Thursday, December 12, 2013

Skiing In Kashmir Gulmarg Is For Skiing Enthusiasts

By Jeannie Chapman


Skiing in Kashmir Gulmarg Ski Resort will be an unforgettable experience for skiers. Here are the highest ski slopes in the world. This is not a posh luxury resort of the kind offered in developed countries. But, for adventure skiers, it is hard to beat.

This resort, named for the nearby village, is located in north India, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is positioned in a range of the lower Himalayas, the Pir Panjal mountains. The secluded village is set within a valley that fills with flowers during the summer. This bounty of blooms is referenced in its name, which means a meadow of flowers, in the local language. The resort is 35 miles from Srinagar, the capital city of the state. Under good weather, drive takes about an hour and half.

The season runs from December to March. Copious amounts of fresh snow fall at regular intervals. The fortunate location gets the heftiest snowfalls in this mountain range. The snow maintains its freshness for the duration. The cycle provides fresh batches of powder about seven days apart. About a meter falls during a 2 to 3 day period. Online, tour purveyors market a variety of package offerings. Heliskiing is also on offer at a more expensive price for the true aficionados. But, the experience they provide can be well worth the cost for the adventurous minded. This option is still less costly than deluxe resorts elsewhere.

The beginnings of this resort can be attributed to two British army officers who established a ski club in 1927. Yet, it has been relatively recently that this gem was discovered by a wider audience of ski fanatics. Articles in the New York, Times, CNN indicate its rising profile.

From novices to expert skiers, there is opportunity to enjoy this unique venue. The prepared slopes are more suitable for less experienced skiers. For more qualified, the section locals call the Gondola offers two and a half km of primed piste. The ski lift accessible runs on Mt. Apharwat at over four thousand meters provide slopes of up eighteen hundred meters. Heliskiing allows more off piste possibilities than the single lift permits. The heliski operators are competent and reliable.

The equipment may be rented at reasonable cost. But western travelers may want to bring their personal equipment. The standard available may not be acceptable to some people. The heliski operator rents suitable deep powder skis, but renters should wear their own footgear.

Maps are provided at the avalanche bulletin at the gondola. It is easy to leave the ski area boundary to go off piste into the wild terrain. This can be risky as the area can be avalanche prone. A nonprofit avalanche center publishes a daily bulletin and offers avalanche courses. Doctors and ski patrol personnel are on hand to provide first aid, if needed. The medical staff is also equipped with snow mobiles in case of medical emergencies.

The variety of choices available at the skiing in Kashmir Gulmarg resort expand its potential market. Recent research has indicated that the sport contributes to personal contentment. Even irregular skiers get a happiness boost. But, the greatest benefit comes to those who concentrate on their enjoyment. The terrain and environment of this region will certainly encourage that.




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