Learn to Ski in Gulmarg: Beginner Lessons, IISM Courses and Costs
Never skied? Gulmarg has gentle nursery slopes, private instructors and government courses. How to choose a lesson, what it costs, what to rent and what to expect.
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Quick answerBeginners can learn in Gulmarg with private instructors booked locally (by the hour or day) or on a longer course at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM). IISM's admission page has listed snow skiing courses at ₹10,000 (up to age 25) and ₹20,000 (above 25) including board, lodging and equipment, but fees are set each season. The best months are January to early March.
Gulmarg is where many Indians clip into skis for the first time, usually followed by a slow-motion sit-down in the snow and a lot of laughter. With a good instructor and gentle slopes, most beginners are sliding and turning within a couple of days.
Your options
| Option | Good for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private instructor | Tourists with 1–3 days | Booked locally; agree rate, duration and gear first |
| IISM course | Learners with about 2 weeks | Government institute; fees set each season; book early |
| Private multi-day courses | Learners with 5–7 days | Offered by adventure operators; compare carefully |
About IISM
- The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, under the Ministry of Tourism, runs skiing and snowboarding courses in Gulmarg.
- In the 2025–26 season it ran 14-day skiing and snowboarding courses.
- Its admission page has listed snow skiing fees of ₹10,000 for applicants up to 25 and ₹20,000 above 25, including board, lodging and equipment; it says exact fees are set each season.
- Check iismgulmarg.in for the current schedule and fees.
Gear and what to wear
- Skis, boots, poles and helmets are rented from ski shops in Gulmarg.
- Wear waterproof trousers, a warm jacket, gloves, goggles or sunglasses. See what to wear.
- Always wear a helmet.
Your first day
- Fitting boots and skis (the most uncomfortable part, promise).
- Walking and gliding on flat snow.
- The snowplough to slow down and stop.
- Gentle turns on the nursery slope.
Safety
Stay on beginner slopes until your instructor says otherwise, and never go off-piste without a guide. See winter safety tips.
Book your ski days
We can arrange an instructor, rentals and a Gulmarg stay close to the slopes. Ask through Get My Travel Plan, or see Gulmarg in winter.
Plan the rest of your Kashmir trip
- Skiing in Gulmarg: Powder that brings skiers from around the world, and gentle slopes for complete beginners.
- Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg: Gulmarg hosts the snow events of the Khelo India Winter Games: alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering and snowboarding.
- Where to Stay in Gulmarg in Winter: Choosing a Gulmarg stay for snow season: on the meadow or in Tangmarg, what heating to ask about, ski-in convenience, budgets and booking for Christmas and ski weekends.
- Adventure Activities in Kashmir: Skiing, snowmobiles, sledging, trout fishing, golf, pony rides, kayaking and bird watching, plus an honest note on rafting and trekking this year.
Frequently asked questions
Can beginners ski in Gulmarg?
Yes. Gulmarg has gentle beginner slopes and local instructors, and IISM runs longer courses.
How much does a ski course in Gulmarg cost?
IISM has listed ₹10,000 (up to 25) and ₹20,000 (above 25) per course including board and gear, but fees change each season. Private lesson rates are agreed locally.
When is the ski season in Gulmarg?
Roughly January to early March, depending on snowfall.
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