If you’re planning to visit Kashmir during the winter months, you should include at least a few nights in Gulmarg and try your hand at winter sports. This little hamlet is the perfect destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. There are three main slopes for beginners to learn this fascinating sport. These slopes are known as the baby slope, slope 85 and Highland Park slope. The latter two slopes are for people who are reasonably comfortable skiing at the baby slopes, as these are longer and have a higher gradient. All three slopes are served by a drag lift which pulls you up the slope after you’ve finished your downhill skiing run. Next level of skiing is the intermediate level which is from phase 1 of the gondola to the base station and the next level or advance skiing runs start from phase 2 of the gondola to the phase 1 area.

Equipment rental and instructors are easy to come by, however, do be aware that a number of instructors at the slopes are not qualified and will only be able to give you ad-hoc skiing lessons which lack both basic safety standards and technique. For professional skiing lessons and skiing trips you can contact one of the reputed companies in Gulmarg that have been conducting skiing trips and courses for a number of years.