Skier carving through fresh snow on an open slope in Gulmarg

Ski Gulmarg with guides who grew up on it

Beginner, freeride and backcountry ski courses from 3 to 14 days.

Skiing Packages
Snowboarder riding deep powder below the Apharwat ridgeline

Snowboard Gulmarg from nursery slope to Apharwat

Beginner, freeride and backcountry snowboard courses from 3 to 14 days.

Snowboarding Packages →
Skis, poles and snowboards lined up outside the Gulmarg rental shop

Skis, boards and safety gear, ready at the gondola

Rental and fitting for skis, snowboards, boots and avalanche kit.

Ski Shop

About Gulmarg Ski Guides

We are a ski and snowboard school founded in Gulmarg in 2013 by local skiers who grew up on this mountain. Our guides hold AIARE and Avalanche Canada avalanche training and keep it current through the Kashmir Avalanche Association, and we teach every beginner course one instructor to one student rather than putting you in a group of strangers. Apharwat is uncontrolled avalanche terrain with a gondola running up it, which is what makes the skiing extraordinary and also what makes local knowledge worth paying for. We ski it every day of the season, and we would rather point you at a shorter course than sell you a week you do not need.

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The Gulmarg Ski Guides team on the snow at the foot of Apharwat

Know Gulmarg Before You Go

Six pages written by our guides, covering what actually matters on this mountain.

Guide checking avalanche safety equipment before heading into the terrain

Gulmarg Avalanche & Mountain Safety

Gulmarg's upper mountain is uncontrolled avalanche terrain with lift access. That combination is what makes the skiing extraordinary, and it is why this is the most important page on our site. You do not need to be afraid of Gulmarg — you need to understand it.

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Skier throwing up powder on an untracked freeride line

Powder, Freeride & Backcountry

The skiing Gulmarg is famous for: the 900-metre bowls off Phase 2, the tree runs that end in villages, and the touring terrain stretching along the Pir Panjal far beyond the lifts. Every line described is terrain we ski and guide each winter.

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Rental skis, snowboards and boots racked and ready inside the shop

Ski Gear & Equipment Rental

You can rent everything you need in Gulmarg and the prices are low, but quality ranges from excellent to scrap metal depending on where you go. What to rent here, what to bring from home, and a full Kashmir winter packing list.

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Instructor coaching a beginner through a turn on the nursery slope

Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Gulmarg might be the best value place on earth to learn. Wide forgiving beginner slopes, soft real snow, and instructors at a fraction of European prices. It is also a place where lesson quality varies wildly — here is how to choose well.

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Gulmarg gondola cabin rising over snow-covered pines towards Kongdoori

Ski Trip Planning

Flights, the drive from Srinagar, where to stay, lift passes, realistic budgets and sample itineraries. Gulmarg rewards planning more than most destinations — the weather sets the schedule, not you.

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Map of Gulmarg ski terrain showing the gondola line from base to Apharwat

Terrain Map

The trail map at the gondola base tells you almost nothing about where people actually ski here. Seventeen or eighteen bowls of open terrain, the tree zones below them, and around fourteen metres of snow a season — explained zone by zone.

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Our Packages

Eighteen guided trips from three days to two weeks. Every package includes airport transfers, accommodation, equipment and lift passes.

Skiing Packages

Beginner skier making first turns on the Gulmarg nursery slope

3-Day Beginner Ski Package

3 days on snow, 4 total

Enough to find out whether skiing suits you without booking a full week.

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Skier practising linked turns on a gentle groomed run

5-Day Beginner Ski Package

5 days on snow, 6 total

The shortest course that gets most first-timers onto genuine blue runs.

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Learner skier working on edge control on a wide open slope

7-Day Beginner Ski Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

The course we recommend most often. A week is where skiing starts to click.

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Skier riding an intermediate run after two weeks of coaching

10-Day Beginner Ski Package

10 days on snow, 11 total

The full programme, for guests who want to leave as an intermediate.

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Freeride skier dropping into untracked powder off the Gulmarg gondola

5-Day Freeride Ski Package

5 days on snow, 6 total

Lift-accessed off-piste for skiers already confident on groomed runs.

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Skier picking a line through open powder below the treeline

7-Day Freeride Ski Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

Two extra days buys margin — for a flat-light day, and for bigger terrain.

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Freeride skier descending a steep untracked face on Apharwat

10-Day Freeride Ski Package

10 days on snow, 11 total

Built for skiers chasing a storm cycle rather than a single good day.

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Ski tourer skinning uphill across a high snowfield above Gulmarg

7-Day Guided Backcountry Ski Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

Touring into Babareshi, Drung and Tosamaidan, beyond the lift network.

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Ski tourers moving along a ridgeline on a multi-day backcountry traverse

14-Day Guided Backcountry Ski Package

14 days on snow, 15 total

Our longest programme. Multiple days in each zone, weather you can wait out.

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Snowboarding Packages

Beginner snowboarder learning to sideslip on the Gulmarg nursery slope

3-Day Beginner Snowboard Package

3 days on snow, 4 total

A short introduction to find out whether snowboarding is for you.

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Snowboarder practising heel and toe edge turns on a gentle slope

5-Day Beginner Snowboard Package

5 days on snow, 6 total

Long enough to get past the falling-leaf stage and start linking turns.

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Learner snowboarder linking turns on a wide beginner run

7-Day Beginner Snowboard Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

The week most first-timers need before riding feels natural.

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Snowboarder riding confidently on an intermediate Gulmarg run

10-Day Beginner Snowboard Package

10 days on snow, 11 total

The full programme, from first day on snow to confident riding.

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Freeride snowboarder riding fresh powder off the Gulmarg gondola

5-Day Freeride Snowboard Package

5 days on snow, 6 total

Lift-accessed powder for riders already comfortable on piste.

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Snowboarder carving through deep snow between snow-covered pines

7-Day Freeride Snowboard Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

Two extra days for terrain your guide opens up once he has seen you ride.

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Freeride snowboarder descending an open powder face on Apharwat

10-Day Freeride Snowboard Package

10 days on snow, 11 total

Our longest lift-accessed trip, built around storm cycles.

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Splitboarder touring uphill across a remote snowfield above Gulmarg

7-Day Guided Backcountry Snowboard Package

7 days on snow, 8 total

Splitboard touring into terrain the lifts do not reach.

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Splitboarders crossing high alpine terrain on an extended backcountry trip

14-Day Guided Backcountry Snowboard Package

14 days on snow, 15 total

Two weeks of touring, with time to wait out weather and chase conditions.

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Why Book With Us

Local Since 2013

Founded in Gulmarg by local skiers who grew up on Apharwat. We are here every day of the season, not flown in for a week.

Avalanche Trained

Our guides hold AIARE and Avalanche Canada Level 1 and 2 training, kept current through the Kashmir Avalanche Association. One is NOLS certified and a Wilderness First Responder.

One Instructor, One Student

Every beginner course is taught one to one. You are never added to a group of strangers, and nobody stands in the cold waiting their turn.

Everything Included

Airport transfers both ways, hotel, breakfast and dinner, equipment, lift passes and daily transport to the slopes. Airfare and lunch are not included.

Terrain Read Daily

Days are shaped by conditions, not a fixed script. Your guide looks at the mountain each morning and picks terrain that puts your safety ahead of the deepest line.

What Our Clients Say

"Choosing Gulmarg Ski Guides for my 6-day skiing course turned out to be one of the best decisions of my winter trip. From the very first day, the entire experience reflected professionalism, meticulous planning, and genuine hospitality. A special mention goes to my instructor, Furkan, whose exceptional teaching style transformed what initially felt like an intimidating sport into an incredibly rewarding experience."

Abilasha Jamwal

"I booked a 6 days course with Gulmarg Ski Guides and it was an awesome experience, they are very friendly and thought us patiently. Enjoyed the whole experience, Thanks a Lot."

Shanta Sonwalkar

"I want to share that I've booked myself with Gulmarg ski guides and it turned out as the bestest decision of my life as I've learnt skiing along with alot of enjoyment and i must say everyone should at least once in their life get experience of them like at this genuine price the experience i got is just next level. I must say they're the best guides as their cooperation their hospitality everything is epic. Must go for it 🤝"

Sania Chouhan
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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to ski in Gulmarg?
Mid January to late February for powder. January is the coldest stretch of the winter, locally called Chillai Kalan, and the snow is at its driest then. February usually has the deepest base and slightly longer days. March turns spring-like on sunny slopes and is the best month for touring. If we had one trip a year, we would take January.
Can I learn here as a complete beginner?
Yes, and thousands do every winter. The base slopes in Gulmarg village are wide, gentle and forgiving, the snow is soft and real rather than machine made, and you are never far from a cup of kahwa when your legs give up. You need no prior experience, average fitness and warm clothes.
Are your lessons private or group?
Every beginner course we run is one instructor to one student. Couples and families can ask to be taught together, and that often works well, but you are never added to a group of strangers you have not met. Nobody stands in the cold waiting for seven other people to have their turn.
Do I need a guide to ski off piste in Gulmarg?
For the upper mountain and the trees, yes. Nobody legally stops you from riding the gondola and dropping in anywhere, which is precisely why people get into trouble here. No patrol controls that terrain, nobody sweeps it, and nobody knows you are out there. A guide is the difference between skiing this mountain and gambling on it.
Is airport pickup included?
Yes, both ways, in every package we run. Once you have booked, send us your flight details and we handle the transfers at both ends.
How far in advance should I book?
For January and February, two to four months out. Those weeks fill first, for hotels and for guides. If your dates are fixed, sort lodging before flights. If your dates are flexible, message us with the window you are considering and we will tell you honestly what that period usually looks like.
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Can't find what you're looking for?

Tell us your dates, your level and what you want out of the trip, and we will build a package around it. Custom lengths, mixed ski and snowboard groups, families at different levels, or a private guide for a single day just ask.

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