Our Winter Activities

Between December 15 and April 10, the resort transforms into a full-scale winter sports hub. Visitors can engage in skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, and ski touring. For non-skiers and families, the valley offers snowmobiling, ATV rides, open-air ice skating, traditional wooden sledging, and starlit bonfire nights.

Gulmarg is a premier destination for leisure and sightseeing. You can ride the world's second-highest cable car (Gulmarg Gondola) up to 3,980 meters for panoramic views of Nanga Parbat. At the valley base, families enjoy wooden sledging, ice skating, and snowmobiling. We also organize private 4x4 excursions to nearby cultural and natural landmarks, such as the Drung Frozen Waterfall and the sacred Baba Reshi shrine.

Prices vary based on required equipment and guidance. Leisure activities like sledging and ice skating are highly affordable (starting around a few hundred rupees). A full day of beginner skiing (including gear, lifts, and a private instructor) costs between ₹3,500 and ₹5,000. Advanced backcountry guiding ranges from ₹6,500 to ₹9,500 per day. For the best value, we recommend booking an all-inclusive multi-day package. (See our complete Winter Sports Pricing Guide for detailed breakdowns).

The winter season operates from December 15 to April 10. If you're an advanced rider hunting for deep, untracked powder and heli-ski drops, January and February are the absolute peak months. March is highly recommended for beginners or families who prefer sunny, slightly warmer days on the nursery slopes.

Yes, absolutely. During the peak winter months (January and February), Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 and Phase 2 tickets sell out online weeks in advance. We strongly recommend booking your activities or a full package with us early. Our logistics team handles all lift passes, guide reservations, and equipment rentals ahead of your arrival so you don't miss out.

Yes. Traditional wooden sledging is incredibly safe and a favorite for toddlers and young children, as the sledge is always controlled and pulled by an experienced local handler. For snowmobiling and ATV rides, children can safely ride as passengers with our trained guides, though self-driving is strictly reserved for adults.

Even if you aren't skiing, you're going to be in deep snow. You'll need waterproof snow pants, an insulated winter jacket, waterproof winter gloves, UV sunglasses, and sturdy snow boots. If you don't own these items, you don't need to buy them. You can easily rent complete winter outerwear packages directly from our in-house Global Ski Shop when you arrive.

Safety is the foundation of our mountain operations. All out-of-bounds, freeride, and heli-skiing operations are led by native guides certified to International Avalanche Safety Standards (AIARE Level 1 / New Zealand standards). Every backcountry guest is equipped with a modern avalanche safety kit (beacon, probe, shovel, and ABS airbag pack), and our team conducts strict daily snowpack stability tests before any off-piste descent.