Gulmarg ski season 2026-27 opens in late December. Phase 1 gondola to Kongdoori at 3,979m handles beginner and intermediate terrain; Phase 2 to Apharwat at 4,390m opens the high-altitude off-piste when conditions allow. Skiing here is the highest and most accessible in South Asia. Phase 1 gondola return: Rs 900-1,200; ski hire: Rs 800-1,500 per day.
Planning a Gulmarg ski trip?
Via Kashmir organises Gulmarg ski packages for the 2026-27 season with gondola access, verified hotels, and Srinagar-Gulmarg transfers.
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Quick Answer: Gulmarg ski season 2026-27 opens in late December. Phase 1 gondola to Kongdoori (3,979m) handles beginner and intermediate terrain; Phase 2 to Apharwat (4,390m) opens high-altitude off-piste when conditions allow. This is the highest and most accessible skiing in South Asia. Phase 1 gondola return: approximately Rs 900-1,200; ski hire: Rs 800-1,500 per day. Via Kashmir organises Gulmarg ski packages at viakashmir.in/packages.
At a Glance: Gulmarg Skiing 2026-27
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude (base) | ~2,650m (Gulmarg town) |
| Phase 1 top (Kongdoori) | 3,979m |
| Phase 2 top (Apharwat) | 4,390m |
| Season open | Late December 2026 (snow dependent) |
| Season close | Late February / early March 2027 |
| Gondola Phase 1 fare | Rs 900-1,200 return (approx) |
| Gondola Phase 2 fare | Rs 800-1,000 return (additional from Phase 1) |
| Ski hire (per day) | Rs 800-1,500 (boots + skis + poles) |
| Instructor hire | Rs 1,500-2,500 per half-day |
| Distance from Srinagar | 56km; approximately 1.5-2 hours by road |
| ViaKashmir link | viakashmir.in/packages, viakashmir.in/cabs |
Why Gulmarg for Skiing?
Gulmarg has the highest cable car in India and one of the highest gondolas in Asia. The Apharwat peak at 4,390m gives skiers access to terrain that no other Indian ski destination matches in altitude, vertical drop, or off-piste variety. The base village at 2,650m means even mid-season snowfall is reliable most years. What Gulmarg lacks is the groomed-piste infrastructure of a European resort. The Phase 1 runs are maintained and suitable for beginner to intermediate skiers; above Kongdoori and all of Phase 2 is effectively off-piste terrain -- powder bowls, couloirs, and steep faces that attract backcountry skiers from across the world. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel -- we plan Gulmarg ski trips for visitors who have never skied in India and for experienced skiers who come specifically for the off-piste.
Phase 1 vs Phase 2: Which Gondola Do You Need?
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori, 3,979m): This is the right choice for beginners, first-timers to Gulmarg, and anyone who wants the main ski area without extreme altitude exposure. The slopes off Kongdoori are wide, open, and suitable for learning. Equipment hire and instructors are based here.
Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat, 4,390m): Phase 2 adds approximately 400m of vertical and opens high-altitude off-piste terrain. The runs from Apharwat are for intermediate-to-advanced skiers only. Acclimatise for at least one day at Phase 1 before attempting Phase 2. Via Kashmir can confirm Phase 2 opening status for your travel dates at viakashmir.in/enquire/general.
Gulmarg vs Auli: The Two Indian Ski Destinations
| Gulmarg (J&K) | Auli (Uttarakhand) | |
|---|---|---|
| Top altitude | 4,390m (Phase 2) | 2,519m |
| Vertical drop | ~1,800m (Phase 2 to base) | ~500m |
| Gondola | Yes (2-phase) | Yes (single) |
| Ski season | December-February/March | January-February |
| Off-piste terrain | Extensive (Phase 2) | Limited |
| Best for | Serious skiers, powder, altitude | Beginners, families, reliable access |
Related reading: Pahalgam in November: The Off-Season Guide to Kashmir's Valley Town
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Frequently Asked Questions: Gulmarg Skiing
When does the Gulmarg ski season open in 2026-27?
Typically late December, subject to snowfall. Heavy early season snow can open the gondola in mid-December; a dry December pushes the opening to January. J&K Cable Car Corporation announces opening dates on official channels. Via Kashmir at viakashmir.in/enquire/general tracks opening status.
Is skiing in Gulmarg suitable for complete beginners?
Yes, at Phase 1. The Kongdoori area has beginner-appropriate terrain, ski hire, and certified instructors from the Gulmarg Ski Instructors Association. Budget two to three days minimum to get comfortable before attempting the long runs to the base.
How much does a Gulmarg ski trip cost per day?
Gondola Phase 1 return: Rs 900-1,200. Ski hire: Rs 800-1,500. Instructor half-day: Rs 1,500-2,500. Lunch at Kongdoori: Rs 400-800. Total per day for a beginner with instruction: approximately Rs 4,000-6,000, excluding accommodation.
What is the best month for skiing in Gulmarg?
January and February are the peak snow months. January typically brings the heaviest snowfall; February has slightly more settled weather. Late December is good for early-season powder if snowfall arrives.
Do I need to book the gondola in advance?
During peak season (January-February) the gondola queue can be long on weekends. Weekday visits avoid the worst queues. Via Kashmir can arrange early-morning gondola access as part of a package at viakashmir.in/packages.
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