appropriate safety equipment

• Experienced local guiding

Never treat high-altitude backcountry terrain as an ordinary ski piste.

📈 8. OUR SKIING PROGRESSION

Day 1

Learn the Basics

Balance → Snowplough → Turning → Stopping

Day 2

Build Confidence

Controlled turns → Speed control → Longer beginner runs

Day 3

Move to the Mountain

Progress towards Kongdoori → Longer descents → Variable snow

Days 4–5

Improve Your Technique

Parallel skiing → Better turns → Mountain confidence

Days 6+

Explore More

Intermediate terrain → Advanced progression → Phase 2 where appropriate

Your progression depends on your existing experience, fitness, snow conditions and instructor assessment.

🎿 9. SKI EQUIPMENT

Kashmir Ski Resort can arrange the essential equipment required for your skiing experience.

Equipment may include:

• Skis

• Ski boots

• Ski poles

• Helmet

• Ski jacket

• Ski pants

• Goggles

• Gloves

• Safety equipment

Equipment should always be properly fitted and appropriate for your ability level and current mountain conditions.

🧑‍🏫 10. PROFESSIONAL SKI INSTRUCTION

Learning with a professional instructor is the best way for beginners to develop good skiing habits and progress safely.

Our instructors can help with:

Beginner lessons → Technique correction → Mountain progression → Skill development → Advanced guidance

Private instruction can also be arranged for travellers who want a more personalized experience.

❄️ 11. SNOW & MOUNTAIN CONDITIONS

Gulmarg is a natural mountain environment, so snow and weather conditions can change quickly.

Snow quality, visibility, wind, avalanche conditions and lift operations can all influence which terrain is accessible on a particular day.

The mountain decides the skiing.

Our team can adjust the day's skiing plan according to the conditions and your ability level.

🛡️ 12. SKI SAFETY

Safety is an essential part of skiing in Gulmarg, particularly at higher elevations and on ungroomed terrain.

Always:

• Follow your instructor or guide

• Wear a helmet

• Check weather and snow conditions

• Respect mountain closures

• Never enter unfamiliar backcountry terrain alone

• Carry appropriate safety equipment when required

• Know your ability level

• Stay hydrated and take time to adjust to altitude

Gulmarg has avalanche-prone terrain, particularly in the higher mountain areas, so advanced off-piste skiing should be undertaken with appropriate local expertise and safety preparation.

🏔️ WHY SKI IN GULMARG?

World-class Himalayan scenery
Ski surrounded by some of Kashmir's most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Natural Powder Snow
Gulmarg is famous for its snowfall and natural mountain terrain.

All Skill Levels
From your first snowplough to advanced high-altitude skiing.

Unique Mountain Terrain
Experience terrain that is very different from conventional groomed ski resorts.

Professional Instruction
Learn and progress with experienced local instructors.

An Unforgettable Kashmir Experience
Combine skiing with Gulmarg's famous Gondola, Himalayan scenery and Kashmir's unique culture.

⭐ SKI WITH KASHMIR SKI RESORT

Whether you are putting on skis for the first time, improving your technique or looking to explore Gulmarg's advanced mountain terrain, Kashmir Ski Resort can help you plan the right skiing experience for your level.

Choose your level. Choose your terrain. Experience Gulmarg.

Book your Gulmarg skiing experience with Kashmir Ski Resort.