The terrain from the mid station (3100m) to the village (2700m) is relatively tame and advanced riders will not find much to write home about (apart from a few pillows, stumps & logs), Gulmarg truly shines in the 1000m vertical between Apherwat and mid station where there is zero grooming and a wonderful gradient. Thanks to lots of hard work and dedication by certain people Gulmarg has a ski patrol that prepares and patrols the main valley beneath the gondola. As you would expect this valley gets tracked out almost immediately and skiers disperse in all directions from the top of the gondola chasing lines.
There will be no shortage of signs as you enter the gondola warning that ski patrol has no obligation what so ever to come to your assistance should you be involved in an incident outside the patrolled area, all the more reason to travel with a trained guide and have relevant safety equipment. The internationally imported leaders of ski patrol are extremely professional, examining the snow pack daily and displaying all information as you enter the gondola. In addition, Brian Newman and other members of the Snow Safety Team conduct avalanche awareness classes free of charge one night per week. The classes are highly recommended by all, lets hope the team continues the solid work this season.
Tickets for the gondola are purchased prior to entering and are only valid for a single ride (unless purchasing a day pass). In 2009/10 the prices for the gondola were as follows:
Single Journey Day Pass
Base – Mid 150Rs Base – Mid 700Rs
Mid – Top 250Rs Mid – Top 1250Rs
For example, a single trip to the top station would cost 400Rs from Gulmarg Village (i.e. 150Rs + 250Rs = 400Rs). Many riders choose not to purchase day passes except on the best days as it is rare to complete five descents (Day pass for upper stage is 1250Rs meaning you would have to complete five or more runs to justify the cost).
In addition to the gondola access terrain there is also a variety of runs available by hiking or using a 4WD taxi. These runs are a perfect option when the gondola is being temperamental, visibility is bad, it’s dumping, the avalanche risk is too high or just for something different. The descents from Gulmarg to the villages of Babareshi, Tangmarg and Drung are through spectacular pine and birch forests and offer some phenomenal terrain, newcomers should travel with a trained guide to avoid getting lost and carry safety gear, tree wells are a real risk in this terrain. A 4WD taxi can be hired per day or per run and considering you can squeeze up to 8 or 9 people in each vehicle they can work out very economical. Your taxi will drop you at your chosen launch point and collect you at the bottom, make sure you understand exactly where you intend to meet your driver. Monkey Hill (located behind Hotel Hilltop) is a short, steep run that will take you around 30 mins to hike up and a fraction to descend.
For absolute beginners Gulmarg has two rope tows servicing a very small area. It’s busy with Indians enjoying their first snow experience and snowboarders are not allowed on the pomas! Just like the old days!
