Skiing is one of the most favored winter sport in
Jammu and Kashmir along with Heli-skiing,
Ice-skating and Ice-hockey. Skiing has gained
popularity in Jammu and Kashmir due to the vast
range of snow-clad mountain tops. A very popular
destination, Jammu and Kashmir, offers very good
skiing experiences along with the views of natural
beauty. The skiing starts in the month of December.
Gulmarg and Khilanmarg are the hot spots for skiing.
Gulmarg is a perfect place for the beginners, while
it also provides ample opportunities to the experts
as well. Patnitop is also an ideal location for the
skiing-lovers. Madha Top, situated 5 Km from
Patnitop is perfect for all levels of skiing.
Skiing Cautions
Skiing technique is very difficult to master and
accordingly there are ski schools that teach
everything from the basics of turning and stopping
safely to more advanced carving and mogul
techniques. All skiers must take care to know the
limits of their abilities, as the speed and
technical difficulty associated with the sport can
often lead to crashes or collisions and serious
injury. Courses are conducted at several skiing
sites on skiing during the months of January and
February.
Best Time for Skiing
The best time for skiing in Jammu and Kashmir is
during winters, i.e. December to March, when the ice
is hard and intact.
Major Sites for Skiing
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is perfect for the beginners. The slopes are
not deep and can be enjoyed by the first-timers. A
premier skiing resort, the Gulmarg skiing club was
established in 1927. Currently the Gulmarg resort is
considered to be the best in Himalayas. Skiing races
are also organised during the festivals like
Christmas and Easter. There is a ski-lift which
helps one to go up. The longest ski run in Gulmarg
is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a
ski run of 2,213 m.
Patnitop
At Patnitop, ski courses are conducted in the months
of January and February. For the tourists,
introductory courses are also conducted during
winters. Patnitop skiing site is also very ideal for
the beginners and learners.
Madha Top
Situated 5 kms. from Patnitop is the Madha top. This
place has excellent offerings for all levels of
skiing. Plans are under way to offer all kinds of
skiing options to the professionals.
Equipment Required for Skiing
Cold-weather clothing, skis, ski boots, helmets, ski
poles, etc are some of the many equipment needed for
skiing. The equipment are provided by the Skiing
clubs and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development
Corporation (Jammu and Kashmir TDC). One can visit
the office of Jammu and Kashmir TDC and hire the
equipment. The trainers in skiing club also provide
with the equipment.
