Skiing / snowboarding in Kashmir is one of the major attraction of tourist that attracts tourists from almost all over the world every year. Gulmarg is prime winter sports resort in Kashmir that offers a vast platform for Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country, Ice Skating other winter sports. It is one of the world famous Ski resort situated in the lap of Mount Affarwat at an altitude of 2820 mtrs above sea level, it is 52 kms away from Srinagar (90 minutes drive). According to CNN, Gulmarg is the "heartland of winter sports in India" and has been rated by CNN International as Asia's seventh best ski destination.
It´s totally different from other Skiing places in Europe, USA, Canada or New Zealand
Gulmarg offers the best slopes of the world to skiers, slopes for begineers in Gulmarg and for extreme skiers at Apharwat. Ski resort Gulmarg in the Himalayas also offers platform for Heli Skiing as well as free Skiing with exceptional powder terrains. One can find both well prepared and groomed slopes as per international standards, as well as numerous unprepared ski slopes in Gulmarg and Apharwat. Only deep untracked 'curry powder', that´s what this ski resort and its vicinity provides you.
Tangmarg Valley Off- Piste: Apart from the Skiing in Gulmarg one can go for skiing Tangmarg, descend through open forests to Tangmarg valley is challenging, offering steeper glades and powder-filled chutes, it offers routes enjoyable for Skiers of most standards.
Ski Routes and Length:
• Ski down from Gulmarg- Tangmarg is approx 3 kms run.
• From Kongdori – Drung / Tangmarg it is about 6 kms run.
• And directly from Mount Affarwat to Drung / Tangmarg it is about 8 kms long run.
Baba Reshi Shrine: When the mountain is closed due to storm or bad weather Tangmarg and Babareshi are alternative to it. There are numerous skiing routes from Gulmarg to the Baba Reshi, but these are shorter than those to Tangmarg, approx 3 kms long run, but these provide greater challenge, with fabulous tree skiing and snowboarding through steeper powder-filled chutes.
Ski Lifts in Gulmarg:
1. One T-Bar Lift in Gulmarg Bowl for Beginners / Basic level skiers.
2. Poma Button type Lifts in Gulmarg Bowl for Beginners / Basic level skiers.
3. Gondola: Gulmarg to Aoharwat in 2 Phases.
• Gulmarg to Kongdori (for advance Skiers).
• Kongdori to Mount Apharwat (for Extreme Skiers).
• Chair Lift: Kongdori to Merry Shoulder (Half of Mount Apharwat) for Expert Skiers.
Gulmarg Gondola:
Built by the French company Pomagalski, the Gulmarg Gondola is a tourist attraction in itself. Gulmarg Gondola is one of the highest cable cars in the world, reaching 3,979 metres. The first Phase operates from the Gulmarg resort at 2,600 m (8,530 ft) to Kongdoori Station at an altitude of 3080 mtr above sea level.
The second stage of the ropeway operates from Kongdori to Mount Apharwat, takes skiers to a height of 3,950 m (12,959 ft), from the top station an optional 30 minute walk will take skiers to the top of Apharwat Peak (4,200 mtrs (13,780 ft)). From the peak skiers can glide for over a couple of kilometres in either direction along Apharwat's high Northwest and Southeast shoulders, before descending the mountain's multiple ridges, faces and bowls.
Rescue backup at Mount Apharwat:
The Department of Tourism manages the resort and have placed a team of highly trained professionals for Ski Patrol and Rescue, the team is equipped with highly sophisticated equipments and machines to carry out the rescue and ski patrol operations. Itis available round the clock 24*7 for assistance / guidance, evacuation of casualties and search the missing and avalanche burials in Inbound and Outbound areas of resort. As per international law the team is bound to provide service only in marked inbound areas, but being your hosts it crosses the limits and provides the rescue in outbound areas also.