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Location:
Gulmarg, Kashmir Region, J&K
Heli-Skiing Base: Apherwat Peak
Facilities: T-Bars & Chair
Lifts, Toboggans, Sledges, Snow Cycles
Skiing Season: December To March
One of the major
attractions for adventure loving tourists is skiing in the Himalayas.
Gulmarg, the best ski resort in the Himalayas, was first established by
the British in 1927, when two British Army Officers, Maj. Metcarp and
Maj. Hadow had setup the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg.
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Skiing at
Gulmarg
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Skiing had become
very popular during the pre-independence years and Gulmarg used to host
two main events, one each during Christmas and Easter. In 1938-39 about
500 skiers are reported to have participated in the Christmas and Easter
ski races. Gulmarg's atmosphere can generally be identified with 1940's
and 50's European skiing—‘the Alps of good old days’. It has good
sunshine as well as good snow.
Gulmarg holds a
position as one of the highest lift-served ski resorts in the world.
This is due to setting-up of a Gandola Cable Car Lift from
Gulmarg to Apharwat top. Presently, only the first section of the
Gandola, from Gulmarg to Kongdori is operational, giving a
downhill ski run of about 3 kms. In addition, three ski lifts and one
chair lift also service the resort, which are suitable for beginners and
intermediate-level skiing, respectively.
The skiing season
in Gulmarg usually commences before Christmas (around middle of
December) and continues till middle of April. In January-February, 1998
the first National Winter Games of India were held at Gulmarg, for which
the facilities were enormously improved and upgraded. The resort
acquired two Kasse Bohrer snow beating machines used for
preparing skiing slopes, and five snowmobiles, which can be made
available for going up the mountain. Good quality equipment, including
skis, boots, sticks, gloves and goggles are available on hire on the
spot from the Government-run ski shop. There are also trained
instructors available for guiding the tourists. Gulmarg is ideally
suited for learning skiing, as it is probably the cheapest ski resort in
the world.
Some time back,
the famous French skier Sylvain Saudan, had started Heli-skiing in the
Himalayas for European skiers. He would take the skiers by helicopter on
top of Gulmarg mountain and other peaks in the area from where they
would ski down the immense Himalayan slopes. This programme has been
suspended for the time being.
The most
enjoyable aspect of a winter sojourn in Gulmarg is the friendly
atmosphere. It is like being in a family where everybody knows every one
else.
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