Skking in Kashmir

Skiing in Gulmarg - a wonderful combination of incredible powder skiingone of the world greatest adventure skiing experiences! Gulmarg issituated in the northern Kashmir at the western extremity of the Himalayas in a subsidiary range called the Pir Panjals. It is 52 Kmtsfrom Srinagar, the state capital. Due to its geographic locationGulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and it hasearned the distinction of being the best ski resort in the Himalayas.Skiing was first introduced to Gulmarg by two British Army officers whoestablished the first ski club in 1927. The Gulmarg itself sits in gently undulating meadows high above the Kashmiri plateau at about 2,730m. Someof the best slopes in the country for beginners and intermediate skiersare available at Gulmarg. Skiing equipment is available on hire fromthe Ski-Shop. In winter Gulmarg natural slopes and inclines turninto the country premier skiing resort. Not all tourists who visitin winter come for skiing - some simply are there to watch the skiingor to enjoy a holiday in the snow. Many of these are infected with theexcitement of the skiers, and have donned their first pair of skiswithin a short while of their arrival. Among the multitudes ofslopes, there are a few which are serviced by ski lifts. Most of theskiing becomes centred on these slopes, which are specially suited tobeginners and intermediate level skiers, with ski runs ranging from 200m to 3kms, instructors are available for both levels. As in thesummer, when each individual sets his own pace for a holiday, so alsoin winter, skiing can be as adventurous as the holidaymaker can want.There are a number of slopes, not serviced by ski lifts, of varyinglengths and gradients. Each of these is quieter than theimmensely popular ones with skilifts. Advanced skiers often trek in thesnow for several hours to the very top of Apharwat peak, to make adescent lasting no more than 30 minutes. And now, with the operation ofthe Gulmarg Gondola Cable Car, it has become all the more convenientfor skiing enthusiasts, as they can gain a ski run of nearly 3 kms withthe help of this cable car which goes up to Kongdori.