Your reliable Partner in Gulmarg

Himalayan Expertise

Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from all corners of the world have utilized our services. Over the years, we have encountered various unforeseen challenges and gathered invaluable experience. Today, our guests can benefit from this experience, ensuring a seamless and secure ski or snowboard trip to the Himalayas when they book with us.

Local Connections

Establishing strong contacts and cultivating friendships with the locals is pivotal to success for program operators in this region. It is only when they understand and respect the local culture and way of life that they become part of the Himalayan mountain community, gaining trust and credibility. Especially in challenging situations, robust relations and friendships with the locals are essential to ensure the quality of service and guarantee the safety of the trip. We have invested ample time in building our network in Kashmir and now have a network of trusted friends across various roles and locations.

Terrain Expertise

To provide exceptional runs under all weather conditions, we have meticulously explored the Mt. Apharwat powder terrain and the tree skiing areas of Tangmarg, Baba Reshi, and Drang. We have identified numerous runs for fantastic powder riding. After 12 seasons in Gulmarg, our program manager and guides have an in-depth understanding of the terrain and its challenges, gained from their own experiences. Consequently, our guests can rely on us for exceptional and secure powder runs during their stay in Gulmarg.

Competent Guides

On the mountain, your guide is more than just a companion; they are your leader, pathfinder, safety guarantor, and friend and coach. Guiding freeriding groups is a demanding and multifaceted responsibility, not limited to Gulmarg alone. All guides working with GSL meet specific requirements: they can ski or snowboard with guests of all skill levels, communicate fluently in English, undergo training according to international standards, possess strong interpersonal skills, have a minimum education level allowing them to engage in diverse conversations with guests, and are officially registered as snow guides in Kashmir.

Experienced and Skilled Drivers

Traffic in Kashmir can be chaotic and unpredictable, road conditions are often far from ideal, and in winter, the roads are frequently covered with snow, particularly the stretch between Tangmarg and Gulmarg. Therefore, road travel in Kashmir must be viewed as no less perilous than skiing on exposed terrain in the mountains. All of GSL's drivers have been with us for several years and have demonstrated their ability to drive cautiously and competently, even in challenging traffic and road situations.

Reliable Vehicles

Clean and fully functional jeeps equipped with a complete set of chains are vital for safe transportation from the airport to Gulmarg, as well as for journeys in the forested skiing areas or returns to Gulmarg after extended descents from Mt. Apharwat to Drang. Few things are worse than being stranded in a broken-down vehicle or unable to traverse snow-covered roads due to a lack of chains, especially in bitter cold conditions (our jeeps are equipped with heating!), while others are enjoying their powder runs. We regularly inspect the vehicles driven by our team and ensure they are consistently maintained in excellent condition.

Avalanche Awareness Training

BBefore venturing beyond the boundaries, we conduct a rescue scenario, refreshing and updating guests on the correct usage and functionality of all equipment. Short avalanche awareness briefings on the first day are included in all our programs.

Quality Partner Hotels

A ski trip to the Himalayan Mountains presents a unique experience compared to a ski vacation in a typical ski resort. Many everyday conveniences are not readily available in Gulmarg, and the service offerings can be quite basic, even in good hotels. In addition, winter nights at 2,700 meters can be brutally cold, and power outages are common. To ensure a comfortable stay for our guests, we exclusively collaborate with partner hotels that possess the necessary infrastructure for winter operations. These establishments feature working generators, substantial water reserves, hygienic kitchens, and dedicated staff committed to making our guests' stay unforgettable.

Small Group Sizes

Most program participants prefer to enroll in small groups and desire to ski or snowboard together. Individual skiers either form their groups or, in some cases, ski with their "personal" guide. Our standard group size consists of 4 to 6 people accompanied by one guide. If a group of friends exceeds 6 members, we may provide a second guide. One of our primary differentiators from other operators is our flexibility in forming groups, even if it means occasionally having one guide skiing with just one guest.

Specialized Program Management

When traveling to Kashmir, most tourists encounter an unfamiliar culture and different lifestyle. The focus on time, service speed, and reliability takes on a different meaning in this region. While the local people are customer-focused and service-oriented, they may need an extra nudge to meet our guests' expectations and provide services that align with their requirements.