The Khelo India Winter Games hold their snow events in Gulmarg: the 2026 Gulmarg leg ran 23 to 26 February with ski mountaineering, alpine, Nordic and snowboarding. Past dates, what to expect and how to plan a winter trip around them.
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Quick Answer: The Khelo India Winter Games Gulmarg leg hosts the snow events. In 2026 it ran from 23 to 26 February, with about 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories in ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and snowboarding. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet; past Gulmarg legs fell in February and March.
Last updated: 4 November 2026. By Kashmir Pulse Editorial. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel, written by locals.
Every winter, Gulmarg becomes the snow capital of Indian sport for a few days. The Khelo India Winter Games bring young skiers and snowboarders from across the country to the slopes below Apharwat, and for anyone visiting Gulmarg at the same time, it is a chance to watch the best of Indian winter sport against one of the most beautiful mountain backdrops in the country.
This guide sets out what we know from official reports, the past dates and how to plan a trip around the games. We will update it when the 2027 dates are announced.
Khelo India Winter Games Gulmarg at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Snow events | Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Ice events | Leh, Ladakh |
| 2026 Gulmarg leg | 23 to 26 February 2026 (6th edition) |
| 2026 disciplines in Gulmarg | Ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing, snowboarding |
| 2026 entries | About 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories |
| 2027 dates | Not announced as of November 2026 |
When are the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg?
The Gulmarg leg follows the ice events in Leh and has usually fallen in February or March. In 2025, the Gulmarg leg was planned for 22 to 25 February but was postponed for lack of snow and held from 9 to 12 March. In 2026, the ice leg ran in Leh from 20 to 26 January and the Gulmarg leg from 23 to 26 February. The 2027 dates had not been announced when we wrote this; check the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports or the J&K Sports Council before planning around them.
| Edition | Leh (ice) | Gulmarg (snow) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 (5th) | Held earlier in the winter | 9 to 12 March (postponed from 22 to 25 February) |
| 2026 (6th) | 20 to 26 January | 23 to 26 February |
| 2027 | To be announced | To be announced |
One fact worth knowing: snow decides the calendar. In a thin winter, the Gulmarg leg moves later, as it did in 2025.
Related reading: Gulmarg Weather in June: Temperature, Snow and What to Pack
What events are held in Gulmarg?
- ✓Alpine skiing: the most popular discipline by registrations in 2026, on Gulmarg's prepared slopes.
- ✓Snowboarding.
- ✓Nordic skiing (cross-country).
- ✓Ski mountaineering.
Ice events, including figure and ice skating, are held in Leh. In the 2026 Leh leg, Haryana topped the medal table with four golds, won by its figure and ice skaters.
Can visitors watch the Khelo India Winter Games?
The games take place on the Gulmarg ski slopes, which are part of the resort that visitors use. Arrangements for spectators are set by the organisers each year, so follow local announcements and the instructions of officials on the slopes. Even without watching the events, the games week has a lively atmosphere in Gulmarg.
Local tip: Gulmarg rooms are already in demand in February and March for the ski season, and the games add teams and officials. Book early, and keep a buffer day in case snow moves the schedule.
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How to plan a Gulmarg trip around the games
- Watch for the official 2027 dates, usually announced a few weeks ahead.
- Book a Gulmarg hotel for at least two nights; see Gulmarg hotels.
- Plan the snow road: after fresh snow, only 4x4s or cars with chains may go above Tangmarg. See driving in Kashmir in snow.
- Try the snow yourself with a ski course in Gulmarg or a Gulmarg skiing package.
- Book the Gondola early; it can pause in high wind.
Gulmarg leg vs Leh leg: what is the difference?
| Gulmarg (snow) | Leh (ice) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sports | Alpine, Nordic, ski mountaineering, snowboarding | Ice events, including figure and ice skating |
| When | February or March | January |
| Setting | Ski slopes below Apharwat | Ice rinks in and around Leh |
For the wider season, see our Gulmarg ski season guide and Gulmarg in December.
Planning Gulmarg in the ski season? We book rooms early and arrange the 4x4.
Plan my Gulmarg trip →Via Kashmir plans winter trips to Gulmarg with verified hotels, houseboats on Dal and Nigeen for Srinagar nights, Kashmir packages and local cabs that handle snow. Tell us your dates.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Khelo India Winter Games 2027 in Gulmarg?
The 2027 dates have not been announced yet. Past Gulmarg legs were held from 9 to 12 March 2025 and 23 to 26 February 2026.
Which events are held in Gulmarg?
In 2026: ski mountaineering, alpine skiing, Nordic (cross-country) skiing and snowboarding. Ice events are held in Leh.
How many athletes take part?
About 400 athletes from 30 states and union territories registered for the 2026 Gulmarg leg.
Why was the 2025 Gulmarg leg postponed?
There was not enough snow on the planned dates of 22 to 25 February, so it was held from 9 to 12 March 2025.
Is February a good time to visit Gulmarg?
Yes for snow and skiing: it is the heart of the ski season, so book rooms early and keep a buffer day for weather.
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