Overview
Gulmarg, located in the region of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the premier skiing destinations in India, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and world-class skiing conditions. During the winter months, from December to February, Gulmarg transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting tourists from around the world for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow activities.
HTT Adventures 7-day ski program can be a great way to Learn, improve your skiing skills, enjoy the slopes, and explore different aspects of skiing, from technique to terrain.
Our 7-day skiing course is one of the most popular options for beginners looking to experience the thrill of skiing. It’s designed to provide ample time to learn the essential skills while also allowing participants to enjoy the stunning views and unique charm of Gulmarg.
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from the course:
The first day of this ski course will start from the arrival day when you reach Gulmarg. Our representative will meet you at the airport and drive you to the picturesque Gulmarg resort. This scenic journey offers a taste of the natural beauty that awaits you. Gulmarg offers a truly magical, otherworldly experience with its breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a ski course. Upon arrival, you’ll be taken to a cozy cottage in Gulmarg, conveniently located near the ski slopes. After a refreshing evening, your instructor will host a welcoming session, introducing you to the course and providing important safety guidelines. You’ll also receive a detailed outline of the course inclusions, ensuring you know exactly what to expect during your stay. Once the formalities are over, you’ll have time to explore Gulmarg’s famous locations and soak in its picturesque charm. The next five days will focus entirely on learning and practicing skiing. Your instructor will teach you all the essential techniques, ensuring that by the end of the course, you’ll feel confident and safe skiing on basic slopes anywhere in the world.
The morning sessions will begin with familiarizing you with the ski equipment, such as how to properly wear and tie your ski boots and how to adjust your skis. You’ll then learn key skiing skills, starting with balancing on the skis — a vital technique. The lessons will progress to mastering how to glide down the slopes, come to a safe stop, and turn effectively from left to right. You’ll also practice handling bumps and mounds on the slopes, and the instructor will guide you through how to safely rise after a fall and the best techniques for falling without injury.
By the end of the course, you’ll have built a solid foundation in skiing, feeling capable and confident on the slopes, all while enjoying the stunning winter beauty of Gulmarg.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Srinagar to Gulmarg
- Morning:
- Arrive in Srinagar, and travel by car to Gulmarg (about 1.5–2 hours).
- Check-in at your accommodation in Gulmarg, get settled, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
- Afternoon:
- Relax and acclimatize to the altitude and environment.
- Explore the resort area, perhaps take a short walk or relax in the surroundings.
- Evening:
- Welcome Dinner & Orientation: Meet the instructors and fellow participants. Overview of the week’s program, safety guidelines, and the basics of skiing.
Day 2: Introduction to Skiing
- Morning:
- Ski Fitting: Get fitted with the correct gear (skis, boots, poles, and helmet).
- Brief Introduction to Skiing: Overview of skiing techniques, ski safety, and ski etiquette.
- Afternoon:
- Side Stepping: Learn basic movements to get comfortable with your skis on flat terrain.
- Controlled Fall: Practice how to fall safely, get up, and regain balance.
- Evening:
- Relax and enjoy the evening. Socialize with fellow skiers and instructors.
Day 3: Snow Plough and Basic Turns
- Morning:
- Snow Plough (Pizza Technique): Learn this basic technique to control speed and stop. Focus on forming a “V” shape with your skis to help manage balance and speed.
- Practice on a gentle slope.
- Afternoon:
- Snow Plough Turns: Learn how to turn while in the snow plough position. Begin practicing at the Baby Slope (designed for beginners).
- Focus on balance, coordination, and controlling turns while keeping skis in the snow plough shape.
- Evening:
- Après-ski activities like a warm drink or a casual dinner to reflect on your first day on the slopes.
Day 4: Skiing with Confidence – Stem Turns & Parallel Skiing
- Morning:
- Stem Turns: Learn how to make turns with the skis in a “V” shape, which is the next step toward parallel skiing.
- Begin practicing stem turns to control speed and direction.
- Afternoon:
- Parallel Skiing Introduction: Start working on getting both skis parallel while skiing, an essential skill for more advanced skiing.
- Practice on gentle slopes, building confidence in turning and controlling speed.
- Evening:
- Reflect on the day’s progress. Free time to relax and unwind in Gulmarg.
Day 5: Refining Stem Turns & Parallel Skiing
- Morning:
- Continue practicing Stem Turns and focus on increasing your control and precision while turning.
- Parallel Skiing: Further practice skiing with skis parallel, focusing on smooth turns and rhythm.
- Afternoon:
- Ski on moderate slopes to test and refine the techniques of stem turns and parallel skiing.
- Instructors will provide personalized feedback to help fine-tune your skills.
- Evening:
- Dinner with fellow skiers, discussing the day’s progress and preparing for the next day.
Day 6: Practicing What You’ve Learned
- Morning:
- Practice Session: A full day dedicated to practicing everything you’ve learned so far (snow plough, stem turns, and parallel skiing).
- Ski with more confidence, focusing on improving techniques and making smoother, more controlled turns.
- Afternoon:
- Practice on various slopes and terrains, applying your skills in different conditions.
- Instructors will be available for individual coaching, helping you to identify areas that need improvement.
- Evening:
- Reflect on your learning and relax with a casual dinner or après-ski activities.
Day 7: Skiing Course Assessment, Competition, Certification, and Medal Distribution
- Morning:
- Skiing Course Assessment: A final evaluation to assess your overall skiing skills, including snow plough, stem turns, and parallel skiing.
- Friendly Competition: Participate in a fun, low-pressure competition, such as slalom or timed runs, to test your skiing abilities.
- Afternoon:
- Certification and Medal Distribution: After the assessment, receive your course certificate and a medal recognizing your achievement.
- Enjoy a celebratory farewell session with your instructors and fellow skiers.
- Evening:
- Return to Srinagar for departure or further travel. If you have time, enjoy one last scenic view of Gulmarg before leaving.
Additional Notes:
- Safety: Always wear your helmet and gear. Skiing can be physically demanding, so listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
- Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the day to avoid fatigue at higher altitudes.
- Weather: Check the forecast regularly. Dress in layers for comfort and protection against the cold and wind.
By the end of this 7-day program, you’ll have gained valuable skiing skills and built the confidence to continue progressing in your skiing journey!
Included:
- Accommodation:
- 6 nights of accommodation at a resort or hotel in Gulmarg/ Double / Tripple Sharing.
- Training:
- 5 full days of ski training from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Food:
- Breakfast and Dinner provided daily at your accommodation.
- Ski Instructors:
- Qualified and certified ski instructors.
- Instructor-to-Student Ratio: 1 instructor for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 skiers.
- Ski Equipment:
- Ski Shoes, Ski Poles, and Ski Pair (skis) are provided for the duration of your program.
- Insurance:
- Basic ski insurance coverage for safety during your lessons (make sure to check the specifics of coverage with HTT Adventures).
