Skiing Kashmir: Adrenalin-filled Adventures In Sub-zero Temperatures
The Gulmarg Resort is home to the world"s highest gondola, which reaches the jaw-dropping height of 4200m above sea level. The incredible terrain and deep powder in some of the best in the world and skiers and snowboarders arrive from all over the world to ski in Kashmir and experience the Himalayan mountain range that surrounds the resort. Riders are virtually guaranteed expanses of untouched powder in a crowd-free resort, as the mainstream ski community hasn"t quite yet caught onto how incredible Gulmarg is. Skiing in Kashmir means escaping the masses for some of the most unique skiing you will ever experience.
Although Gulmarg is well-known as a mecca for the advanced and professional skiing and snowboarding community of the world, you definitely don"t have to be an expert skier to ski in Kashmir. Beginners can learn safely in a structured learning area that has a network of five beginner ski lifts. For Intermediate riders, skiing in Kashmir is a great introduction to off-piste riding, as the terrain on the chair lift and the lower parts of the gondola are a relatively mellow way to get started.
In term of health, those who visit or ski in Kashmir rarely experience altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is determined by the height at which you spend most of your time, which would be your hotel in Gulmarg. Gulmarg hotels are situated at around 2500m above sea level, and this is a perfectly safe altitude at which human beings do not experience any discernible or significant side effects. In fact, the relatively high altitude of Gulmarg is actually a bonus because the dry, cool climate and low population is not conducive to illnesses or infectious diseases. However, for those who are particularly susceptible such as elderly or weak visitors, any concerns can be alleviated simply by following sensible health rules such as avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water and getting sufficient sleep.
Whether you are a beginner, an expert, a well-travelled international skier or an Indian who is keen to jump on some skis for the first time, skiing in Kashmir will be one of the most exciting adventures you will ever experience.