Ice Axe has partnered to offer an awe-inspiring powder and cultural experience for those who dare to ski off the beaten track in Gulmarg Kashmir. Perched at the very top of India, the beautiful village of Gulmarg sits on the rim of the Kashmir valley in the Pir Panjal range of the mighty Himalaya. With the installation of “The Worlds Highest Gondola” in 2005 and a skiable vertical of 2000 meters consisting of vast alpine bowls and awesome tree skiing, it has become one of the world’s must visit destinations for adventurous skiers and boarders.
Our highly qualified experienced guides structure each day around your specific needs. The choice is yours; ski the trees, explore the upper mountain, drop off the plateau to outlying villages, or partake in formal avalanche awareness and backcountry skills training. With a client to guide ratio of 4 to 2 (lead and tail guide) we are able to group together guests with a similar skill level, equipment choice and daily objectives.
Our focus is on finding and riding the best untracked snow possible using all the resources we have available to us. When the conditions are prime for the alpine bowls we cut laps straight off the top of the Gondola, while on other days we utilize taxis to return us to the village after skiing the trees below the Gulmarg plateau. We often put on skins or strap on snow shoes for a short hike to access or return from our favorite lines.
If / when your rest day arrives you can walk to the markets to shop for local handicrafts and soak up the atmosphere, or simply relax at the Highland Park Hotel and be entertained by the staff while you take in the views.
Kashmiri and western style banquets are served each night with great style and laughs in the hotel restaurant while we relive the day’s adventures.
No trip to Kashmir is complete without a stay on one of Dal Lake’s famous houseboats and a tour of the vibrant city of Srinagar. Finish your adventure with a city tour taking in the sights, sounds and smells, shop for rugs, pashminas and handicrafts, and end the day with a relaxing shikara cruise on Dal Lake.
The majestic views, amazing powder, and unique cultural experience make Gulmarg one of the greatest skiing and boarding destinations on earth.
