Kashmir | Backcountry Ski and Splitboard
Enjoy 10 thrilling days of guided off-piste skiing and snowboarding, a cozy stay at the stylish Highland Park Hotel, essential avalanche education, and round-the-clock hosting.
Included
- 10 full days dedicated to skiing
- Small client-to-guide ratio, 4:2
- 10 nights at a Hotel close to the lifts
- All breakfasts and Dinners
- All transfers
- Ski lift passes
- Comprehensive avalanche awareness briefing
- Backcountry skills instruction
- Explore 2000 vertical meters of incredible terrain and exceptional powder
- Embrace a new culture and cuisine
Exluded
- International and domestic airfares
- Snacks, Dinner and Lunch unless listed above
- Tips
- Drinks
- Avalanche safety equipment
- Snowboard and ski touring equipment
Rental options
- Avalanche Safety Kit: $150
- Powder skis + touring bindings, skins: $250
- Avalanche Airbag Pack: $250
*Prices are for the duration of the trip.
Our approach in unlike the crowded guided skiing scene in Gulmarg. We prioritize a personalized skiing experience. This means you won't find yourself in large, impersonal groups. We work as small tight-knit group. Clients to Guide ratios are always under 4:2
Gulmarg overview
Gulmarg is a stunning village on the edge of the Kashmir valley in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.
The installation of the "World’s Highest Gondola" in 2005 and a skiable vertical of 2000 meters with expansive alpine bowls and incredible tree skiing.
The gondola ascends in two stages from the village to 4000 meters elevation.
Explore the main bowls, hike to the summit, or venture to remote mountain villages from the ridge.
With breathtaking views, excellent powder, a distinct cultural encounter, this destination stands among the world's finest for skiing and snowboarding.
The Mountain
Resting on a mountain plateau. The tabletop-shaped Mt Apharwat boasts a 5-kilometer-long crest with slopes and valleys cascading toward the resort.
The gondola's initial stage transports you from the village to the 3000-meter tree line, granting access to well-protected tree skiing.
The second stage ascends to 3960 meters, just shy of Mt Apharwat’s peak. From the summit station, one can venture into the gondola bowl or traverse in various directions for a 1000-meter vertical descent to the mid-station. A brief 20-30 minute hike to the summit unveils the mountain's northern expanse, providing a splendid array of routes. Along the main ridgeline, you can navigate a breathtaking 2000 vertical meters through remarkable terrain.
Characterized as lift-accessed backcountry, it involves minimal grooming and can be weather-dependent. While avalanche control and ski patrol are present in the main gondola bowl, they cover just a fraction of daily ridden terrain.
The Snow
When snow descends upon Gulmarg, it arrives in abundance. Storms often blanket the village with a meter of snow over a couple of days, while higher elevations receive even more. The typical winter weather pattern includes intense storms followed by prolonged periods of calm, stable weather with mild temperatures and gentle winds.
Gulmarg offers two remarkable skiing experiences: the enchanting tree runs and the expansive alpine terrain. Amidst storms, the mid station tree skiing and descents to outlying villages offer world-class opportunities, with the deepest and driest snow among the ancient pines. Once storms clear and avalanche conditions stabilize, attention turns to the vast alpine bowls above the mid station, ideal for exhilarating, speedy turns.
With 10 days on the snow, you significantly increase your chances of encountering these epic skiing conditions. Patience is key—great rewards await those who wait.
GULMARG ITINERARY
DAY 1
Upon arriving at Srinagar airport in the early afternoon, you'll be greeted by Dhruv or a member of his team for a private two-hour transfer to your accommodation in Gulmarg, where you'll spend the next 10 nights.
Before a welcome banquet, Dhruv and your guides will provide an introduction to Gulmarg, offering a resort orientation and an overview of the upcoming trip.
DAY 2-11
Embark on ten full days of guided off-piste adventure skiing and snowboarding, with a maximum client to guide ratio of 4 to 2.
Each morning, the guides will assess snow and weather conditions to present the best options during breakfast.
You can choose to explore the resort, venture from the top station, or descend from the plateau to the valley floor. With ample guides, the group can split to cater to everyone's daily goals, ensuring untracked, excellent snow is accessible nearby.
Backcountry equipment use and safe travel practices will be taught during mountain exploration. T
Those interested can receive additional avalanche awareness and rescue training.
DAY 12
When you've wrapped up your day's activities, a vehicle will be ready to transport you to the airport
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If you prefer, we can arrange for you to stay in the town of Srinagar. This will be on a floating houseboat on the Dal Lake.
Feel free to discuss such addons for cultural sightseeing.
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Depending on bookings, you might extend your stay at your Gulmarg accommodation for an extra night or two if snow conditions are exceptional.
If your schedule and budget permit, extensions of a week or more could be arranged prior to your trip's commencement.
In case you're pressed for time, we can tailor a more concise itinerary for you.
Feel welcome to have a conversation with us about it.
The Lodgings
Perched on the Gulmarg plateau, Highlands Park Hotel, established in 1966, offers timeless charm. Surrounded by Pir Panjal peaks, it's celebrated for its character, service, and Himalayan vistas. A Gulmarg gem.
Single & Double Occupancy
Indulge in the spacious, elegantly furnished bedrooms for a truly comfortable and unforgettable stay.
We suggest a maximum occupancy of three individuals per room.
The accommodations has undergone a meticulous restoration and decoration process, preserving timeless charm throughout. Experience a harmonious blend of classic comfort and modern conveniences.
Lounge and Bar
The hotel boasts a central building and eight separate cottages, housing a total of 35 unique rooms.
The grand central structure, which includes the reception, lounge, and restaurant, offers uninterrupted views of Mt. Apharwat and the extensive terrain accessed of Gulmarg Backcountry.
Guests can plan their ski adventures over breakfast, and at the end of the day, they can ski through the scenic forest to the back entrance, where they can enjoy après-ski beverages in the lounge while reviewing their day's accomplishments.
The Restaurant
Indulge in a culinary journey like no other.
Prepare your taste buds for a delightful experience filled with flavorful soups, an exquisite array of Kashmiri meat and vegetable delicacies, and delectable desserts, all presented with a touch of elegance and a sprinkle of laughter.
Equipment that you need to have
Skiers
Touring Skis with skins.
A108 plus underfoot is fine.
We do recommend a wider plank. 115ish is best.
Snowboarders
Splitboard and skins.
If you are on snowshoes, do tell us.
Gear Rental:
We can provided rental gear. However, good quality / latest gear that may suit the taste of every participant may not be available in Kashmir. It is best that participants bring their own skis / snowboards.
Avalanche Gear Rental :
Avalanche Gear : Transceiver, Shovel and Probes are mandatory.
It is recommend that participants bring their own avy gear.
A detailed equipment list will follow upon confirmed booking. Apply via our Expression of Interest form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Travel Info
Where is Gulmarg
It's in northern India, 60 km from Srinagar.
How do I get there
Most visitors fly to Srinagar and then take a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to Gulmarg.
Do I need a Visa
Yes, most foreigners need a Tourist Visa to visit India.
What about travel insurance?
Choose an insurer that covers off-piste skiing and snowboarding.
Preperation
When is the best time to visit
Late January to late February for good snow cover. Mid-March has great alpine snow.
How experienced do I need to be
You should be comfortable off-piste in varying conditions. We can organize lessons for members who want to enhance their skills.
How fit do I need to be
Above average fitness is needed for the high elevation and vertical runs.
Are there groomed runs
Barely anything is groomed; most skiing is off-piste.
Snow and Weather
How much snow does Gulmarg get
Around 3-8 meters annually, mainly from December to March. It can vary each year.
What is the snow like
Quality varies, but good untracked snow is available.
Are there many avalanches
Avalanches can happen after storms, but conditions usually stabilize quickly.
How cold is it?
Temperatures range from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius.
Medical and Safety
Are there medical facilities in Gulmarg
Basic medical facilities are available, but more complex care may require going to Srinagar or Delhi.
What if I get injured
Guides are equipped for first aid, and evacuation can be arranged if needed.