Gulmarg in Winter: Skiing, Gondolas and Serious Cold
31 July 2026 · TravelJar
Gulmarg turns into a genuine ski destination in winter, with one of the highest cable cars in the world serving terrain that experienced skiers travel a long way for.
It also works for people who have never seen snow, which is most of who visits.
The gondola
The cable car runs in two stages. The first reaches a broad snowfield where beginners learn, sledges run and most visitors spend their day. The second climbs considerably higher into serious mountain terrain.
The upper stage is weather-dependent and closes when conditions demand. That is a safety decision, not an inconvenience, and it is worth having a flexible plan.
- Stage one — beginners, sledging, snow play
- Stage two — high alpine, experienced skiers, weather-dependent
- Book gondola tickets in advance in peak season
Dress properly
This is where visitors most often come unstuck. Gulmarg in winter is severely cold, and jeans and a jacket are not adequate at the top of a gondola.
Warm layers, waterproof outer clothing, gloves and proper footwear are the minimum. Gear can be hired locally, which is the sensible option rather than buying for one trip.