Gulmarg Ski Resort

The Pir Panjals: A Himalayan Mountain Range

Gulmarg is situated within the Pir Panjal mountain range, one of the six ranges comprising the Himalayas. Positioned at the western extremity of the world's highest peaks, the Pir Panjals are the first mountains to intercept the westerly and southwesterly storms that sweep over the floodplains of the Indus River each year. These storms contribute significantly to the Himalayas' winter snowfall, resulting in substantial accumulations of over 7 meters of snow each season. This natural bounty transforms Gulmarg into a genuine "Powder Heaven" for skiers and snowboarders.

Cable Car in Gulmarg: Ascending from 2,650m to 4,000m

Gulmarg's ski resort features a six-seat gondola built by the French Poma Group, installed in two phases in 1998 (phase 1) and 2005 (phase 2). This remarkable cable car ascends from an elevation of 2,650 meters, passing through a middle station with a restaurant at 3,050 meters, before reaching a lofty altitude of 3,990 meters. It offers lift-assisted access to an extensive expanse of untracked ski and snowboard terrain, with long descents through powder snow covering vertical drops of up to 1,800 meters.

Heliskiing in Kashmir

Since 2010, Gulmarg has become a hub for heli-skiing. The heli-ski terrain is situated near Sunset Peak (4,745 meters). Thanks to its location and topography, this area provides ideal conditions for heli-skiing vacations, offering epic and challenging freeriding descents of over 2,000 vertical meters.

Gulmarg - The Insider Tip for Freeriders

The enchanting landscape of Gulmarg, coupled with gondola access, has transformed it into the insider's tip for mountain sports enthusiasts worldwide.

The Ski Terrain on Mt. Apharwat (4'200 m)

GGulmarg boasts a fantastic ski terrain with excellent snow conditions. Here in Kashmir, skiers and snowboarders can access unforgettable runs of a lifetime via the Highest Ski Lift in the World. You can enjoy short ski tours, as well as full days of descents that take you far from the lifts. Approximately 10% of the area is controlled by the avalanche service.

In every direction from the resort boundaries, you'll discover diverse options, including open bowls, perfectly spaced tree runs, and challenging couloirs.

Gulmarg is renowned as a gateway to the backcountry, but there are also plenty of backcountry-style runs within the resort's avalanche-controlled and patrolled boundaries. Double-black-diamond runs in the Main Bowl offer an epic challenge, with slopes reaching about 40 degrees of steepness at the top.

The introduction of the chairlift in 2011 made it possible for intermediate skiers and riders to access mild powder descents in fantastic inbounds terrain.

In addition to the extensive freeriding area, Gulmarg also features two groomed pistes, mainly used by Indian tourists. The first piste descends from the middle station to the village, while the second is located in the lower half of the chairlift terrain.

It's important to note that all guests accessing phase 2 and the chairlift are required to wear avalanche transceivers and carry avalanche rescue equipment, including a shovel and probe. Avalanche airbag backpacks are highly recommended for safety.

Maps provided below offer insights into the area and indicate potential danger zones.

Mt. Apharwat South Ridge

Mt. Apharwat North Ridge

Avalanche Danger Zones on Mt. Apharwat