Gulmarg Ski Resort Overview
(all information care of www.skihimalaya.com.au)
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"It's everywhere as good as anywhere I've skied in the world. It's kind of like heli-skiing with a gondola - you know you go up - you pick your line - look at a ridge say we might do that one this time - we'll save that one for tomorrow - and away you go"
Triple Winter Olympian Steve Lee |
The Gulmarg Ski Resort is a newly updated resort in India, situated in the Pir Panjals, one of the six ranges that make up the Himalayas. It is fast becoming a freeskiers mecca, with boundless steep, challenging “runs” with untouched powder. If you have skied Japan before, but want something with more challenge and fewer people and the same deep powder, then Gulmarg is your best option. It is a place where confident skiers and boarders can seek out quiet slopes and immerse themselves in a completely different culture, in the middle of the Himalayas. The region of Kashmir is aptly titled “Paradise on Earth.”
Gulmarg has been a ski (and now golf) resort for a long time, but it is the recent completion of the new 2 –stage gondola that has everyone talking. The new gondola opens up a vertical of 1700 vertical metres, more than anything in the US. Combine that amount of vertical and a serious amount of terrain; with only on average 40 skiers and boarders per day, the potential for finding untracked powder is huge. The base of the gondola starts at the resort at 2650m and rises up to the mid-station and restaurant at 3050m. The area below the mid-station offers excellent protected skiing when the top-station has to be closed due to bad weather or more likely, too much snow! The gondola rises a further 930m to the top-station at 3980m (the 2nd highest gondola in the world).
 When you get over the amazing view, you have a few different options for skiing. You can ski for a couple of kms along the NW and SE shoulders whilst selecting the choice lines down any of the numerous bowls, chutes or ridges. You can ski over 1700 vertical metres of serious off-piste terrain down to the valley floor (definitely take a guide), or take slightly shorter runs straight back to the gondola mid-station. Either way the skiing is amazing, definitely a place to get the most out of a pair of new fat skis and having the right avalanche gear and knowledge to use it is essential.
The skiing below the gondola mid-station is on more gentle terrain and includes a groomed run back to the base of the gondola. The skiing in this area is between gigantic pines and furs and is home to some amazing wildlife; you might see monkeys, jackals, bears and even snow leopards. Ski fast! Beginners are also catered for with 5 surface pomas close to the village and the resort plans to groom more areas of the mountain to appeal to intermediate skiers.
Further off-piste opportunities wait in 3 main areas below the Gulmarg plateau. You can ski up to 3km of off-piste runs in the Tangmarg, Baba Reshi Shrine and Sunset Peak areas. Again, these runs are best done with one of the Kashmiri Powdercats team as they can organize a vehicle to pick you up when you ski down into the Tangmarg Valley. Also, hiking up to Monkey Hill in town is recommended, as the skiing is short but very sweet.
The season lasts from December to April with the peak snowfall time being mid January to mid February. This time is characterized by major storms and big snowfalls that last for days, followed by periods of beautiful blue skis. Indeed, in 2005 the area saw over 9 metres of snow fall from January to February and during the entire 2004/5 season, over 20 metres of snow fell in total!
The Gulmarg is located in the Kashmir region, a disputed region between Pakistan and India. During the late 1980’s and 1990’s, Kashmir was definitely not a safe area for tourists to visit, but since then Kashmir has become much safer largely due to the greatly improved relations between India and Pakistan. The atmosphere in Gulmarg is of one of peace and calm, any previous troubles in Kashmir are not felt in Gulmarg. This is due to the fact that the town is very isolated, has limited means of access, lacks a major permanent population and is also close to the Indian High Altitude Warfare School. The locals are extremely friendly and welcome the return of tourists to the region. Most are fluent in English as well as Kashmiri. Dining at any of the restaurants in town (nearly all located within the hotels) is inexpensive and delicious. The main hotels are now starting to sell beer and some wines. Accommodation again is a fraction of the price of Western resorts.
Most people choose to take either a one or two week package, with options to extend if necessary. Travel from Australia can be done easily enough from most capital cities, with flights to Delhi (via Singapore) arriving on Saturdays. You need to overnight in Delhi as the connecting domestic flight to Srinagar departs Sunday morning. You will then be met at the airport and driven to Gulmarg, about 56km, which is normally a quick journey if the road is clear. Then enjoy the best skiing of your life. Most guests depart on a Saturday after half a days skiing to take the afternoon flight from Srinagar to Delhi. Another side excursion is staying overnight in Srinagar in one of the amazing houseboats on Dal Lake, overlooking the Himalayas. Then transfer the next day to Srinagar Airport for afternoon flights to Delhi with connecting overnight flights home.
Overall, if you are an advanced to expert skier then experiencing the Gulmarg is a must. Whilst the facilities might not be 5 Star, the skiing is some of the best on the planet right now. If you truly value the standard of skiing above all else, then the Gulmarg is the place for you. Steep and deep, minus the helicopter, at a great price
For further information and bookings please call 0433165544 or email to richard@stoecklidemo.com.au.
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