Ever imagined a vast, gently sloping playground dotted with pine trees, rocks and colorful flowers. Add a water stream to it and cover it with a fresh, white blanket of snow – an aromatic canvas of white!

Is this your idea of a picture perfect destination? Does it seem right out of a child’s fairy tale book?

Well, places like these exist, and one such place is Gulmarg.

To this beauty, if you want to add a bit of zing, then spike it up with some adventure too. Because, if you happen to be in Gulmarg, then you definitely owe yourself a few lessons in skiing.

Here is why learning skiing in Gulmarg is a must do!

13 Reasons why you should learn Skiing in Gulmarg

1. The perfect adrenalin rush: Standing on the top of a cliff on your skis, a field of white powdery snow ahead of you, a little movement as you start your descent, soft snowflakes on your face, the caress of icy cold winds through your hair, your heart beat racing as you gain speed down the incline and you make that little skiing jump on your first free run. If this is you, pack your bags and read the rest of the post later!
2. Among the best in the world: As a skiing resort, Gulmarg is comparable to the best resorts in the world. According to CNN, Gulmarg was ranked in the top 5 in Asia (the other four resorts are – Yongpyong, Gangwon-do in South Korea, Niseko – Hokkaido in Japan, Appi Kogen Tohoku in Japan and Yabuli ski resort in China)
3. Value for money: It is great value for money to learn Skiing/ski in Gulmarg as compared to any skiing resort in the world. For what you’ll pay for a single day for just Skiing in Europe, you’ll get skiing + stay + equipment + classes for a few days in Gulmarg
4. The instructors: Are at par with any other skiing instructors in the world
5. Quick learning: You will be able to take the first steps into a wonderful new sport in a short 4-5 day trip
6. Photographers paradise: Gulmarg has the highest operating gondola in the world and the views from the Gulmarg Gondola are stunning. You ride above a snow covered pine forest. Along with your skiing lessons, you will have an opportunity to take some surreal pictures above a 14,000 ft high alpine meadow which overlooks Gulmarg
7. Stay: While the outdoors are freezing cold, the hospitality is heartwarming. There are hotels and resorts to suit all budgets. Imagine being woken up gently every morning with a hot cup of Kashmiri tea (kahwa) and the fire crackling in the fireplace (or the heating making it nice and warm)
8. Food: Is lip smacking delicious. Start your day with a breakfast which can be Indian, Kashmiri or Continental cuisines. For meals try the local Kashmiri non veg cuisine of Rogan Josh, Gustapa, Rishta, Yakhni etc. Once you’re done, wash it down with a piping hot cup of Kehwa (Kashmiri tea). For a true culinary experience, try the Wazwan which is a multi-course meal
9. Getting to Gulmarg: From Delhi, it takes about 3.5 hours to get to Gulmarg. A short flight and drive gets you to the snow slopes
10. Other sports: You can try/learn snowboarding and ice skating in Gulmarg
11. Child’s wander: Snow is something that fascinates most of us. Snowball fights, making a snowman and the skiing is sure to bring out the child in you
12. Hassle free: GoMissing organizes hassle free Skiing trips to Gulmarg for individuals, groups of friends and families which will help you enjoy the adventure conveniently. You only need to sign up, and we’ll take care of the rest!
13. Making friends: Trips like these are done by like minded people. When you’re all freezing together on the slopes, or building a snowman, or having a snowball fight, or experiencing your first fall on the slopes and another member of the group helps you up, you build the camaraderie and long lasting friendship that only such kind of travel can offer. The laughs and drinks in front of a fireplace at the end of the day while you wait for some mouth watering food is priceless

For people who have never skied before, do something for the first time. Because when you’re 60 and your grandchild asks for a story, this will be infinitely more interesting than all the corporate boardroom battles, the 9 to 9 jobs and endless working hours on holidays.

GoMissing Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. runs fixed departures and customized trips for groups to Gulmarg. Do check out our 5 day fixed departures for beginners and intermediate skiiers.

Groups and advance skiiers, get in touch with us on email at tripinfo@gomissing.com or call us at +91 – 82853 49989 for a memorable skiing trip.

By ABID KHAN (Greater Kashmir) Jan 20, 2012
Within one year after its revival, Heli-Skiing has made Kashmir as preferred destination for skiers across the world.
Launched last year at Gulmarg by the JK Government, Heli-Skiing run by local extreme skier and guide Billa Majeed Bakshi has become hit all over the world and has attracted some of the well known extreme skiers and personalities.
Around 700 skiers have registered with organisers of Heli-Skiing in Gulmarg this season and the number is growing.
Apart from making the virgin turfs of different sections of Gulmarg accessible, the skiers are also able to get access to those peaks and slopes which were out of bounds for the adventure sports lovers.
The Heli-Skiing in Gulmarg is being run by Billa through his company Himalaya Sports and he is quite a hit among the skiers across the world.
“This year we have already registered 700 clients more than double compared to a last year’s 323 which was inaugural year. All the clients are from West and none among them is local,” Billa, who is Company Director, said.
“I have six international guides and all of them are well known in adventure sports arena. One of the guides Woody has climbed Mount Everest eight times while other guide Mark has climbed the Everest five times. Others have also climbed the Everest two to three times and all of them have been guiding people to climb the world’s highest peak,” he added.
About the duration and area chosen for Heli-Skiing, he said, “Last year we did only two months of skiing. But this season we expect to do it for three months. Last year we had only one helicopter while this year we have managed to rope in two.”
“Most of the area that we covered last year was Pirpanjaal range and some little area on Poonch side. This year we want to explore 5000 metre peaks and that is an added attraction for the skiers,” Billa added.
Billa says that without the support of the Government it would not have been possible to start the ambitious project.
“It would not have been possible for me to start venture without full support from central and state Governments. Ministry of Defence, DGCA, Civil Aviation, Tourism and Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA) all cooperated and helped me in a big way,” he said.
Billa claimed that Heli-Ski was attracting lot of foreigners to Kashmir.
“Last year world’s best ski film crew Warren Miller from USA, Salomon ski France were our clients. This year lots of big riders are joining us and former International cricketer Jonty Rhodes is also joining us soon,” he claimed.
Pertinently it was Sylvain Sudan in late 70’s to start Heli-Skiing in the Valley and he is known as pioneer of extreme skiing. Known as a ‘skier of the impossible’, for his dare-devil skiing feats in Alps and other peaks in Europe and Asia, the 74-year old Swiss born French Heli-skier Saudan was considered to be instrumental in launching Heli-skiing in the Valley in late ‘70s.
He continued his date with Kashmir even during the years of conflict by bringing skiers.
However, Sudan stopped to come to Kashmir after his helicopter crashed in a mountain range on way to Sonamarg in 2007. The skiers in Heli-skiing dive from a helicopter on top of mountains. It is considered to be an extreme form of skiing offering the ultimate powder skiing experience.
Buoyed with success of Heli-Skiing and response it has got from all over world Tourism Department Kashmir is all set to widen its range to Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
“We started it last year in Gulmarg and it has become instant hit. We are soon going to launch Heli-Skiing in Pahalgam and Sonamarg. In Sonamarg it will be launched by Heli-Skiing pioneer Sylvain Sudan,” Director Tourism Farooq Shah, told Greater Kashmir.
“Kashmir is number one winter sports destination in India and we are doing everything to make it more attractive to skiers and Heli-Skiing is one among the many steps taken. Apart from number one destination in Country it is also most affordable one,” he added.

For the year winters of late 2011 and early 2012, the institute is conducting courses as per the following schedule, with 60 spots available for each course.

Course S.No From To

• 01  - 26/12/2011 08/01/2012
• 02 – 09/01/2012 22/01/2012
• 03 – 23/01/2012 05/02/2012
• 04 – 06/02/2012 19/02/2012
• 05 – 20/02/2012 04/03/2012
• 06 – 05/03/2012 18/03/2012

Eligibility

• Medically Fit
• Age between 06 years to 25 years.(Elders can also join if physically fit)

Fee

• Rs 5000/- per student per course below 25 years of age.
• Rs. 10,000/- per student per course who are above 25 years of age.

It includes cost of boarding & lodging, training, equipment.

Per day charges for foreigners (not residents of India):

• US $ – 50 per person for 4 persons in a room.
• US $ 100 per person on twin sharing basis & food in restaurant.

Payments may be made though DD/Pay Order in favour of Principal, IISM, Gulmarg, payable at Srinagar (J&K), India

BOOKINGS
Email: – skitigers@gmail.com
Tele fax- 01954-254480, 0194-2312749.
Mob: – 09419604990, 09797702322, 09419076335,

During this period the temperature dips to minus 4 to minus 9 degrees celcius at night and 5 to 20 degrees during day time in Gulmarg.
Students must be adequately equipped in clothing.
Essential items are as follows

1. Cap balaclava + sun hat
2. Goggles/ sun glasses
3. Woolen under garments (vest and trouser)
4. Woolen pullover
5. Jacket/ over coat (ski suit if held)
6. Wind/ water proof jacket
7. Gloves
8. Personal clothing and under garments/ chappals as required
9. Shaving kit/ toiletries/ lip cream/Detergent Soap
10. Torch
11. Water bottle
12. Socks woolen and cotton
13. Trekking shoes
14. Sleeping bag (optional)
15. Camera/ eatables/ note pad/iPod/cell phone/ laptop as required

No liquour/smoking is allowed in side or out side the Institute complex during courses.

IISM Gulmarg (new building)

INDIAN-INSTITUTE-OF-SKIING-Gulmarg-Application-Form

(NON STUDENTS CAN JOIN ANY TIME)

Course S.No From To No Of Vacancies
01 27/12/2010 09/01/2011 60
02 10/01/2011 23/01/2011 -do-
03 24/01/2011 06/02/2011 -do-
04 07/02/2011 20/02/2011 -do-
05 21/02/2011 06/03/2011 -do-
06 07/03/2011 20/03/2011 -do-
(You can report on the day of start of course or in the evening of previous day. All students must leave by 0900 hrs on the day when course finishes or in evening a day before)

Eligibility

1. Medically Fit

2. Age between 06 to 25 yrs.(Above 25yrs can also join)

Fee

3. Rs 5000/- per student per course below 25 yrs.

4. Rs. 10,000/- per student per course above 25 yrs.

5. It includes cost of boarding & lodging, training and equipment.

Per day charges for foreigners

US $ – 50 per person accommodating 4 persons in one room.

US $ – 100 per person Twin sharing basis & normal food in restaurant .

Payments may be made through DD/Pay Order in favour of Principal, IISM, Gulmarg, payable at Srinagar (J&K).

OR

Payment may also be made directly in our Account no.__________Branch Code no._____________ of J&K Bank, Rajbagh, Srinagar (J&K)

FOR BOOKING CONTACT:
Email: – skitigers@gmail.com, joedhillon@gmail.com
Tele fax- 01954-254480, 0194-2312749.
Mob: – 09419604990, 09419076335 (for international, dial +91 and direct number 9419604990)

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/01/03/five.asian.ski.resorts/index.html

Gulmarg, Kashmir

The list is:

1. Appi Kogen, Tohoku, Japan
2. Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
3. Rusutsu Ski Resort, Hokkaido, Japan
4. Alpensia Resort, Pyeongchang, South Korea
5. Yongpyong, Gangwon-do, South Korea
6. Jisan Forest Resort, Icheon, South Korea
7. Gulmarg, Kashmir
8. Alshan Alpine Ski Resort, Mongolia, China
9. Yabuli Ski Resort, Heilongjiang
10. Nanshan Ski Village, Beijing

Gulmarg, Kashmir

In the 19th century Gulmarg was a hill station for British colonials to escape the summer heat. These days, it’s a world-class ski resort blanketed with fresh, light powder from the Himalayas, attracting ski bums tired of Alpine lift queues and fondues.

Website: www.gulmarg.org

Its heartening to see an international magazine of repute recognizing Gulmarg in its recommended list. Truth is Gulmarg’s pure ski-natural potential easily makes it one of the best in the world; the whole hearted acknowledgement by the world is just waiting for the political temperatures to cool down, and a ‘little’ better management of infrastructure and marketing by state and private businesses.

After securing government clearance, a Switzerland-based company started a heli-skiing service on Sunday, reviving a practice thwarted for years by violence and red tape that sees skiers taken by helicopter and dropped on remote peaks.

Heli-skiing is off-trail, downhill skiing that is accessed by a helicopter and not with the help of a skiing lift.

Priced at 9,000 euros (12,300 dollars) per person per week, trips will be available up to early April, forming part of a trend that has seen the violence-weary area revive its adventure sport industry as fighting declines.

The package includes flights from the client’s country (usually Europe and UK) and also hotel and local transportation.

This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who wants to experience something different to your average skiing holiday.

For anyone who has ever visited a skiing resort, or gone on a surfing holiday heli-skiing is the ultimate in finding spots that most skiiers would find difficult to reach by more conventional means.

Undisturbed snow, lovely scenic countryside, and breathtaking mountain vistas await the skier who is prepared to go the extra distance for a good route down the side of the earth.

French skier Andre Bianchini, a 48-year-old mountain guide from the French Alps, was one of the first to head out this week and he plans to come back.

“I’ve fallen in love with the mountains here. Unlike Europe, they’re mostly untouched and there are no crowds,” he told AFP. “The view of the valley from a helicopter is out of this world.”

Himalaya Heliski had been waiting for civil aviation ministry approval in the highly militarised zone since the start of the winter season.

Sylvian Sudan from Himalaya Heliski, which heads to isolated peaks in a different area from Gulmarg, said he had 30 clients booked for this year and expects “many more” next year.

The company started heli-skiing in Kashmir in 1988, a year before the eruption of an anti-India insurgency that has claimed 47,000 lives according to the official count.

It suspended its activities in 1990 and since then it has struggled to establish a permanent service. In 2007 its chopper plunged into deep snow — fortunately without causing injuries.

Next year a New Zealand-based company in collaboration with Gulmarg Heli-Skiing, a local company, will also step in to offer a competing service.

It had bookings from 200 foreigners for trips this winter, but was unable to get the clearances in time, said Abdul Hameed, the owner of Gulmarg Heli-Skiing.

Professional skiers from around the world gathered in Srinagar, on Sunday to take off on choppers and indulge in heli-skiing down the slopes of Gulmarg.

Just returned from Gulmarg after spending 17 days there. To sum up, it was probably the wildest, most frustrating, most liberating skiing I’ve ever had. Timed the snow perfectly – I often heard that the first week we were there was the best of the season so far. After a very poor start to the season, 3 metres fell in the week before arrival; the result was an avalanche that thundered down one of the bowls, killing 17 soldiers stationed nearby. The gondola, of course, was closed throughout the storm, but jeep-assisted runs to the nearby villages of Baba Reshi and Drung, as well as skinning up Monkey Hill, offered plenty of good turns until the gondola opened. When it did, the pow stayed good for more than a week before crapping out.

But while the snow was great and first tracks easy to score, Gulmarg definitely was at times exasperating. The lift ticket system was utterly ridiculous and time-consuming, the ATM rarely worked (and when it did it ate my card), and the upper gondola was frequently closed (meanwhile the lower gondola offered no reasonable skiing). Worst of all, the terrain was not particularly steep (something especially apparent now I’m back and have checked out a few piccies of recently posted Euro TRs). Here’s the thing though: most of these annoyances were kind of like gatekeepers; a slew of frustrations to keep uncommitted skiers away from the pow that awaited. Doubtless there’ll be plenty of skiers coming away from Gulmarg this season saying the place is crap—these frustrations become pretty hard to deal with if there hasn’t been any fresh snow for more than a week—but for those willing to roll with it, the place offers an experience like no other. And the Kashmiris are incredibly friendly, except perhaps when they’re throwing rocks at cops in Srinagar – the city got shut down several times while we were there (Gulmarg though felt utterly safe and removed from any disturbances)

A group of 350 armymen were setting up a winter warfare camp at Khilanmarg near Gulmarg, when the snow avalanche struck the region. 70 of them were rescued, while some others could be still trapped there.

The officer, who was killed, was identified as Lt. Prateek. The army personnel were from an advance camp of the Army’s prestigious High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS). Some of those seriously injured are in a critical condition in a hospital in Gulmarg.

An Indian soldier makes his way by truck towards the site of an avalanche which engulfed a military school in Kashmir, killing at least 17 people Photograph: Tauseef Mustafa/AFP/Getty Images

Indian ski guides, who normally are hired by the burgeoning numbers of foreign skiers, worked into the evening to help with rescue efforts, according to local ski outfitter Yasin Khan. No tourists were hurt.

A combined rescue team composed of military personnel, police and tourism officials, working in fog and snowfall more than two meters deep, took several hours to recover the bodies of those killed.

Officials said there was little chance of any tourist being trapped as the avalanche was triggered at an altitude higher than the popular skiing slopes. About 400 tourists skiing in the area were safe.

Heavy snow blocked Kashmir’s main highway, the only road link to the rest of the country, for the third day Monday.

Over the weekend, skiers in Gulmarg had expressed concerns that days of intense snow were creating risky avalanche conditions.
The website gulmargsnowsafety.com warned Friday of “HIGH potential for climax avalanches,” adding: “when strong winds on Sunday and Monday create slab conditions, expect widespread natural avalanches from this weak interface throughout the alpine region.”

Authorities say an avalanche warning had been issued after several days of heavy snowfall.

It’s not clear yet what precautions, if any, the military took in the face of the warnings. The avalanche was triggered when 70 troops were taking a skiing test.

A vehicle carrying Indian Army rescue team is on its way to Gulmarg, via Tangmarg, northwest of Srinagar, 08 Feb 2010 (AP)

The Army produces skilled alpinists who occasionally trade potshots with the Pakistanis in the nearby Siachen glacier region, dubbed “the world’s highest battlefield.”

They also are sending India’s only two Olympic skiers to Vancouver.

The High Altitude Warfare School is the Indian Army’s primary institute for such training and was set up more than 60 years ago initially to teach skiing to front-line infantry troops.

In April last year, another avalanche hit an Indian army post close to the de facto border, killing seven soldiers and injuring at least eight others.

About 400 people, including 30 civilian workers, were at the training centre, but the avalanche hit only one part of the facility.

In his travel article published in The Observer, Sunday 31 January 2010, “The call of Kashmir”  Tom Robbins talks about how this troubled corner of the Himalayas has gone from war zone to ultimate ski destination. To his dismay, this year, as he chose to go all the way to India, to ski in the Himalayas, he found out that for the first time in 15 years, there’s no snow.  Well almost none.  But then as he begins to head back, it does start to snow…

He goes to Gulmarg, and can’t miss reminiscing about the “Raj” – the period of British rule in India. He’s given an interesting read on all that he is comes across. Read here his account of the journey to the new so called powder paradise…