Overview
Your dream of having a perfect adventure of skiing gets completed right here in Gulmarg. As a world renowned winter attraction, the hill station is every thrill-seeker’s bliss. This winter, tick skiing in Gulmarg off from your bucket list by picking the right package. Whether you are a beginner or an occasional skier, the right Gulmarg skiing packages are accessible with a range of inclusions like accommodation, meals, training, equipment rental, instructors, etc. If you are looking for a short escape to the adventure world of Gulmarg, there are short skiing packages. For a long week trip that includes training as well as skiing, plan a trip of about 7 days. Various types of skiing such as intermediate level, heli-skiing and background skiing are available. It is crucial to pick the right one for you that suits your skill level, budget and other preferences. Don’t forget to take a quick yet attentive look over the inclusions and Exclusions of these packages and then decide accordingly. Here’s a list of different Gulmarg skiing packages that you can access:
Popular Skiing Packages to Choose:
Week-long Skiing trip ( 7 days/6 nights)
The most famous and frequently picked among the skiing packages, a week long skiing trip is the ideal choice. It is quite beginner-friendly since you get enough time to learn the basics and techniques of the sport and later practise on the slopes. The first day starts with your arrival in Srinagar and a scenic drive to Gulmarg. For the airport transfer and intercity rides, you can book taxis via Kashmir Taxi Service. The route on the National Highway is filled with various sightseeing spots like Drung Waterfall and Tangmarg town. The first day is reserved for the drive and acclimatisation before visiting the slopes. The following day, you learn the very basics of skiing like how to handle the gears. You’ll understand how to balance your skis. Total of 5 days are dedicated to training in this package where you learn snowplough, which is basically the art of stopping your skis, snow parallels, meaning how to turn your skis left and right. Once you are completely equipped with the basic and intermediate level training, you are ready to hit the slopes. Your last day in Gulmarg will be to practise what you have learnt and have an adventurous experience on the snow slopes of Kongdoori and Khilanmarg.
Inclusions:
- Nights Accommodation. 5 Days Training – 9am to 4pm.
- Food – Breakfast and Dinner
- Qualified and Certified Ski Instructors.
- One Ski instructor with minimum 2 and maximum 3 people.
- Ski Equipment- Ski Shoes, Ski Poles, Ski Pair.
Exclusions:
- Insurance.
- Personal expenses
- Transportation in & around Gulmarg
- Ski lifts and Gondola charges
- GST
Skiing for One Day
Package of skiing for just one day gives you an easy and affordable chance to hit some runs on the snow slopes. This way, you don’t have to learn any skills or enrol in any course and you can have a thrilling experience as well. It is an ideal offer if you are in Gulmarg with your friends and family for sightseeing purposes and also wish to try out skiing.
In this, you are offered a one day assistance on the snow slopes where local skilled instructors help you in any way. Other facilities like accommodation and transportation needed to be taken care of beforehand. Only the skiing experience with accessibility of equipment rental is included.
Enjoy an entire day on the smooth slopes with excellent snow quality and take back loads of memories.
Inclusions:
- Qualified and Certified Ski Instructors.
- One Ski instructor with minimum 2 and maximum 3 people.
- Ski Equipment- Ski Shoes, Ski Poles, Ski Pair.
Exclusions:
- Insurance.
- Personal expenses
- Transportation in & around Gulmarg
- Ski lifts and Gondola charges
- GST
Gulmarg Backcountry skiing
Gulmarg is one of those alpine hill stations of India where backcountry skiing is available. This type of skiing is very different from normal skiing since the thrill seekers unleash madness in the ungroomed and unpetrolled regions of Gulmarg. Only the seasoned and experienced skiers are advised to do backcountry skiing since it requires a high level of skills and techniques. Gulmarg has a large uncontrolled area for backcountry skiing and therefore, it is the most picked destination for the same. In this package, we start the adventure from the Gondola Top. The Gulmarg Gondola has a massive drop of about 1500 m, which is just perfect for a huge downhill slide in the ungroomed area. While the area that comes under the Gondola Bowl is under control, the rest of it remains available for backcountry skiing. There are so many trails that you never run the risk of repeating it. Next destination for skiing is Gondola mid station which is about 400 m from the base and has a long uninterrupted run of about 10 to 15 kilometres. We glide downhill to the Drang Valley and visit the Drang village which is popular as a roadless village. You’ll see villages staring and smiling in anticipation. Some other ideal spots for backcountry skiing in Gulmarg are Baba Reshi Shrine and Monkey Hill. When in Gulmarg for backcountry skiing, make sure to rent gears accordingly and avalanche safety gears as well.
Short Skiing trip (5 days/ 4 nights)
If you are looking for a shorter trip than the one week course, a 5 days/ 4 night skiing package is the perfect choice. It is yet another beginner-friendly one available where you are taught from the scratch. Even if this is your first time skiing in Gulmarg, you’ll surely learn it. The courses are designed in such a way, including all the basic and intermediate lessons, that by the end of it, you’ll be able to ski on the snow slopes confidently. The thrilling skiing trip starts as you arrive in the Capital city and drive to Gulmarg in about 2 hours, covering 50 kilometres. From the second day onwards, you are introduced to the gears like skis, poles, boots and taught how to use them. The first lesson is about controlling the skis on the slippery slopes. More techniques that are important and you learn here include snowplough where you are given instructions on how to stop a ski. Parallel turns is another intermediate level technique of turning your ski left and right which you’ll practise in the course. Once you are aware of every possible safety tip and be able to ski on a beginners level, it’s time to hit the slopes in Gulmarg. Some ideal slopes for newcomers in Gulmarg include Baba Reshi Shrine, Gulmarg Golf Course, Khilanmarg, Kongdoori, etc.
Inclusions :
- 4 Nights Accommodation. 3 Days Training – 9am to 4pm.
- Food – Breakfast and Dinner
- Qualified and Certified Ski Instructors.
- One Ski instructor with minimum 2 and maximum 3 people.
- Ski Equipment- Ski Shoes, Ski Poles, Ski Pair.
Exclusions:
- Insurance.
- Personal expenses
- Transportation in & around Gulmarg
- Ski lifts and Gondola charges
- GST
Cost of Gulmarg skiing:
A complete week trip for skiing in Gulmarg will cost INR 33,250 per person. There will be 5 days of skiing and you’ll stay in Gulmarg for 6 nights. If you are looking for a shorter trip, then a fun 5 days skiing trip is under INR 22, 250 per person. It included 3 days skiing and 4 nights stay in Gulmarg. Backcountry skiing is for about INR 60,0000 per person.
Lastly, one day skiing in Gulmarg is for only INR 4,500 per person and this is the most affordable price that you can get.
Best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing
The winter season, lasting from December to March, is the suitable time for Gulmarg skiing. The temperature ranges between 0°C to -5°C. Gulmarg receives heavy snowfall during this time of the year. The huge accumulation of white powdery snow creates slopes up to 5-10 feet. The controlled trails are suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The ungroomed slopes welcome adventure enthusiasts from all over the world for heli skiing and backcountry skiing. When visiting in winter, make sure to prepare accordingly by booking accommodation and transportation like taxis in advance and getting ski passes and Gondola passes via online websites. When booking your resorts in Gulmarg, inquire about the heating arrangements in the room. Wear warm clothes to remain safe.
Tips and precautions to keep in mind:
- Before visiting the alpine regions of Gulmarg, it is crucial to acclimatise properly to avoid high-altitude sickness and be ill-free.
- If you are planning a long skiing trip, rent gears all together for multiple days as it helps to get you some discounts and lower rates.
- Remain updates about the weather conditions and potential avalanche news to remain safe.
- When visiting the slopes, don’t forget to carry essentials like snacks, water bottle, a first aid box, ski passes, ID proofs.
Conclusion:
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy skiing in Gulmarg. This is one such experience that people always long to have. Make sure you make the best out of the town. Have a fantastic trip!
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