Gulmarg Ski Course

Quick answer: Gulmarg is India’s best known ski resort, with a season from about mid-December to March. Lessons with a certified local instructor start at about Rs 2,500 per day through Happy Jacks, and most beginners take a 3 to 7 day course on the gentle slopes near the village and at Kongdoori. Skis, boots and poles are rented locally, so you do not need your own gear.

Learn to ski in Gulmarg, one of Asia's finest snow destinations, with a structured course run by certified local instructors. Sessions start on the gentle nursery slopes near the resort and progress to the Apharwat runs reached by the Gondola as your confidence grows. Multi day packages cover technique, balance and safe stopping, with equipment hire arranged for you. Suitable for complete beginners and improvers, courses run in small groups so you get real attention. All skiing is weather dependent and led by trained instructors.

Duration: multi-day, typically 3 to 7 days | Best time: January to March, peak snow season in Gulmarg | Price: Rs. 12,999 per person for a multi-day course

How does a ski course in Gulmarg work?

1. Day 1: fitting boots and skis, balance, walking and the snowplough on a gentle slope.
2. Days 2 to 3: turning and stopping with control, short runs, using the drag lift where it runs.
3. Days 4 to 7: linked turns, longer runs at Kongdoori, building confidence on varied snow.

Lessons are 3 to 4 hours a day with a break. Mornings have the best snow. Government-run courses are also offered by the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) in Gulmarg, which you book directly with them.

What does skiing in Gulmarg cost?

Plan for three costs: the instructor (from Rs 2,500 per day with us), gear rental (skis, boots, poles, and a jacket and trousers if needed, paid daily at the rental shop), and Gondola tickets for Kongdoori days. Stays in Gulmarg cost most in late December, January and February. Our Gulmarg skiing package cost guide gives a full budget.

Is Gulmarg good for beginners?

Yes, for the lower slopes. Apharwat (Gondola Phase 2) is mostly ungroomed, avalanche-prone off-piste terrain for strong skiers with a guide, not a learning area. Beginners stay on the gentle slopes near the village and at Kongdoori.

Safety in the snow

Ski only with an instructor or guide, wear a helmet, use sunscreen and sunglasses, and follow avalanche warnings issued by the administration. Off-piste skiing on Apharwat needs an experienced local guide and avalanche gear.

How to book with Happy Jacks

We book your instructor, help with rental, drive you to Gulmarg and can bundle stays into a ski package such as the Gulmarg Ski and Snow Adventure. Message us on WhatsApp (+91 94192 44962) with your dates and group size, and we confirm the plan and price in writing. Related: Gulmarg Ski and Snow Adventure, Gulmarg in winter, Gondola Phase 2.

Written and checked by the Happy Jacks Tours and Travels planning team in Srinagar, who run these trips, drive these roads and operate our own Pahalgam hotels and cab fleet. Package prices on this page are read live from our published rates. Updated 16 October 2026.