Skiing In Kashmir Gulmarg Is Guaranteed To Please

By Jeannie Chapman


Skiing in Kashmir Gulmarg Ski Resort will be an unforgettable experience for skiers. Here are the highest ski slopes in the world. This is not a posh luxury resort of the kind offered in developed countries. But, for adventure skiers, it is hard to beat.

Gulmarg is a village in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir situated in the lower Himalaya Pir Panjal range. The village is nestled in a valley at 2,700 meters. In the summer time, the valley turns into meadows of blooms. Fittingly, its name translates to meadow of flowers. It is 35 miles and an hour and half drive from Srinagar, the state capital, weather permitting.

The skiing season commences in December and ends in March. The snow is light powder and copious amounts of it. It is situationally blessed as a destination for heavy snowfall. The snow remains fresh for days on end. The snow cycle brings regular batches of fresh every seven days for two to three day stretches leaving a meter every time. On the internet, tour operators are marketing various options. They include heliskiing expeditions for the risk takers. The heli ski packages tend to be more costly, but well worth the value for ski lovers of the adventurous kind. In any case, this option remains much less expensive than deluxe resort offerings elsewhere.

The beginnings of this resort can be attributed to two British army officers who established a ski club in 1927. Yet, it has been relatively recently that this gem was discovered by a wider audience of ski fanatics. Articles in the New York, Times, CNN indicate its rising profile.

From beginners to experts, every grade of skiers will be able to ski here. The well groomed slopes are better for beginners and intermediate level skiers. For more skilled in this sport, there is the first phase of the locally termed Gondola. This is a medium to intermediate run of about 2.5 kilometers of groomed piste. The gondola accessible area on Mt. Apharwat at 4,124 meters offers descents of up to 1,800 meters. Heliskiing opens up greater off piste opportunities than the one lift resort provides. The foreign heliski operators are qualified.

Skis and snowboards are available for rent for a small price. But finicky western tourists may prefer to bring their own equipment, as they may not be satisfied with the quality on offer. The foreign heliski operators offer good quality rentals of deep powder skis, but skiers must bring their own boots.

Maps are provided at the avalanche bulletin at the gondola. It is easy to leave the ski area boundary to go off piste into the wild terrain. This can be risky as the area can be avalanche prone. A nonprofit avalanche center publishes a daily bulletin and offers avalanche courses. Doctors and ski patrol personnel are on hand to provide first aid, if needed. The medical staff is also equipped with snow mobiles in case of medical emergencies.

The diversity of skiing in Kashmir Gulmarg broadens the options available. A study has revealed that even occasional skiers can improve their overall happiness. The most benefit is derived by those able to immerse themselves completely in this past time. A visit to this resort will surely guarantee that.




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