Gulmarg sits on a plateau at 2,660m, surrounded by mature pine forests that provide incredible tree skiing options. These are especially valuable on storm days when the gondola closes due to high winds or heavy snowfall — you can still ski fresh powder through ancient forests.
Guide Strongly Recommended
All tree skiing areas have hidden hazards including army communication wires strung between trees, flat traps that can leave you stuck, and unmarked terrain. Local guides know these dangers and the best lines to avoid them.
Tree Skiing Areas
Three distinct options for forest skiing around Gulmarg
Babarishi Trees
Taxi required for returnSome of the best tree skiing you'll ever experience. Old-growth pine forest with high branches and well-spaced trees allows you to carry speed through stunning terrain.
Elevation
2,660m down to ~2,300m
Vertical
250-400m
Terrain
35+ degrees, mature pine forest
Access
Ski from outer ring road of Gulmarg village
How to Access
Head to the outer ring road between the second entrance to Gulmarg and Children's Park. The more you go skier's right, the steeper and longer the run.
Features
- Massive old-growth pine trees
- High branches — clear skiing underneath
- Well-spaced trees for flowing runs
- Natural drops and features
- Small cliffs to play on
⚠ Warnings
- • Army communication wires run between some trees — local guides know their locations
- • Some flat areas can trap you — a guide helps avoid these
- • Wait time for taxi can be 20-60 minutes depending on traffic
Tangmarg Run
Taxi required for returnA longer forest run than Babarishi, descending all the way to the town of Tangmarg. Similar mature pine forest with some flat sections requiring good line choice.
Elevation
2,660m down to 2,100m
Vertical
~550m
Terrain
Mature pine forest, variable steepness
Access
Start from viewpoint between Gulmarg entrances
How to Access
Start anywhere between the second entrance to Gulmarg and the Tea House on the last road switchback. The best starting point is skier's left of the viewpoint between entrances.
Features
- Longer run than Babarishi
- Descend to historic Tangmarg town
- Mature forest throughout
- Multiple road crossings (adds variety)
- Good backup when gondola is closed
⚠ Warnings
- • Army communication wires in the forest
- • Several flat sections — guide recommended to find flowing lines
- • May cross the switchback road multiple times
- • Longer taxi wait as you're further from Gulmarg
Monkey Hill
The go-to option when the gondola is closed due to weather. Hike up from the village and lap the hill for endless tree runs. Two aspects offer variety.
Elevation
2,660m - 2,910m
Vertical
250-350m
Terrain
35+ degrees, mature pine forest
Access
Hike from village (20-30 min)
How to Access
Start near Hill Top Hotel by the ice rink, or from behind the police station. Both routes lead to the summit via different ridges in about 20-30 minutes.
Features
- Perfect storm-day option
- No taxi required — just hike and ski
- Two aspects: North (bigger) and East/Southeast
- Multiple laps possible in a day
- Touring gear makes it even better
⚠ Warnings
- • Concrete irrigation canal at bottom — can get stuck or buried
- • North aspect ends near Gulmarg Gondola road
- • East aspect is shallower and more sun-affected
- • Breaking trail on powder days is hard work without skins
Tree Skiing Tips
Best Conditions
- Fresh snow that's unaffected by wind — trees protect from wind loading
- Storm days when gondola closes — first tracks through pristine forest
- Late afternoon when alpine terrain is tracked out
What to Bring
- Touring skis with skins (for Monkey Hill laps)
- Cash for taxi fare back to starting point
- Avalanche safety gear — tree skiing doesn't mean avalanche-free