Gulmarg Skiing Packages
Ski Asia's premier resort - Gulmarg's legendary Apharwat powder, reached by one of the world's highest gondolas. Season, slopes, gear, ski schools and packages for beginners to experts.
Starting From
₹2,500/day
Gulmarg is India's premier ski destination and one of the most talked-about powder resorts in the world. At 2,650 metres, with the Gulmarg Gondola climbing to near 4,000 metres on Apharwat, it offers a rare combination of high-altitude terrain, deep dry Himalayan snow and long open bowls - a magnet for everyone from first-timers on the gentle nursery slopes to expert freeriders chasing the famous off-piste. Every winter, skiers and snowboarders come from across the globe for it.
Via Kashmir arranges Gulmarg skiing for all levels - from a first lesson with a certified instructor to a full ski package with stay, gear and lift access. This page covers the ski season, the slopes and the Gondola, gear rental, ski schools for beginners, safety, and the questions skiers ask us most before booking a Gulmarg ski trip.
At a glance
Asia's premier ski resort • Apharwat powder via the Gulmarg Gondola (Phase 1 & 2) • Beginner nursery slopes to expert off-piste • Season roughly late December-March • Gear and instructors available • From ₹2,500/day • Book winter stays early.
Gulmarg ski season
The Gulmarg ski season generally runs from around late December to early March, peaking in January and February when the snow is deepest and most reliable. Conditions vary year to year with the snowfall; mid-winter is the safest bet for good cover on the upper mountain.
- Late December to early March is the broad season
- January-February is peak for deep, reliable powder
- Early and late season depend more on snowfall
- Book stays and instructors weeks ahead for the January-February peak
The slopes and the Gondola
Gulmarg's terrain is built around the Gulmarg Gondola. Phase 1 (to Kongdori, ~3,050 m) serves beginner and intermediate runs and the nursery slopes; Phase 2 (to Apharwat, ~3,979 m) opens the high bowls and the legendary off-piste that made Gulmarg's reputation.
Gulmarg terrain by level
Off-piste needs a guide
The Apharwat backcountry is world-class but serious terrain with real avalanche risk. Always ski the off-piste with a qualified local guide, carry avalanche safety gear, and heed conditions. It is not for unaccompanied intermediates.
Gear rental, ski schools and packages
You don't need to bring your own equipment - skis, boots, poles, snowboards and winter clothing can all be rented in Gulmarg. For beginners, a lesson with a certified instructor is the best way to start, and multi-day ski schools get you confidently down the slopes within a few days.
- Ski/snowboard gear and winter clothing available to rent
- Certified instructors and multi-day ski schools for beginners
- Guided off-piste and backcountry for advanced skiers
- Packages combining Gulmarg stay, gear, lessons and Gondola access
Indicative costs
Group lessons and gear start from around ₹2,500 a day; private instruction, guiding and premium gear cost more. We build a package to your level and days and confirm the price in writing.
Stay and plan your Gulmarg ski trip
Staying in Gulmarg itself - rather than day-tripping from Srinagar - is the way to ski properly: you're first in the Gondola queue and you get full days on the mountain. Winter hotels in Gulmarg book out early for the January-February peak, so reserve ahead.
- Tell us your dates, group size and skiing level.
- We recommend a Gulmarg stay and build a package with gear, lessons and lift access.
- A guide is arranged for any off-piste plans.
- You ski Asia's best powder with the logistics handled.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Gulmarg ski season?
The season generally runs from around late December to early March, peaking in January and February when the snow is deepest and most reliable. Conditions vary with the year's snowfall, so mid-winter is the safest bet for good cover on the upper mountain.
How much does skiing in Gulmarg cost?
Group lessons with gear start from around ₹2,500 per day; private instruction, guiding and premium equipment cost more, and Gondola tickets are separate. We build a package to your level and number of days and confirm the price in writing.
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes. Gulmarg has gentle nursery slopes near the main meadow and certified instructors, and multi-day ski schools get first-timers confidently skiing within a few days. Beginners stick to Phase 1 terrain while the expert off-piste is on Phase 2.
Do I need to bring my own ski gear?
No. Skis, boots, poles, snowboards and winter clothing can all be rented in Gulmarg, so you can travel light and pick up everything on arrival.
Is Gulmarg good for advanced and off-piste skiing?
Very - the Apharwat backcountry (via Gondola Phase 2) is world-class powder. But it is serious terrain with real avalanche risk, so always ski off-piste with a qualified local guide, carry avalanche safety gear, and respect conditions.
Should I stay in Gulmarg or day-trip to ski?
Stay in Gulmarg. You'll be first in the Gondola queue and get full days on the mountain, rather than losing hours to the drive from Srinagar. Winter hotels book out early for the January-February peak, so reserve ahead.
Book your Gulmarg ski trip
Beginner or expert - tell us your dates and level and we'll build a ski package with gear and instruction.