Quite simply Gulmarg offers a ridiculous amount of terrain. The ever present massif that is Mt Affarwat has gladed ridges, awesome powder bowls and tight rocky faces that put you right back at the gondola mid-station.

Go a little further south and you drop into the Drung drainage and ride one of the world’s longest powder lines. Over the summit towards the northern end, even more steeps, birch wood trees and creative freedom make up lines galore. Most of which you ride all the way back to the first stage of the gondola, meaning you’re riding 1800m of vertical!

The backside of Mt. Affarrwat and the Northern tip require some touring gear to get back out. Don’t worry though the ride vs effort is heavily weighted in favour of the shred.

The Gulmarg Gondola creates the most unique resort on the planet and is the main attraction, spanning a distance of 5.2km and gains 1300m in vertical height. It gives you the access to Mt. Affarwat and the enormous backcountry opportunities surrounding the "resort".

Constructed in two stages, the french designed cable car was completed in 2005. Phase one rises from Gulmarg, through the forest to Kongdoori, the mid-station plateau, at a height of 2950m. From there, you board the second phase and depart for the high alpine bowls which Gulmarg is famous for.

The ride from the village to the Gondola top station, combined, takes approximately 25 minutes. Once arriving at the top station, numerous options are available. The hardest choice is which line to choose!

PLAN B? Take the Chair!

In the third phase of the Gulmarg Gondola project, a chairlift was installed in 2011.

When the gondola isn’t playing the game the chairlift comes in handy, a great place to start if new to powder or another option when mother nature is in full effect.

The chairlift connects Kongdori Station to Mary Shoulder (at 3600m), a third of the way up the second phase.