The most complete website about Gulmarg Ski Resort
Gulmarg in Winter
Explore the Resort
The Mountain
From the top of the world famous “Gulmarg Gondola”, the mountains provide enough terrain for a lifetime. Let the thrill of riding down big untracked alpine bowls and mature forest overcome you and let the feeling set you free.
The Village
The Gulmarg Village is defined by its authenticity at the foot of Mt-Apharwat. The plateau is set at about 2680 meters. Walking around the village, the view on the himalaya is omnipresent. The vibe is relax but true. Take your time, enjoy a local drink or a great meal.
When is the Best Time to Ski Gulmarg?
Understand Gulmarg’s Setup
Gulmarg is not a traditional ski resort.
It is a year-round cable car operation — the Gulmarg Gondola — that provides access to high alpine terrain.
Since the completion of the Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2, the Kashmir Tourism Department, in partnership with the Gulmarg Gondola Corporation, has hired a Snow Safety Officer each winter.
The Gondola officially starts accepting skiers and snowboarders with gear from January 1st, but only when the Snow Safety Officer is under contract and the mountain is deemed safe to ski.
Important: Even though operations may technically start January 1st, sufficient snow coverage is not guaranteed.
The Snow Safety Team may delay access if there is insufficient snow to safely cover rocks and natural hazards.
- January
- February
- March
Weeks 1–3: Early January: Be Ready to Stay Flexible
Based on years of experience, we recommend waiting until the last week of January for a greater chance of reliable snow conditions.
Early January often means marginal coverage, with rocks and hazards exposed across much of the terrain. Only a few winters since 2008 have delivered enough snow to open the season fully at the beginning of the month.
If visiting earlier, we advise keeping plans flexible. Monitor snowfall closely, and be prepared to book last minute. (Our team can finalize your arrangements within 48 hours once conditions permit.)
Early January skiing in Gulmarg is a gamble — but with flexibility and good timing, it can still deliver unforgettable ski days.
Week 4: Late-January
Historically, around January 24–25, Gulmarg often receives major snowfalls that finally set up the season properly.
While we cannot predict snowfall precisely, many seasons have seen excellent snow arrive in late January, consistently improving the quality of skiing and riding.
This pattern has repeated itself often enough that we now strongly recommend planning for late January if you want to maximize your chances of good skiing.
February
February is the winter high season in Gulmarg. It is when the snow is the deepest and often the most stable snowpack.
We recommend booking early if you plan to ski Gulmarg in February. Good hotels and good guides are highly praised. Availabilities can be a major problem as the number of great ski guides is limited
Gulmarg ski season is very short. By the end of February, it can get quite warm in the village. The snow on lower elevation or south faces can get sticky.
March
March is the month with the most precipitation in the region. It often bring lots of snow to Gulmarg.
The best thing about March is that most tourists are gone. You get the entire mountain to yourself and a handful of other riders.
The contract of the Snow Safety Officer ends on March 31st. Based on the snowpack and avalanche risks, the authorities decide if the resort will close on that date or later.
March Can be an excellent month to ride Gulmarg. We recommend skiing Gulmarg before mid-March.
Deals & Packages
Ski Bum
Packages that include a stay at a basic hotel. Everything you need for some great powder skiing in Gulmarg.
Economic
Packages that include a stay at a hotel with not much luxury. A cosy place to rest and dry your gear. Just shred the Himalayas.
Comfort
Packages that include a stay at a hotel that offers what you would expect from a normal hotel around the world - comfort, warmth, good food & service.
Deluxe
Packages that include a stay at a one of the best hotel in Gulmarg. More attention to details and services. A treat you can afford.
On Mountain Adventure
Backcountry Adventure
Skiing Gulmarg is practically all off-pistes backcountry. Our all-inclusive ski packages include a local ski guide. A ski guide maximises your powder time, brings a nice cultural aspect to your adventure and makes skiing in Gulmarg safer.
Learn to Ski or Snowboard
Gulmarg is a great place to learn to ski in India. We work with a great team of local registered ski Instructors. Our beginner packages include everything you need to get to Gulmarg, have a good time and learn to ski or snowboard.
Heli-skiing in Gulmarg
If heli-skiing in the Himalayas is on your bucket list, problem solved… Add 1 or 2 heliski runs to any of our Powder Packages. Event better, ½ a day or a full day. We also offer a 3 heliski day packages or a full week.
Other Activities
What to do on a day off or if you do not ski or snowboard? You can just enjoy a Gondola ride, ride a snowmobile or an ATV around Gulmarg. You can walk around, go ice skating. It’s all about being outside and enjoying the Himalayas.