Our Guides
Everyone you ski with here learned these mountains the slow way. Not from a season contract, not from a training week, but from growing up under Apharwat and skiing it winter after winter.
Below are the people who will actually be on the snow with you.
Shafat Ahmad Tantray
Founder, Lead Guide and Ski Instructor
Shafat grew up in Babareshi, just below Gulmarg. He was four years old when he first stood on skis, and they were wooden ones his late father made by hand.
On the training side, Shafat holds AIARE Level 1 and Level 2 in avalanche safety, and he keeps that education current through Avalanche Canada and the Kashmir Avalanche Association.
Speciality: Backcountry ski guiding, Powder skiing, Avalanche safety, Freeride ski coaching
Bashir Ahmad Mir
Co-Founder, Lead Ski Guide and Senior Instructor
Ask around Gulmarg about the best technical skiers on the mountain and Bashir's name comes up quickly. He started skiing at ten and has not missed a winter on snow since.
Bashir completed Avalanche Canada Level 1 and Level 2 training in 2019 and continues his avalanche education with the Kashmir Avalanche Association.
Speciality: Advanced ski coaching, Freeride skiing, Powder guiding, Group organisation
Naman Sharma
Lead Ski Instructor and Guide
Naman brings the strongest formal outdoor education background on the team. He is Avalanche Canada Level 2 certified, NOLS certified, and a qualified Wilderness First Responder.
Certifications: Avalanche Canada Level 2, NOLS certified, Wilderness First Responder
Furqan Mushtaq
Ski Instructor
Furqan is the newest name on this page and the fastest riser. He is a strong skier, he takes the job seriously, and he asks questions constantly.
Speciality: Beginner lessons, Intermediate coaching, Youth ski training
Why our training matters to you
Gulmarg is not a groomed resort experience once you step off the marked runs. Apharwat holds serious avalanche terrain, and the snowpack changes through the season.
That is why avalanche education is not optional on this team. Between us we hold AIARE Level 1 and Level 2, Avalanche Canada Level 1 and Level 2, NOLS certification and Wilderness First Responder training, and we keep it current through the Kashmir Avalanche Association.
You do not need to know any of that to book a day with us. You just need to know that the person ahead of you does.
Ski with us
Whether you are clipping into skis for the first time or you want a guide who knows where the snow stays good three days after a storm, there is someone on this team for you.