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Skiing is one of the most favored winter sport in
Jammu and Kashmir along with Heli-skiing, Ice-skating and
Ice-hockey. Skiing has gained popularity in Jammu and Kashmir due to
the vast range of snow-clad mountain tops. A very popular
destination, Jammu and Kashmir, offers very good skiing experiences
along with the views of natural beauty. The skiing starts in the
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December. Gulmarg and Khilanmarg are the hot
spots for skiing. Gulmarg is a perfect place for the beginners,
while it also provides ample opportunities to the experts as well.
Patnitop is also an ideal location for the skiing-lovers. Madha Top,
situated 5 Km from Patnitop is perfect for all levels of skiing.
Skiing Cautions
Skiing technique is very difficult to master and accordingly there
are ski schools that teach everything from the basics of turning and
stopping safely to more advanced carving and mogul techniques.
Skiing in Jammu Kashmir best for travellers. All
skiers must take care to know the limits of their abilities, as the
speed and technical difficulty associated with the sport can often
lead to crashes or collisions and serious injury. Courses are
conducted at several skiing sites on skiing during the months of
January and February.
Best Time for Skiing
The best time for skiing in Jammu Kashmir is during winters,
i.e. December to March, when the ice is hard and intact.
Major Sites for Skiing
Gulmarg
Skiing in
Gulmarg is perfect for the beginners. The slopes are not deep and
can be enjoyed by the first-timers. A premier skiing resort, the
Gulmarg skiing club was established in 1927. Currently the Gulmarg
resort is considered to be the best in Himalayas. Skiing races are
also organised during the festivals like Christmas and Easter. There
is a ski-lift which helps one to go up. The longest ski run in
Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run
of 2,213 m.
Patnitop
At Patnitop, ski courses are conducted in the months of January and
February. For the tourists, introductory courses are also conducted
during winters. Patnitop skiing site is also very ideal for the
beginners and learners.
Madha Top
Situated 5 kms. from Patnitop is the Madha top. This place has
excellent offerings for all levels of skiing. Plans are under way to
offer all kinds of skiing options to the professionals.
Equipment Required for Skiing
Cold-weather clothing, skis, ski boots, helmets, ski poles, etc are
some of the many equipment needed for skiing. The equipment are
provided by the Skiing clubs and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism
Development Corporation (Jammu and Kashmir TDC). One can visit the
office of Jammu and Kashmir TDC for skiing in Jammu Kashmir and hire the equipment. The trainers
in skiing club also provide with the equipment.
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