Ski Terrain & Runs
Understanding the inbound skiing areas accessible from the Gulmarg Gondola
While much of Gulmarg is famous for its off-piste backcountry skiing, the resort does have controlled inbound terrain where ski patrol manages avalanche safety and rescue services. The Gondola Bowl is the heart of this controlled skiing area.
Snow Safety at Gulmarg
The ski patrol team conducts morning avalanche assessments and controls the Gondola Bowl using ski-cutting (under 20cm snowfall) or explosives (over 20cm). Daily avalanche forecasts are posted at the gondola stations and on gulmargavalanche.org.
Controlled Terrain Zones
The main skiing areas with avalanche control and ski patrol presence
Gondola Bowl (Inbound)
The primary controlled ski area at Gulmarg. This single large bowl offers 930 vertical meters of terrain with the North aspect featuring 38-degree pitches and the South aspect offering steeper, sunnier runs with rocks and small couloirs.
Elevation
3,050m - 3,980m
Aspect
North & South
Difficulty
Intermediate to Expert
Key Features
- Avalanche-controlled terrain
- Ski patrol presence
- Multiple sub-ridges to explore
- North aspect stays dry and cold
- South aspect gets morning sun
Mary's Shoulder
Accessed via the chairlift from Kongdoori, Mary's Shoulder offers 500 vertical meters of varied terrain including excellent tree skiing and gladed runs. The 1,200m chairlift operates during peak season.
Elevation
3,050m - 3,550m
Aspect
Northwest
Difficulty
Intermediate
Key Features
- Chairlift access (11 min ride)
- Excellent tree skiing
- Gentler intermediate terrain
- Can traverse to steeper aspects
- Popular with progressing skiers
Phase 1: Kongdoori Plateau
The mid-station plateau offers gentler slopes and mature forest skiing. From here, you can zigzag through the trees back to the gondola base or explore the mid-mountain terrain.
Elevation
2,650m - 3,050m
Aspect
Various
Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Key Features
- 400m vertical rise on gondola
- Mature forest runs
- Good warm-up terrain
- Tree skiing options
- Return route to base village
How to Access the Terrain
Understanding your options from the top of the gondola
North Aspect (Skier's Right)
Exit the gondola and head skier's right for north-facing terrain. Average pitch around 38 degrees with multiple sub-ridges creating smaller bowls to explore.
South Aspect (Skier's Left)
Cross through the top station building and traverse to the southeast-facing slopes. Shallower snowpack but more technical terrain with rocks and couloirs.
Mary's Shoulder via Chairlift
Take the chairlift from Kongdoori for direct access to tree skiing and intermediate terrain. The lift rises 500m over 1.2km.