Yes, you can ski in India, and some of it is very good. India's skiing happens in the Himalayas, in the country's far north, where winter storms bring real snow to real mountains. The options run from small beginner slopes with a single lift to a Himalayan mountain with a gondola reaching close to 4,000 m and some of the most talked-about powder skiing in Asia.
Skiing in India is still developing. There are only a handful of lift-served ski areas, and none of them look like the big interconnected resorts of the Alps or North America. What India offers instead is natural Himalayan snow, low crowds, affordable instruction and, in one place especially, serious terrain.
That place is Kashmir. Kashmir is one of India's prime ski regions, and at its centre is Gulmarg, in the Pir Panjal range of Jammu & Kashmir. Gulmarg is India's most popular ski destination and the one most international skiers travel for. Among skiers, it's often described as the powder capital of India. That isn't an official title. It's a reputation, built on heavy snowfall, a gondola into high alpine terrain, and a huge amount of off-piste and freeride skiing.
This guide works from the big picture down. First, where you can ski in India and how the destinations differ. Then why Kashmir matters. Then Gulmarg in detail: the terrain, the season, lessons, powder, safety and how to plan a trip.
We are Gulmarg Snowkings, a J&K Tourism-registered ski school and backcountry guiding operator based in Gulmarg. Our general information about skiing in India comes from published sources. What we write about Gulmarg comes from skiing and guiding it every winter since 2006.
Skiing in India
India has skiing in the Himalayas, mainly in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It ranges from gentle beginner slopes to advanced Himalayan powder and freeride terrain.
Himalayan geography. The Himalayas run across India's northern edge. Skiing needs altitude, winter snow and slopes that can be reached. In India, that combination is found in a few high valleys and hill stations, mostly between about 2,500 and 4,000 m.
Natural snowfall. Winter snow in the western Himalayas is brought mainly by weather systems moving in from the west, known in India as western disturbances. How much snow falls varies a lot by region and by year.
Ski resorts. India has a small number of lift-served ski areas. Most have one or two lifts and a limited number of slopes. Gulmarg is the largest and most developed ski area in terms of terrain and lift access.
Ski schools. Lessons are available at the main ski areas through private ski schools, government institutes and independent instructors.
Beginner skiing. Most Indian ski areas have gentle slopes suited to learning. For many Indian travellers, a first ski trip is also their first time on snow.
Powder skiing and freeride. Deep powder and big natural terrain are found mainly in Gulmarg. Heliskiing has also operated in parts of the Himalayas, including around Manali and Gulmarg in some seasons.
Snowboarding. Snowboarding is available at the main ski areas, with lessons and rentals, and Gulmarg's powder has a strong following among snowboarders.
Growing interest. Ski tourism in India is growing, both among Indian travellers discovering winter sports and among international skiers looking for something different. National winter sports events, including the Khelo India Winter Games, have been held in Gulmarg.
Where can you ski in India?
The main places to ski in India are Gulmarg in Kashmir, Solang Valley near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, and Auli in Uttarakhand. Gulmarg has the largest terrain and the most advanced skiing. Solang and Auli are smaller, and better suited to beginners and snow holidays.
Here is how the main destinations differ. This is not a ranking. We've included what we could verify, and we'd encourage you to check current operations directly with each destination.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Terrain: A large Himalayan mountain, Mt Apharwat. Beginner slopes at the base, intermediate terrain around the gondola mid-station, and extensive high alpine and tree terrain for advanced skiers.
- Lifts: Two-stage gondola to about 3,980 m, a chairlift and beginner drag lifts.
- Snow: Heavy natural snowfall. No snowmaking.
- Best suited to: All levels, with a particular strength in powder, freeride and backcountry skiing.
- Ski schools: Many, including government and private schools and independent guides.
Pahalgam, Kashmir
Pahalgam is a well-known Kashmir hill resort, but it doesn't have a lift-served ski area comparable to Gulmarg. Winter visitors mainly come for snow and scenery. For skiing in Kashmir, Gulmarg is where the lifts, schools and terrain are.
Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Location: About 13 km northwest of Manali, toward the Atal Tunnel.
- Terrain: Open slopes in a valley setting, with a gondola serving a steeper intermediate run and beginner slopes near the base.
- Snow: Natural snowfall. Snow cover varies with the season.
- Best suited to: Beginners and snow holidays, and for travellers combining skiing with a Manali trip.
- Ski schools: The Himachal Pradesh government's Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports runs ski courses here, along with private instructors.
- Also nearby: Heliskiing has operated in the Manali area.
Auli, Uttarakhand
- Location: Chamoli district, above Joshimath, in the Garhwal Himalayas.
- Terrain: A compact ski area of a few kilometres of slopes between roughly 2,500 and 3,050 m, set among forest.
- Lifts: A chairlift and ski lifts in the ski area. The long Joshimath–Auli ropeway has had extended closures in recent years, so check its current status before travel.
- Snow: Natural snowfall, supported by snowmaking fed from an artificial lake.
- Best suited to: Beginners and developing skiers.
- Ski schools: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), the state tourism corporation, runs ski courses in season.
- Access: The nearest airport is Dehradun, around 270 km away by road.
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri, near Shimla, is at a lower elevation than the other destinations, and snow cover is less dependable. Today it's better known for winter snow play than for skiing. If you're planning a skiing trip specifically, check current conditions locally before committing.
Comparing Indian ski destinations
| Factor | Gulmarg | Solang Valley | Auli |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Large mountain; extensive off-piste | Valley slopes; limited runs | Compact slopes in forest |
| Top lift elevation | Approx. 3,980 m | Lower | Approx. 3,050 m |
| Lift access | Two-stage gondola, chairlift, drag lifts | Gondola, beginner lift | Chairlift, ski lifts (ropeway: check status) |
| Snowmaking | None | Not a main feature | Yes |
| Beginner suitability | Good, with lessons | Good | Good |
| Advanced skiing | Extensive | Limited | Limited |
| Powder opportunities | A main reason people visit | Occasional, storm-dependent | Occasional |
| Accessibility | Fly to Srinagar, approx. 55 km by road | Via Manali (fly to Bhuntar/Kullu or drive) | Fly to Dehradun, approx. 270 km by road |
| Ski-school availability | Many private and government schools | Government and private courses | Government and private courses |
| Type of experience | All-level ski destination with a strong freeride focus | Ski and snow-play hub near Manali | Learn-to-ski and scenic snow holiday |
Kashmir: a prime ski destination in India
Kashmir is central to skiing in India because it has Gulmarg, the country's largest lift-served ski terrain, and a skiing culture built over decades. Kashmir offers both resort skiing for beginners and big Himalayan freeride and backcountry terrain for experienced skiers.
Himalayan geography. The Kashmir Valley is ringed by high ranges. On its southwestern side is the Pir Panjal, whose northern slopes face winter weather systems coming in from the west. Gulmarg sits on these slopes.
Snowfall. The Pir Panjal slopes above Gulmarg receive heavy winter snowfall, commonly quoted at around 14 m in an average season, though totals vary a lot from year to year.
Gulmarg. The heart of skiing in Kashmir. Its gondola, built with the French lift company Pomagalski, reaches about 3,980 m on a shoulder of Mt Apharwat.
Mountain terrain. From that height, the mountain offers open alpine bowls, steep faces and gullies above the treeline, and dense pine forest below it.
Powder skiing. Kashmir's reputation among international skiers is built largely on powder: deep, fresh snow on lift-accessed terrain, with relatively few people skiing it.
Freeride culture. Gulmarg has drawn freeride skiers and snowboarders from around the world for years, alongside a growing community of Indian skiers.
Ski infrastructure. Compared with major world resorts, it's modest: a gondola, a chairlift, drag lifts, ski shops, schools and hotels. For India, it's the most developed ski infrastructure.
International interest. Gulmarg attracts skiers from many countries. Our own clients have come from more than 40.
Local ski professionals. Kashmir has generations of local ski instructors, guides and ski patrollers. The J&K Tourism Department runs the Gulmarg Ski Patrol and issues avalanche advisories through the season.
Gulmarg: the powder capital of India
Gulmarg is India's best-known ski destination. India's official tourism site describes it as the most popular skiing destination in the country, and international ski-travel guides describe it as the Indian resort most visited by international skiers and snowboarders.
"Powder capital of India" is a description, not an official designation. We use it because of what Gulmarg offers that no other Indian ski area matches in scale:
Snowfall. Heavy natural snowfall through the winter, arriving in storm cycles.
Himalayan terrain. A large, steep mountain with a wide range of aspects and elevations, from the forest to the high alpine.
gondola access. The Gulmarg Gondola runs in two stages from the village at about 2,650 m to about 3,980 m, putting high alpine terrain within reach of a lift ride.
Higher mountain terrain. From the top station, bowls, faces and couloirs on Mt Apharwat offer powder skiing on a scale unique in India.
Powder opportunities. Because relatively few people ski off-piste, fresh snow often stays untracked for longer than at busier resorts.
Freeride skiing. Most of the mountain is natural, ungroomed terrain, suited to strong skiers and riders.
Backcountry access. Ski touring from the top station, and remote routes reached by road, open up terrain well beyond the lifts. Heliskiing has also been offered in some seasons.
International ski community. Skiers and riders from around the world come to Gulmarg each winter, and many return year after year.
The same features that make Gulmarg's powder so good also make it demanding. Most of its off-piste terrain is not avalanche-controlled the way resort pistes are in Europe or North America, and fatal avalanches involving skiers have occurred on Mt Apharwat in recent seasons. Powder skiing here calls for the right skills, equipment and local guidance.
Why ski Gulmarg?
Different skiers come to Gulmarg for different reasons.
Natural snow. No snowmaking, just natural Himalayan snow.
Powder skiing. The main draw for advanced skiers. See our Powder Ski Gulmarg guide.
The gondola. Two stages from the village to near 4,000 m, among the highest ski lifts anywhere.
Phase 1 and Kongdoori. Phase 1 runs from the village to Kongdoori, the mid-station at about 3,050–3,100 m. Kongdoori has open slopes suited to progressing skiers, and a chairlift runs from there toward Mary's Shoulder for higher terrain.
Phase 2 and Apharwat. Phase 2 continues to the top station on the shoulder of Mt Apharwat, whose summit is around 4,210 m. This is high, exposed, largely off-piste terrain for strong skiers. It closes regularly in bad weather.
Beginner terrain. Gentle slopes with drag lifts near the village, and many ski schools.
Intermediate terrain. Kongdoori, the chairlift, and routes through the forest back toward the village.
Advanced terrain. Steep alpine bowls, tree skiing, couloirs and long off-piste routes that finish outside the village.
Freeride and backcountry. Natural terrain everywhere, plus touring and remote routes.
Local guides and ski schools. A deep pool of local ski professionals.
Who chooses Gulmarg:
- First-time skiers who want affordable lessons and gentle beginner slopes
- Families looking for a snow holiday with lessons for everyone
- Intermediates ready to explore varied terrain and first powder
- Advanced and expert skiers looking for Himalayan powder and freeride terrain without big crowds
- Snowboarders drawn to powder and tree riding
- Backcountry skiers and splitboarders looking for touring terrain
For a full guide to the mountain, see our Gulmarg Ski Resort guide.
Gulmarg vs other ski destinations in India
| Factor | Gulmarg | Other Indian ski areas (Solang, Auli, Kufri) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural snowfall | Heavy, in storm cycles | Varies; lower-elevation areas less dependable |
| Powder opportunities | Extensive; a main reason to visit | Occasional, after storms |
| Lift access | Two-stage gondola to approx. 3,980 m, chairlift, drag lifts | Gondola or ropeway and one or two lifts; some with limited or interrupted operation |
| Beginner terrain | Gentle base-area slopes | Beginner slopes are a main focus |
| Advanced terrain | Large, steep, high alpine | Limited |
| Freeride | Extensive natural terrain | Limited |
| Backcountry | Touring and remote routes; heliskiing in some seasons | Heliskiing has operated near Manali |
| Ski schools | Many private and government schools | Government courses and private instructors |
| International appeal | The Indian ski area most visited by international skiers | Mostly domestic visitors |
| Accessibility | Fly to Srinagar, then approx. 55 km by road | Manali: fly to Kullu or drive; Auli: fly to Dehradun, then approx. 270 km |
If you want a gentle introduction to snow close to a larger holiday destination, Solang or Auli can work well. If you want the widest range of terrain, or powder and freeride skiing, Gulmarg is where that is in India.
Skiing in the Indian Himalayas
Skiing in the Himalayas has a few differences from skiing in Europe or North America. Some matter a lot. Some less than people expect.
Altitude. Indian ski areas sit higher than most Alpine resorts. In Gulmarg, the village is at about 2,650 m and the top station at about 3,980 m. Take your first day or two easy, drink plenty of water and expect to tire faster at first.
Snow. Snow comes in storm cycles rather than steadily through the winter. Some seasons have long dry spells.
Weather. Mountain weather changes fast. Storms can close upper lifts for days. Clear spells are often very cold, especially at night.
Terrain. Himalayan ski areas generally have less groomed terrain and more natural terrain than big Western resorts.
Mountain exposure. High terrain above the treeline is exposed to wind, cold and poor visibility.
Changing conditions. Snow at the top of a mountain can differ completely from the snow at the bottom on the same day.
Resort vs backcountry. In India, the boundary between managed resort skiing and uncontrolled mountain terrain is often much closer than skiers from Western resorts are used to. Stepping off a groomed slope can quickly put you in terrain with real avalanche risk.
The basics of skiing are the same everywhere. What differs most is infrastructure and how much of the mountain is managed.
Powder skiing in India
Powder skiing in India is found mainly in Gulmarg. Its high, lift-served terrain and heavy snowfall make it the country's main powder destination.
Fresh snow. Powder skiing means skiing fresh, soft, unpacked snow. In Gulmarg, the best powder days usually come during and just after storms.
Powder technique. Deep snow needs a centred, balanced stance, even weight on both skis, enough speed to float, and smooth, rhythmic linked turns. Confident intermediates can learn it with coaching.
Terrain. Powder skiing in Gulmarg ranges from gentle glades and open slopes around Kongdoori to steep alpine bowls off Phase 2.
Snowpack. Fresh snow adds weight and needs time to bond. Powder days are often the days with the highest avalanche danger.
Weather. Snowstorms bring powder, but they can also close Phase 2 and bring poor visibility. On storm days, the trees are often the best place to ski.
Visibility. Flat light makes powder hard to read, especially above the treeline.
Equipment. Wider, rockered powder skis make deep snow much easier. For off-piste skiing, avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel are essential, and an airbag pack is strongly recommended.
Guide support. A local guide knows where the snow is best and where it's safe on that day.
Read our full Powder Ski Gulmarg guide.
Freeride and backcountry skiing in India
These terms often get mixed up. Here's what each means.
- Resort skiing: skiing marked, prepared slopes (pistes) served by lifts, within a managed area.
- Off-piste skiing: skiing anywhere off the prepared pistes. It may still be close to the lifts.
- Freeride skiing: skiing natural, ungroomed terrain by choice: bowls, faces, trees, couloirs and features.
- Backcountry skiing: travelling and skiing beyond the lift-served area, often by climbing on skis (ski touring) or splitboard. No ski patrol, no avalanche control and help is far away.
Gulmarg's importance. Gulmarg is India's main freeride destination. Most of its skiable terrain is off-piste, and experienced skiers can go from lift-served freeride to full backcountry touring on the same mountain.
Additional hazards. Off-piste and backcountry terrain in Gulmarg carries real avalanche risk. Fatal avalanches involving skiers have occurred on Mt Apharwat in recent seasons. Other hazards include tree wells, cliffs, poor visibility and getting lost.
What it takes. Strong skiing ability, avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (and ideally an airbag pack), training in how to use them, and a qualified local guide who reads the snowpack daily.
Gulmarg Snowkings' backcountry team is certified through AIARE, Avalanche Canada and the Kashmir Avalanche Association. See our freeride and backcountry packages and Gulmarg Ski Guides.
Skiing in Gulmarg for beginners
Beginners can learn to ski in Gulmarg, starting on gentle slopes near the village. You don't need to go anywhere near the advanced terrain.
Beginner terrain. Short, gentle slopes with drag lifts near the village. Once you can stop and turn, the next step is Phase 1 and the slopes around Kongdoori.
Ski schools. Many schools operate in Gulmarg, including government-run and private schools.
Private lessons. One-to-one lessons let the instructor match your pace exactly. This works well for nervous beginners and for families.
Equipment. Rent skis, boots, poles and a helmet. You'll also need waterproof jacket, pants and gloves, which some schools include.
Learning progression. Balance → stopping (snowplough) → turning → linking turns → using the lifts → longer and steeper runs.
Children's skiing. Children can learn on the base-area slopes with their own instructor, in short, fun sessions.
How many days. At least three days of lessons to learn the basics. Around a week gives most beginners real confidence.
Learn more at our Gulmarg Ski School.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570 to book ski lessons in Gulmarg.
Advanced skiing in Gulmarg
Powder. Big storms and lift access to high terrain make Gulmarg's powder skiing its main attraction for strong skiers.
Freeride. Open bowls, faces, gullies and couloirs across Mt Apharwat.
Steeper terrain. Much of the best terrain is in the 30–40+ degree range.
Higher mountain areas. Phase 2 takes you to about 3,980 m, and hiking leads higher.
Phase 2 and Apharwat. High, exposed alpine terrain. Excellent on clear, stable days after storms. Often closed in bad weather.
Tree skiing. Dense pine forest below the treeline, often the best option on storm days.
Long off-piste routes. Some routes finish in villages outside Gulmarg, such as Drang and Babareshi, with a vehicle back.
Backcountry. Ski touring and splitboarding beyond the lifts.
What matters most. Ability, conditions and terrain selection. A strong skier without avalanche equipment, training and local knowledge is still at real risk in Gulmarg's off-piste terrain.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570 to talk to a local Gulmarg ski guide.
Best time to ski in India
The ski season in India generally runs from January to March, depending on the destination and the year's snowfall.
Each destination has its own pattern. Solang and Auli generally operate from around late December or January to March, depending on snow. Lower areas like Kufri depend heavily on individual snowfalls. Check with each destination for the current season.
Kashmir and Gulmarg
Early season (December). Snow cover in Gulmarg has historically been unreliable in December. We don't recommend planning a ski trip around it.
Mid-season (January to February). Usually the most dependable snow, the coldest temperatures and the most frequent storms. January often brings cold, light snow. February often has the deepest snowpack and is the busiest time.
Late season (March). Longer, milder days. Spring storms can still bring powder, while sunny slopes soften into spring snow.
Snowfall and powder. Snow comes in storm cycles. No month guarantees powder.
Weather variability. Each season is different. Some start late, some have long dry spells.
Gulmarg ski season
Gulmarg's ski season typically runs from late December or early January to late March. We recommend the start of January to the end of March.
Snowfall. Heavy snowfall arrives in storm cycles, commonly quoted at around 14 m in an average season, though totals vary a lot.
Temperature. Very cold nights in January and February, much colder at the top station than in the village.
Storm cycles. Storms lasting a day to several days, followed by clear spells. The best skiing often comes on the first clear days after a storm.
Wind. Strong wind above the treeline moves snow, scouring ridges and loading sheltered slopes.
Visibility. Cloud and snowfall can bring white-out conditions in the alpine, which is when tree skiing comes into its own.
Snowpack. Each storm adds a layer. Buried weak layers can remain unstable for weeks, affecting avalanche risk.
For current conditions, message us. We're on the mountain every day of the season.
Ski lessons and ski schools in India
Ski instruction is available at India's main ski areas, through:
- Government institutes and tourism corporations, such as GMVN in Auli, the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali/Solang, and the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg
- Private ski schools
- Independent instructors and guides
Types of instruction you'll find:
- Beginner ski lessons: balance, stopping, turning and lifts
- Private instruction: one-to-one, at your own pace
- Group lessons: shared lessons for skiers at a similar level, offered by some schools
- Intermediate coaching: parallel turns, steeper terrain, variable snow
- Advanced coaching: powder, trees, steeps and off-piste technique
- Children's lessons: short, age-appropriate sessions
- Snowboard lessons: first day to powder riding
Why professional instruction matters. You learn correct fundamentals, avoid bad habits, progress faster and ski terrain that suits your ability. On Himalayan mountains, where conditions change fast and managed terrain is limited, an instructor's terrain choices are as valuable as the technique they teach.
Gulmarg Snowkings is a J&K Tourism-registered ski school (permit no. JKAT00005678). Our lessons are one-to-one as standard, with equipment, ski clothing and hotel pick-up in Gulmarg included. We teach skiing and snowboarding at all levels, from first day to powder and freeride. See Gulmarg Ski School.
Ski equipment in India
You can rent ski equipment at India's main ski areas. Quality and range vary.
Skis. Beginners use shorter, softer skis. Stronger skiers need skis matched to weight and speed.
Boots. The most important item. They should hold your heel firmly without painful pressure points. If you own good boots, bring them.
Poles. Correct length helps rhythm and balance.
Helmets. Strongly recommended for everyone, especially children and beginners.
Goggles. Essential in snow, wind and flat light. Bring sunglasses too.
Gloves. Waterproof and warm. Cold hands end ski days early.
Ski clothing. Waterproof jacket and pants over thermal layers. Some schools and shops rent clothing.
Powder skis. Wider, rockered skis for deep snow. Available to rent in Gulmarg.
Avalanche safety equipment. For off-piste and backcountry skiing: transceiver, probe, shovel and ideally an airbag pack. Available to rent in Gulmarg.
Gulmarg Snowkings has its own ski shop in Gulmarg with skis, snowboards, boots, poles, clothing in a full size range, powder skis and avalanche safety kits. See ski and snowboard rental and avalanche safety gear.
Snowboarding in India
You can snowboard in India at Gulmarg, Solang Valley and Auli. Gulmarg offers the widest range of terrain for snowboarders, especially in powder.
Beginner snowboarding. Beginners start on the gentle base-area slopes. The first days are usually the hardest, and lessons make a big difference.
Snowboard lessons. Available at the main ski areas. In Gulmarg, lessons cover stance, stopping, first turns, linking turns, then carving and steeper terrain.
Powder. Deep snow is where snowboarding shines, and Gulmarg's powder has a strong following among riders.
Freeride. Strong riders can ride Gulmarg's alpine terrain and trees. Some routes include flat traverses or hikes, which are harder on a board.
Equipment. Boards, boots and bindings are available to rent. Splitboards open up touring terrain.
Advanced terrain. The same avalanche precautions apply to snowboarders as to skiers.
See our snowboard packages.
Ski safety in India
Skiing always carries some risk. Here's how to manage it.
On resort slopes
- Weather. Check forecasts. Cold, wind and poor visibility all increase risk.
- Snow conditions. Icy mornings and deep new snow both make slopes harder.
- Terrain. Ski slopes that match your ability.
- Equipment. Well-fitted boots, bindings set for your weight and ability.
- Helmet. Strongly recommended.
- Instructor guidance. Follow it. Instructors know the terrain and conditions.
- Mountain awareness. The skier below you has priority. Look uphill before setting off. Don't stop where others can't see you.
Off-piste and backcountry
- Avalanche risk. Off-piste terrain in India is generally not avalanche-controlled like resort pistes in Europe or North America. In Gulmarg, fatal avalanches involving skiers have occurred in recent seasons.
- Backcountry equipment. Transceiver, probe, shovel and ideally an airbag pack, plus the training to use them.
- Professional guidance. A qualified local guide who reads conditions daily reduces risk, but cannot eliminate it.
- Official advisories. In Gulmarg, the J&K Tourism Department's Gulmarg Ski Patrol and the Jammu & Kashmir Disaster Management Authority issue avalanche advisories and may close areas. Follow them.
How to plan a ski trip to India
- Choose your destination. Gulmarg for the widest terrain, powder and freeride. Solang or Auli for a gentle introduction, often combined with a wider holiday.
- Choose your dates. January to March for most destinations. Book February early.
- Arrange transport. Flights to the nearest airport, then a road transfer. Winter mountain roads can be slow, icy and occasionally closed.
- Book accommodation. Near the slopes if possible, with reliable heating and hot water.
- Book lessons or guides. Beginners: book lessons. Off-piste skiers: book a qualified guide.
- Arrange equipment. Bring your own boots if you have them. Rent the rest locally.
- Check conditions. Snow cover, lift operations and weather before you travel.
- Prepare clothing. Waterproof outer layers, thermal base layers, warm gloves, goggles and sunscreen.
- Understand insurance. Check that your travel insurance covers skiing, and off-piste skiing or heliskiing if relevant, including helicopter evacuation.
- Plan for changing weather. Build in buffer days, and have a plan B for lift or road closures.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570 to plan a ski trip to India.
How to plan a ski trip to Gulmarg
Flying to Srinagar. Srinagar Airport (SXR) is the nearest airport, with direct domestic flights from Delhi and other major Indian cities. International visitors typically connect through Delhi.
Transfer to Gulmarg. Roughly 55 km by road via Tangmarg. In normal conditions the drive takes around 1.5–2 hours, and it can take over 3 hours in winter snow. From Tangmarg, the last 12–13 km climb a steep mountain road. In winter, authorities typically require vehicles beyond Tangmarg to have 4x4 or snow chains. Book a winter-ready private transfer.
Accommodation. Gulmarg has budget guesthouses to four-star hotels. Prioritise location, heating, hot water, meals and ski storage. Some hotels offer ski-in/ski-out access. Check what that means for your level.
Ski lessons. Book a multi-day course if you're a beginner.
Ski guides. For off-piste and backcountry skiing, book a qualified local guide early. Peak weeks fill up.
Equipment. Rent locally, and send your sizes ahead.
gondola and lift access. Separate tickets are needed for Phase 1, Phase 2 and the chairlift. Prices, timings and ticketing are set by the operator and can change, so check before travel. Phase 2 closes regularly for weather.
Snow conditions. Ask a local operator for current conditions before booking.
Clothing. Very cold at altitude. Full ski clothing and warm layers.
Safety. Follow avalanche advisories. Carry avalanche equipment and ski with a guide off-piste.
Payment. ATMs in Gulmarg are very limited. Carry cash in Indian Rupees and confirm payment methods with your hotel and operator in advance.
See our Gulmarg ski packages, which include airport pick-up and drop.
Cost of skiing in India
Skiing in India is generally more affordable than skiing in major Western resorts, especially for lessons, guides and accommodation. Costs vary a lot between destinations, seasons and service levels.
The main cost categories:
- Accommodation: budget guesthouses to premium hotels; half board is common
- Transport: flights plus road transfers, sometimes in winter-ready vehicles
- Equipment: rental skis, boots, poles and clothing
- Lessons: private or group, per day or course
- Lift access: gondola, ropeway and lift tickets, set by each operator
- Guides: for off-piste and backcountry skiing
- Food: hotel meals and mountain cafés
- Clothing: buying or renting suitable winter clothing
We don't publish general price ranges for other destinations, because we can't verify them reliably. Check current prices directly with operators there.
Cost of skiing in Gulmarg
| Cost item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Budget to 4-star; half board common; February is peak |
| Airport transfer | Private winter-ready vehicle from Srinagar Airport |
| Ski equipment | Skis, boots, poles and clothing rental |
| Ski lessons | Private or group, per day or multi-day course |
| Guide services | For off-piste and backcountry days |
| gondola and lift costs | Separate tickets for Phase 1, Phase 2 and the chairlift; set by the operator |
| Food | Hotel meals, mountain cafés |
| Safety equipment | Avalanche kit rental for off-piste skiing |
What Gulmarg Snowkings charges
Our rates are published where they are quoted from, so they cannot drift out of date on a guide page. Each package page carries the current rate card for its durations, hotel grades and group sizes. Ski and snowboard hire rates lists every item and combo by the day and by the week, including powder skis and the full avalanche safety kit. Lessons and guiding days are quoted per enquiry, because the price depends on how many days, how many of you and what you need included.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570 for a quote.
Ski India for international visitors
Why consider India for skiing? Himalayan scenery, natural snow, powder skiing with few crowds, affordable lessons and guiding, and a very different cultural experience from a typical ski trip.
Kashmir and Gulmarg. For most international skiers, skiing in India means Gulmarg. It has the terrain, the lifts and the ski community.
Himalayan skiing. High altitude, big terrain and fast-changing weather. Plan for flexibility.
Powder. Gulmarg's powder is the main draw for experienced international skiers, but it's never guaranteed on specific dates.
Cultural experience. Kashmiri food, hospitality and mountain culture are part of the trip.
Local guides. English is widely spoken by ski professionals in Gulmarg. Ask about a guide's avalanche qualifications and local experience.
Accommodation. Book early for February. Ask about heating and hot water.
Airport access. Most international visitors fly to Delhi, then take a domestic flight to Srinagar.
Travel planning. Check current entry and travel requirements for your nationality with official government sources before booking. Check that your insurance covers skiing, off-piste skiing and evacuation. Mobile coverage can be patchy, and some foreign SIM cards may not work in Jammu & Kashmir. Check with your provider. Carry Indian Rupees in cash.
Ski India for Indian travellers
For many Indian travellers, a ski trip is a first experience of both snow and skiing. Here's how to make the most of it.
Beginners. You don't need any previous experience. Start with lessons on the beginner slopes, and give yourself at least three days.
Families. Children can learn with their own instructor while parents take lessons too. Stay near the beginner slopes and build in a rest day.
Couples. A private lesson for two lets you learn together at the same pace.
Groups. Friends at a similar level can share instructors and transport. Group packages can reduce costs.
Children. Short sessions, warm clothing, spare gloves and a helmet.
Ski holidays. A week in Gulmarg gives time to learn properly and enjoy the snow.
Short trips. From Delhi or other major cities, a short trip to Gulmarg is possible by flying to Srinagar. Because of the road transfer and possible weather delays, a 3-day ski trip is a practical minimum, and longer trips are much better for learning.
Learning skiing. A multi-day course with the same instructor gives the best progress.
Progression to advanced skiing. Many skiers who learn in Gulmarg come back season after season, moving on to steeper terrain, powder and eventually freeride skiing.
Clothing. Many Indian travellers don't own ski clothing. Some ski schools, including ours, include ski jackets and pants in lesson packages. Bring thermal layers and warm gloves.
Why learn skiing in Gulmarg?
Few places let you go from your first turns to Himalayan powder on the same mountain. In Gulmarg, the progression is:
First turns → beginner skiing → intermediate skiing → powder → freeride → advanced terrain
- First turns on the gentle base-area slopes
- Beginner skiing with drag lifts, learning to stop, turn and link turns
- Intermediate skiing at Kongdoori and on the chairlift
- Powder in gentle glades and open slopes, with coaching
- Freeride in trees and natural terrain, with a guide
- Advanced terrain off Phase 2, for strong skiers with avalanche equipment and guidance
Each stage takes time, and everyone progresses at their own pace. The mountain has terrain for every stage of it.
Why choose Gulmarg Snowkings?
We have skied, taught and guided on Mt Apharwat since 2006.
- Local Gulmarg knowledge. Our guides and instructors grew up on this mountain.
- Registered ski school. J&K Tourism-registered ski school and backcountry guiding operator (permit no. JKAT00005678), founded by Shafat Ahmad Tantray and Bashir Ahmad Mir.
- Private lessons. One-to-one as standard, with lessons for two available.
- Beginner courses. From 1-day lessons to 6-day courses with stay.
- Intermediate and advanced instruction. Technique, steeper terrain and variable snow.
- Powder skiing. Coaching and guided powder days.
- Freeride and backcountry. Our backcountry team is certified through AIARE, Avalanche Canada and the Kashmir Avalanche Association. Since 2006, we have had zero avalanche accidents among our guided clients.
- Snowboarding. Lessons from first day to powder, plus splitboard backcountry packages.
- Equipment. Our own ski shop with rentals, clothing and avalanche safety kits.
- Trip planning. Airport-to-airport packages with transfers, accommodation, lift passes and transport to remote ski routes.
We've taught and guided more than 2,500 skiers from over 40 countries.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570 to talk it through with us.
Start planning your ski trip to India
Whether it's your first time on snow or your next powder trip, we'll help you plan your skiing holiday in India around your level, dates and budget.
Call or WhatsApp +91-9596300570.