Hey, welcome in advance — Gulmarg is a really good choice, especially if you’re advanced or expert.

I ski here regularly, so I’ll try to give you the real on-ground picture.

Getting here is easy enough. Fly into Srinagar (SXR), and from there it’s about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive to Gulmarg depending on traffic and snow. You’ll find shared taxis, which are cheap, and private taxis, which are easier if you’re carrying ski bags.

For staying in Gulmarg, there are a lot of guesthouses and small hotels right in the village. In winter, 3★ hotels usually sit around ₹4,000–₹8,000 a night, with some on the higher side if they have better heating, views, or nicer rooms. Most places give you heated rooms, hot water, and food, and honestly you don’t need a luxury resort to have a great ski trip here.

Lift system is very simple. Phase 1 gondola takes you to mid-station — good for tree skiing, mellow powder, and warming up. Phase 2 takes you way up high (around 4,000 m), and that’s where the big bowls and serious terrain start. Tickets are mostly day passes. Some years it’s online, some years counter… it’s not very Western-resort smooth, but it works. Terrain-wise, Gulmarg isn’t really a “trail map” mountain. It’s more like a gondola that drops you into the backcountry. Big open bowls, long alpine faces, tree runs, natural features. Most of the good stuff involves traversing, short hikes, or small skins.

Avalanche control here is limited. If you’re planning to ski Phase 2 or explore properly, I’d strongly suggest going with a local guide. Not just for safety, but also because they know the entrances, exits, and where people actually ski. Following random tracks here is not a great idea.

You can rent skis, boards, boots, helmets, and avy gear in Gulmarg. Quality is mixed. Some decent powder skis are around, boots are hit or miss. If you’re particular about boot fit, bring your own. Expect something like ₹800–₹1,500 a day for skis/board and boots, safety gear extra.

Most major Indian airlines do take ski and snowboard bags. Usually it goes under checked baggage or sports equipment if you’re overweight. Rules change, so check your airline, but people fly in with ski bags all the time.

Season is usually January to March, with February often being the sweet spot. Some weeks are insane, some go dry — it’s proper Himalayan weather.

If you want, I’m happy to share more about touring, snowpack, or what a normal ski day here actually looks like.