Why Ski Gulmarg?
Gulmarg has emerged as one of the world's premier powder skiing destinations. Rated as Asia's 5th best ski destination, it offers what many European and North American resorts cannot — vast expanses of untouched, off-piste terrain accessible by a single gondola ride.
Unlike traditional resorts with groomed runs and crowded slopes, Gulmarg provides a more adventurous experience. Most skiing here is off-piste, meaning you'll be carving through natural, ungroomed terrain with bottomless Himalayan powder.
Ski Terrain & Runs
Gentle slopes ideal for beginners
Moderate terrain for progressing skiers
Challenging expert terrain
Accessing the Terrain
Phase 1: Gulmarg to Kongdoori
From the base at 2,650m, the gondola takes you to Kongdoori meadow at 3,050m in about 9 minutes. From here, you can ski back down to the village on beginner-friendly terrain.
Phase 2: Kongdoori to Apharwat
The second phase takes you to 3,980m on the shoulder of Apharwat Peak in about 12 minutes. This is where the expert terrain begins — steep chutes, powder bowls, and tree runs.
Chairlift: Kongdoori to Mary's Shoulder
A chairlift from Kongdoori provides access to Mary's Shoulder, offering gentler intermediate slopes or direct descents back to the base. Takes about 11 minutes.
Bunny Slopes
In the Gulmarg meadows, wide and gentle slopes with button lifts are perfect for absolute beginners. Expect queues during peak season (January-February).
Ski Season Timing
Beginners
Mid-Dec to Apr 15
Milder conditions, easier slopes
Intermediate/Expert
Jan 1 to Mar 31
Best snow conditions
Peak Powder
Late Jan to Mid-Mar
Deepest snow, best conditions
Do You Need a Guide?
Highly Recommended
While you can technically ski within resort boundaries without a guide, we strongly recommend hiring one, especially for off-piste skiing. Outside the marked areas, there is no avalanche mitigation, and any rescue must come from your own group.
Equipment Rental
Ski equipment can be rented from the government shop next to the beginner slopes or from private rental shops around Gulmarg. Private shops generally offer more variety and better-maintained equipment.
- Basic rental: ₹1,000-1,500/day (skis, boots, poles)
- Premium rental: ₹2,000-3,000/day (newer equipment)
- Safety gear: Avalanche beacon, probe, shovel available from guides