Learn to Ski in Gulmarg, Kashmir: A Beginner's Guide
You do not need to live near the Alps to learn to ski. Gulmarg, in Kashmir, is one of India's best-known ski areas, and a week there is a great way to start.
By the WanderLOOPS teamOct 4, 2026 | 3 min read
Skiing in India sounds like a joke until you picture it: a gondola climbing through cloud, snow squeaking under your boots, Himalayan peaks stacked up in every direction. And then yourself, five minutes into your first lesson, flat on your back and laughing.
That is Gulmarg. It is a real ski area, it is surprisingly beginner-friendly with a good instructor, and a week is plenty to go from "never been on snow" to "I did that".
Yes, you can learn to ski or snowboard in Gulmarg. The season usually runs from about December to March, the resort sits at around 2,650 metres, and a week with lessons is a good way to start. Dress in layers, take the first day easy for the altitude, and expect to fall over a lot.
Why Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a ski area high in the Kashmir Himalayas, with a gondola cable car that takes you up the mountain. It is one of the best-known places to ski and snowboard in India, and it is easy to combine with a few days in Srinagar, so you get lake and mountains in one trip.
When to go
The season usually runs from about December to March, depending on snowfall. Our Kashmir Snow Week sits in the middle of February, which is typically the heart of the season, with snow cover at its best.
Skis or snowboard?
Honest answer: skiing is usually easier on day one, while snowboarding is harder to start and often more rewarding later. Neither is wrong. Pick whichever you are more excited about. On our Loop you can choose either, and the lessons are included.
Falling is part of learning, and snow is a forgiving place to do it. Everyone on a first-week lesson spends a good chunk of it sitting down. Laughing about it makes you improve faster.
What a first week actually looks like
- Arrive in Srinagar. Settle in, then have dinner together.
- Dal Lake, then the drive up. A morning shikara ride, then up to Gulmarg for a gear fitting.
- First day on snow. Lessons with an instructor.
- A second day of lessons. Build on what you learned, then a slow evening by the fire.
- Up the gondola. Himalayan views, one more session, then a group dinner.
- Goodbyes. Breakfast and the drive back to Srinagar.
Altitude and cold
Take the first day gently, drink more water than you think you need and listen to your body. Gulmarg is properly cold, with days below freezing, so layers are your friend.
A simple packing list:
- Thermal base layers and a warm mid layer.
- A waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Waterproof gloves, a hat and a neck warmer.
- Sunglasses or goggles, and sunscreen. Snow glare is strong.
We send a complete packing list when you book.
The details
Here is how we do it, if you would like someone else to handle lessons, stays and transfers.
Flights to Srinagar are not included. You choose skis or a snowboard, and you tell us your level in the application so we can match you with the right lesson.
Questions
Can complete beginners join?
Lessons are part of the trip, so you can learn as you go. Tell us your level in the application.
How cold does it get in Gulmarg?
Very cold in winter, with days below freezing. We send a packing list when you book.
Is the gondola ride included?
Yes. A Gulmarg gondola ride is part of the Loop.
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