There are two kinds of people on vacation, and against better judgment, they almost always end up travelling together. There’s the horizontal one, there to relax, lounge and melt into luxury. And then there’s the adrenaline chaser, who unwinds by winding themselves up. But in Gulmarg, you don’t have to pick sides. Mornings can be spent learning how to ski or snowboard, and evenings are for slow dinners, spa sessions and doing absolutely nothing except admiring the view. It’s a rare destination where adventure and leisure co-exist.
Snowboarding and skiing, once considered niche, are having a moment. With sports like padel and pickleball exploding in popularity, people are constantly looking for the next thing to try. “Social media has played a big role in spreading awareness about winter sports in India, especially for Gen-Z,” says 23-year-old Dhrruv Dedhia, who visited Gulmarg for the first time earlier this year. “You feel like you need to learn a new sport, and something that’s only available in the winter feels even more special.”
For new skiers, there are instructors on hand every step of the way. “They’re incredibly supportive and it’s very structured,” adds Rishita Mehta, who travelled with Dedhia. “They teach you new techniques and help you understand all the things you see others doing until suddenly, you’re doing them too.” The learning curve is real, but that’s part of the thrill. Gulmarg offers multiple levels, from gentle bunny slopes for beginners to intermediate runs for those ready to push themselves, along with gondolas to take more experienced skiers to greater heights. In fact, the Gulmarg Gondola is the highest ski lift in the world, ascending to over 13,000 feet on Mt.Apharwa. “It’s challenging but fun, and really rewarding,” shares Pulkit Mehta, another first-timer on the slopes. “When you’re able to go down without overthinking, when it starts to feel natural, it’s such a good feeling.”
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
