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.

World snow day is celebrated all over the world to motivate personals from non snow areas to attract them to snow areas and promote winter sports. Col J S Dhillon, Principal IISM took a special initiative to celebrate this day in Gulmarg which he described the best ski and winter sports destination in South Asia.

The chief guest during celebrations was Farooq Ahmad Shah, Director Tourism, Kashmir. He said the aim of today’s celebrations is to bring awareness amongs masses about of the various facilities available to tourist in Kashmir, especially in Gulmarg during winters. All ski trainees of the Institute and army joined hands together to make a wonderful snow pavilion which depicted snow igloos, high mountains of Himalayas, symbols of various organizations which are associated with winter games including Winter Games Federation of India and India Olympic Association.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding many other fun activities were organized by IISM. Many stalls of souvenirs, handicrafts, snow equipment were made with the help of snow which looked very innovative and impressive. Winners of various events were given prizes by IISM and a dinner party was hosted on behalf of the Deptt.of Tourism.

60 local children under sports council of J&K (India) took part in the different events of skiing and model making. 70 students of IISM, Gulmarg also took active part in the festival. Festival was attended by more than 3000 persons who appreciated the efforts of Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering and applauded the initiative of FIS to organize such events throughout the world especially in non skiing countries of South Asia.

Source: January 24, 2012 (Scoop News)

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.

SIDE 1
The Mazdoor Union Gulmarg-Tangmarg—an amalgam comprising nearly 3600 ponywalls, laborers and guides maintain that the construction of Gondola will hit their livelihood and accused the Government of failing to compensate them for the losses due to running of the first two phases of the world highest ropeway for past over one decade.
When the first phase of Gondola was commissioned upto Kongdoori in 1998, it was strongly opposed by the ponywalls and guides. “We had reached an agreement with the authorities that the Gondola will be operated only during winter and only used to ferry skiers to the Kongdoori slopes. Ironically, the Gondola was used for round the year and opened for tourists as well drastically hitting our livelihood,” Bashir Ahmad Mir, the president of Mazdoor Union Gulmarg-Tangmarg told Greater Kashmir.
Mir said following an agitation, the authorities had promised to pay the Union a share of 15 percent of the Gondola’s earnings. “However, the successive regimes resorted to dilly-dallying tactics and constructed second phase of Gondola up to Apharwath adding insult to our injury. We had launched an agitation but it was muzzled by use for force,” Mir said. The ponywallas and guides maintain that they somehow managed to meet their two ends by ferrying and guiding tourists to the Mary Shoulder hills and its adjoining areas. “The construction of a lift from Kongdoori to Mary Shoulder will push us on the verge of starvation. It seems the Government is bent upon to render us jobless.”

SIDE 2
The Minister of Tourism, Nawang Ringzin Jora, said the Government will not succumb to the “blackmailing tactics” of the ponywallas and guides. “Government has been supporting all sections of people including ponywallas and guides in Gulmarg. After construction of Gondola, the affected ponywallas and guides were provided shops and kiosks in Kongdoori. If they have some problem they can’t take whole Gulmarg hostage. We want to make it clear that the Gondola will continue to function and nobody will be allowed to dictate terms to the Government,” Jora told Greater Kashmir.
However, he maintained that Government is committed to resolve the reasonable demands of people.
The Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), Talat Pervez, said the demands of the Union have been forwarded to the Government.

EFFECT ON FUTURE OF GULMARG
A former tourism official who has served in Gulmarg said the row between the Government and the ponywallas will affect the tourism inflow to the Gulmarg. “It will send harm the image of the Valley as foreign and professional skiers throng the ski-resort during the winter.” he said.
“After the recent unrest in the Valley, Winter is the only hope for making up for our losses. The tourists have made advance bookings with us on the eve of Christmas and New Year. The matter should be resolved at the earliest in the best interest of tourism in the Valley,” said a hotelier at Gulmarg.

The fact remains that a world class Gondola is the need in Gulmarg. Its long overdue. Gulmarg needs to be able to leverage its slopes to legitimately come on the ski map of the world (If Ford was so focussed on what would happen to the livelihood of the horse cart owners, model T would have never seen the light of the day). The ponywallas should rather focus on developing more local destinations where they can ferry an even increasing rush of visitors who would come to Gulmarg, attracted by the its world class slopes, and a promise of being hauled up the heights in a gondola that works. In all probability, more tourists on new day treks would eventually more than make up for the loss in revenue from the Gondola route.

Bobby song sequence and wants to do so in Gulmarg in the same cabin which is now a tourist attraction! The director is in the process of obtaining permission to film there.
April 23, 2010, (Sawf News) – Aishwarya Rai and Akshay Kumar perform a duet that is a tribute to popular Bollywood screen couples of the 70s in their upcoming film Action Replay.
The couples remembered include Rajesh Khanna-Mumtaz, Amitabh Bachchan-Jaya Bhaduri, Dharmendra-Hema Malini, and Rishi Kapoor-Dimple Kapadia.
The duet borrows lyrics from past hits that best represent the screen pairing. For example Bahar se koi andar na aa sakhe… Hum tum ek kamre mein band ho aur chabi kho jaye from the film Bobby is used for Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia.
According to TOI, Vipul still hasn’t filmed the Bobby song sequence and wants to do so in Gulmarg in the same cabin which is now a tourist attraction! The director is in the process of obtaining permission to film there.
The last schedule of the film is being filmed and the crew as in Manali recently for it.
The film, Aishwarya’s first full on comedy, is tentatively scheduled for release in July, 2010.