Hit The Best Gulmarg Ski Slopes

Gulmarg, with its renowned ski-slopes, has been like the adventure capital of Jammu and Kashmir. At an altitude of 8,694 ft, It stands out as a dream destination, offering a perfect blend of serene ambience and thrilling activities. 

Synonymous with skiing, the town features some of the highest ski resorts in the world. These ski slopes in Gulmarg are often compared to those of Switzerland. A trip to Gulmarg is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. 

The most magnificent skiing area in Gulmarg is the Apharwat Peak. The slopes here caters to advanced skiers and furnishes unsurpassed trails for off-piste skiing. To reach here, the Gulmarg Gondola, the second highest and largest cable car ride in the world, is operated. 

Gulmarg ski areas do feature gentler slopes too for newcomers to practise the skill. Overall, the varied slopes at different skiing areas including Gulmarg Phase 1, Gulmarg Phase 2, Baba Reshi, Mary’s Shoulder are suitable for adventure buffs of every skill level. 

Coming to the quality of snow slopes found in these areas, you only obtain the best of it. The deep powdery snow, accumulating throughout winter, is convenient for skiing as well as heli-skiing. 

Moreover, the Gulmarg ski area provides all kinds of amenities. Be it heat-regulated hotels or skiing courses, you get all. The packages include skilled instructors, ski passes, medical facilities, promising a safe yet fun trip. 

Hence, Gulmarg with its breathtaking beauty and premium facilities, invites you this year to have a memorable skiing experience. 

Division of Gulmarg Skiing Slopes

Beginner Slopes (Baba Reshi) 

Gulmarg ski slopes offer abundant skiing opportunities to beginners who recently developed interest in the snow sport. The gentle terrains especially dedicated to novice skiers are perfect to get a good command over basics. One such famous place is Baba Reshi. The ski area is known to provide a smooth and gradual incline. To build a sense of safety and confidence among newcomers, a controlled and well-managed atmosphere is given here. 

The place is considered as an ideal skiing area in Gulmarg to master the fundamentals of skiing before going forward for a more challenging terrain. Accessible through Gulmarg Gondola phase 1, Baba Reshi with its soft and fluffy snow slopes amidst gorgeous surroundings, is dotted with beginners. 

Intermediate Slopes (Gondola Phase 1, Mary’s Shoulder, Sunshine Peak) 

A variety of exhilarating skiing slopes are accessible to intermediate skiers, giving them an ideal chance to brush up their skills to a higher level. With varied and more thrilling terrains, Gulmarg has many such skiing areas. Starting with the most sought-after, Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 or Kongdoori where you get a mix of terrains for intermediate skiing while soaking in the unparalleled beauty.  Next in the category, we have Mary’s Shoulder with diverse terrains including longer trails and moderate inclines. Last but not the least, Sunshine Peak is a beautiful addition to the list. Not only does it provide a perfect balance between enjoyment and adventure, the skiing area offers scope of improvement and more experience.  

Advanced Slopes (Apharwat Peak, Gondola Phase 2)

Gulmarg ski slopes with sharp gradients and demanding terrains are suitable for thrill-seekers. The sense of exploration in the ungroomed skiing areas of Gulmarg captivates skiers from all over the world. Apharwat Peak and Gulmarg Gondola phase 2 features deeper untouched snow and more challenging conditions including steepest inclines and longest runs. They are famed for off-piste skiing opportunities like heli-skiing and cross-country skiing. A higher skill set with beaming confidence is required for an unforgettable time.  Less crowds are seen at these skiing spots promising a serene experience mixed with frosty Himalayan sights. When planning to come here, carry essential safety gears and an experienced instructor is suggested.  

Different Skiing Slopes in Gulmarg

Apharwat Peak (Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2)

Apharwat peak, the second-highest peak in Gulmarg after Mount Harmukh, has gained recognition as one of the highly challenging skiing areas. With untroubled slopes for kilometres and deepest snow, the terrains here test the skills of even an experienced skier. 

The diversity seen in the terrains features gentle slopes or “Baby Slopes” and steep chutes or “Shrine Slopes”. Wide open bowls are a major highlight of the peak. Lying at an elevation of approx 14000 ft, the peak is ideal for off-piste skiing including heli-skiing (the skier is dropped by a helicopter a height to ski downhill) and cross-country skiing. It is one of those skiing destinations, offering night skiing under twinkling stars. The peak is surrounded by magnificent beauty with the backdrop of snow-laden mountains. The place remains crowded with tourists from December to March. It is easily accessible via Gulmarg Gondola Phase 2, a ski lift running from Kongdori to Apharwat Peak.

Kongdoori (Gondola Phase 1)

Famous as an intermediate skiing area, Kongdoori features both gentle and mild snow slopes. Whether you are new to skiing or you wish to try new challenges, it is the place to go. The prime feature of the ski area are the well-maintained slopes with manageable inclines, ideal for both beginners as well as progressing skiers. The controllable snow conditions ensure a sense of safety and boost your confidence in the sport.  

The snow trails are sprawled in several kilometres with a moderate gradient of around 20-25 kilometres. The place is safe yet filled with enjoyment. 

In auditions, there are numerous ski schools, providing skiing courses in the company of skilled instructors. Kongdoori is accessible via Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1, a cable car ride connecting Gulmarg town to ski areas. Buy the tickets from online websites or on-spot bookings are made as well.

Mary’s Shoulder

The most appreciated characteristics of Mary’s Shoulder as a skiing area is the versatility in the slopes found here. A decent mix of intermediate and challenging snow terrains are present here. To sharpen your skiing skills and try out advanced techniques, the long runs with lenient inclines of Mary’s Shoulder are the ideal choice. The gradient ranges between 30-40 degrees. With a more demanding and adventurous ambience, it is suitable for skiers, searching for a skiing experience with the highest level of thrill. From December onwards till March, the place receives heavy snowfall, curating fresh snow slopes with top-notch quality. It has been a favourite among tourists not only for the adventure it offers, but also the mesmerising scenic sights they get to witness. The mighty Himalayan landscapes are a treat to the eyes.

Sunshine Peak

At an altitude of 9,895 feet above sea level, resides the Sunshine peak, undoubtedly one of the immaculate skiing attractions of Gulmarg. Offering intermediate skiing experience, the place has average inclines with long trails. For skiers advancing towards improving their skills to more than basics with enhanced techniques, it is the right ski area. Consistent snow slopes with sprawling vistas are the main features of the peak. With a more calming and rejuvenating ambience, it is suitable for skiers, looking for a skiing experience within their comfort level. Filled with mind-blowing beauty of snow-meadows, snow-laden mountains, the entire region is transformed into a winter wonderland from December to March. It can be easily accessed via trekking or pony rides. It is also famous for hosting different winter festivals and competitions.

Baba Reshi

Baba Reshi is one of those ski areas in Gulmarg where a novice should go for their first skiing lesson. With comfortable slopes and clear trails, the terrains here are of general gradient of 15-30 degrees. The place provides the same skiing lessons as at Gulmarg Golf Course. Nestled by towering frosty peaks, it has been a forgiving area for someone getting their hand on the sport. The hustle-free environment is ideal to build the foundation and confidence as well. It remains accessible throughout the winter, although last November and early April are considered a good time for soft fluffy snow slopes and a serene environment. Escaping the crowd, visit this breathtaking ski area in Gulmarg for an unforgettable experience. Here, you will mostly see first-time skiers and families, engaging themselves in different snow sports.