Gulmarg Skiing & Snowboarding Guide 2026: Slopes, Gondola & Tips

I drove up to Gulmarg for the first time in December when I was twelve, and the gondola cabin swinging over a pine forest buried in two metres of fresh snow is a memory I cannot shake. Gulmarg gets more snowfall than any other ski resort in Asia that has a functional gondola system. It is genuinely world-class terrain for skiers who know what they are doing, and it is accessible enough for a first-timer on a beginner slope to have a good day. Kashmir Pulse is Via Kashmir's editorial channel written by locals. For Gulmarg winter packages with gondola, accommodation, and equipment rental bundled, check viakashmir.in.

How does the Gulmarg Gondola work and what does it cost?

The Gulmarg Gondola (officially the Gulmarg Ropeway) operates in two phases. Phase 1 runs from Gulmarg meadow (2,600m) up to Kongdori Station (3,100m). The Phase 1 ticket is Rs 900 return for adults. Phase 2 continues from Kongdori to Apharwat Peak at 4,200m and adds Rs 1,100. The views from Apharwat on a clear day - Nanga Parbat to the northwest, the Karakoram range in the distance - are worth the extra ticket even if you are not skiing. Phase 2 is open to non-skiers with a valid ticket, though the terrain at the top is genuinely high altitude and cold. Dress accordingly. Gondola timings are approximately 10am to 4pm, with last cabin descending at 4:30pm. Lines can be long on weekends and public holidays - arrive before 9:30am.

What do ski rentals and lessons cost at Gulmarg?

Ski equipment is available for rent from the ski shops clustered near the Gondola base station. A full set (skis, boots, poles) costs Rs 500-800 per day depending on equipment quality. Snowboard rental is slightly higher at Rs 700-1,000 per day. Helmets are available for Rs 100-150 extra and worth it. The Gulmarg Ski School, run under the auspices of the J&K Sports Council, offers group lessons for beginners at Rs 800-1,200 per half-day session. Private instruction from a certified instructor costs Rs 1,500-2,500 for two hours. Most rental shops will also point you toward informal local instructors who are excellent with first-timers and charge Rs 500-800 per hour. For snowboarders, the terrain park near Kongdori has been developed in recent seasons and is well-maintained by January.

Gulmarg vs Auli (Uttarakhand) - which ski destination is better?

• ✓Altitude: Gulmarg tops out at 4,200m (Apharwat). Auli peaks at 3,049m. Higher altitude means more reliable powder snow at Gulmarg.
• ✓Snowfall: Gulmarg receives 4-6 metres of snowfall in a good winter. Auli gets 2-3 metres. Gulmarg is significantly snowier.
• ✓Runs: Gulmarg has more vertical drop and a wider variety of terrain from nursery slopes to extreme off-piste. Auli has 10 ski runs covering about 3km total.
• ✓Lift infrastructure: Gulmarg's Gondola is more modern and carries more people than Auli's ropeway. Both have limited overall lift networks compared to European resorts.
• ✓Accessibility: Auli is easier to reach independently (Joshimath is the base, accessible by road from Rishikesh). Gulmarg requires getting to Srinagar first.
• ✓Cost: Both are roughly comparable on ski costs. Gulmarg tends to be slightly cheaper for accommodation.
• ✓Off-slope experience: Gulmarg has more accommodation options, better food, and the town itself is more developed. Auli is more remote.
• ✓Verdict: For serious skiing and snowboarding, Gulmarg is clearly superior. For a casual snow experience combined with Uttarakhand travel, Auli works.

Frequently asked questions about skiing at Gulmarg

Do I need to ski to visit Gulmarg in winter?

Absolutely not. Many visitors come to Gulmarg in winter just for the snow landscape, a Gondola ride to see the mountains, pony rides through snowy meadows, and the experience of a high-altitude winter village. The meadow itself at 2,600m is beautiful covered in snow. Several cafes near the Gondola base serve noon chai (the pink Kashmiri tea) and hot kahwa. If you have never seen heavy mountain snowfall, walking through Gulmarg village in January is genuinely memorable.

What level skier is Gulmarg suitable for?

All levels, but with different experiences. Beginners can learn on the nursery slopes near the base. Intermediate skiers have good runs accessible from Phase 1. Advanced and expert skiers will find the Phase 2 terrain at Apharwat seriously challenging - the north-facing couloirs are steep and the powder is deep. Off-piste skiing with a guide is what draws some of the best skiers in Asia to Gulmarg. Several European and Japanese ski tour operators bring groups here specifically for the off-piste conditions.

How much does a full ski day at Gulmarg cost?

Budget Rs 3,000-4,500 for a full ski day including both Gondola phases (Rs 2,000), ski equipment rental (Rs 600), and a basic lunch near the slopes (Rs 300-500). If you add a private instructor (Rs 1,500-2,000 for a morning session), budget Rs 5,000-6,000. These figures are for 2026 - prices increase slightly each year. Accommodation in Gulmarg ranges from Rs 2,500 (basic guesthouse) to Rs 12,000 (Khyber Himalayan Resort level) per night.

Is the Gondola Phase 2 open for non-skiers?

Yes. Non-skiers can buy Phase 2 tickets and ride to Apharwat Peak for the views. Be aware that the top is at 4,200m and temperatures there can be -15C to -20C in January and February. Wind chill makes it feel even colder. Wear genuinely warm clothing - not just a puffer jacket but thermal layers, a balaclava, and windproof outer shell. Some visitors experience mild altitude symptoms (headache, slight dizziness) at Apharwat. Descend if you feel unwell. The views on a clear day are worth the preparation.

What is the snow like in January versus February at Gulmarg?

January typically sees the heaviest snowfall - storms drop 50-80cm of fresh powder over 2-3 days multiple times per month. This makes for excellent skiing but also means Gondola closures during heavy snowfall days. February is often considered the better skiing month: the snowpack is established, storm frequency eases slightly, and there are more clear sunny days. February also has slightly longer daylight hours. If you can only choose one month, most local ski guides prefer February for consistent conditions.

Gulmarg received 487cm of snowfall in the 2024-25 winter season. For context, Aspen, Colorado averages around 300cm. The terrain is comparable to many European resorts and the powder quality on north-facing slopes after a fresh snowfall is genuinely world-class.

Kashmir Pulse Editorial

Travel Writer, Via Kashmir

Writing about Kashmir from the inside — hotels, culture, seasonal travel, and the stories that don't make it into guidebooks.