Jammu and Kashmir is a state, located in the majestic Himalayan mountains. Sharing borders with China in the east and north and Pakistan in the northwest and west, the area is known for its amazing landscapes, such as the Kashmir valley and the bio geographical diversity with a wide range of elevations, subtropical pine forests and the endless, northwestern Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows.
Gulmarg is a small mountainous resort town, situated at the western end of Himalayas, in the Pir Panjal mountain range and it overlooks the Valley of Kashmir, Nanga Parbat and other distinct peaks. Considered to be “the heartland of winter sports in India”, Gulmarg is a unique major ski resort and attracts skiers from all over the world, as it combines incredible natural beauty, endless ski slopes, good quality powder snow and low prices.
Because of its location, Gulmarg receives the greatest snowfalls from the winter storms in December and thus, the ski season is on from mid December to mid April. The resort’s top elevation is at 12959 ft/3950 m high, while it has a vertical drop of 4429 ft/1350 m and is home to the second highest, six seater gondola lift in the world, that takes you from the base of the resort in the village to the top of the mountain.
The main ski slope for the advanced skiers, also called Phase 2, offers runs of 1.2 mi/2 km long and more and the gondola lifts take you all the way to the top with a vertical drop of more than 2296 ft/700 m. For the intermediate skiers, Phase 1 is a great run through wooded hills, 1.8 mi/3 km long, while for beginners, there are 3 “baby” slopes with various difficulties and ski lifts.
There are many instructors and guides available, as well as gear rentals, a snack bar, avalanche control and rescue services. Despite the fact that there are no terrain parks, half pipes, snow making and X-Country facilities in Gulmarg, this place is one of the wildest ski resorts in the world, as it provides numerous untouched, off piste runs in an extraordinary scenery. So don’t miss the opportunity to visit Gulmarg and the Himalayas for a one in a lifetime skiing adventure!
