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Freeride skiing on Gulmarg's high-alpine powder slopes

Kashmir Ski School · Skiing course

Basic + Intermediate + Advanced Ski Course ( 10 Days )

From total beginner to Gondola Phase 2 powder descents at 3,800 meters

Learn the basics of skiing, ride high-alpine chairlifts, and tackle long mountain runs on Kashmir's world-renowned slopes with expert local guides.

Duration
10 days (9 days of structured coaching + 1 free skiing departure day)
Skill level
Beginner to advanced
Training grounds
Base nursery slopes, Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori), Mary's Shoulder Chairlift, and Gondola Phase 2 (Apharwat Peak)
Maximum altitude
3,800 meters (Gondola Phase 2)
Inclusions
Certified mountain instructor, complete equipment and outerwear setup, daily hotel transfers, video coaching, airport logistics, and photos/videos

The offer

What our 10-day advanced course offers

Our flagship 10-day ski course offers the ultimate experience for anyone looking to go from simply moving around the mountain to a confident all-mountain skier. It's perfect for both beginners and early-stage skiers who want to enhance their skills and ski with expertise.

The course follows a progressive structure, taking you from gentle nursery slopes up to high-alpine terrain, including Gondola Phase 1 (3,050m), the Mary's Shoulder chairlift, and, weather permitting, the spectacular summit of Gondola Phase 2 (3,800m). Our experienced local mountain guides help you build all the technical skiing skills. Your course runs in small groups, with personalised coaching and daily video reviews to make sure you build the right ability and control to ski safely and confidently on slopes around the world.

Why train with us

Why choose Kashmir Ski School?

  • Ski on high-alpine routes

    Get ample time to gradually go from making basic snowplow turns to parallel skiing at high altitudes and in ungroomed deep snow.

  • Get all your ski gear included

    We provide custom-fitted carving skis, boots, poles, certified safety helmets, anti-fog goggles, and fully waterproof technical clothing (jackets, trousers, and gloves), saving you the hassle of hauling your own gear.

  • Ski down Gulmarg's Gondola Phase 2

    Skiers who reach the required technical level get custom powder skis and the opportunity to do high-alpine off-piste runs down 3,800 meters.

  • Make safety a priority

    Our instructors are local mountain guides trained in alpine first aid and high-mountain safety; in an emergency, they coordinate closely with the official Gulmarg Ski Patrol.

  • Enjoy local hospitality and winter culture

    From airport transfers and daily shuttles between the hotel and the slopes to cozy post-ski tea sessions, evening campfires, and video analysis, we handle everything off the slopes so you can focus entirely on your skiing.

Skills

What you'll learn in this course

  • Gear control and stance

    Choosing and adjusting your ski gear, learning how to use bindings, and maintaining a relaxed, athletic stance.

  • Speed control and stopping

    Using snowplow wedge techniques to control speed and stop on different gradients.

  • Fluid parallel turning

    Linking turn shapes, shifting weight, and transitioning from snowplow to parallel turns.

  • High-alpine navigation

    Skiing 4 km of groomed mountain runs from Gondola Phase 1 (3,050m).

  • Off-Piste and moguls

    Reading terrain variations, absorbing bumps (moguls), and adapting your stance for un-groomed natural snow.

  • Deep powder skiing

    Using wider powder skis, managing weight distribution, and maintaining rhythm in natural deep snow.

Day by day

Your course overview

Training runs daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, followed by hotel transfers and evening social sessions.

  1. Day 1

    Arrival, custom fitting, and skiing basics

    Equipment setup, safety briefing, and flat ground balance (no lifts today so you can safely build balance at your own pace).

    Upon arrival in Gulmarg (or landing at Srinagar Airport), our private driver transfers you to our dedicated equipment centre. Our ski technicians custom-fit your setup based on your height, weight, boot size, and physical ability.

    Following your fitting, join our instructors for a 2-hour orientation covering gear mechanics, alpine safety guidelines, and mountain etiquette. In the afternoon, head to the nursery slope for your first practice on snow — walking in boots, balancing on skis, and taking your first glides before returning to your hotel.

    • Carving skis, ski boots, and poles
    • Certified safety helmet and anti-fog goggles
    • Waterproof ski jacket, ski pants, and insulated gloves
  2. Day 2

    Gliding, speed control, and surface lift intro

    First glides, gentle stopping, and surface lift introduction (lifts are introduced during the second half of the day).

    Around 9:45 AM, our drive will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the base slopes. You'll then meet your dedicated instructor and begin on-snow training.

    Today's session focuses on building core balance and basic speed regulation through targeted exercises.

    Your instructor provides step-by-step instructions and feedback to keep your progress safe, smooth, and encouraging.

    • Maintaining a centred, athletic posture
    • Gliding smoothly down gentle incline slopes
    • Learning the snowplow wedge for controlled speed reduction and safe stops
    • Making your first gentle left and right turns with balance
    • Using surface lifts during the afternoon session to access longer beginner slopes
  3. Day 3

    Snowplow turns and steeper slope control

    Morning lessons focus on refining turn shape and edge control, with a brief review of Day 2 concepts followed by advanced snowplow drills.

    In the afternoon, practice these skills on slightly faster terrain to build stability, rhythm, and confidence. By the end of Day 3, you'll be making smooth, continuous turns across beginner slopes with total control.

    • Making long, flowing snowplow turns on moderate beginner slopes
    • Fine-tuning posture, weight transfer, and ski edging through each turn
    • Regulating speed naturally through turn shape rather than abrupt braking
  4. Day 4

    Steeper slopes and parallel turn transitions

    Advance to longer and steeper beginner slopes to apply your skills on more challenging gradients.

    By the end of Day 4, you'll feel comfortable navigating steeper beginner slopes and begin making the natural transition from snowplow to parallel turns.

    • Morning: Practice short, precise snowplow turns while focusing on rapid weight transfer and body position on steeper gradients. Learn to adapt your technique to changing snow conditions.
    • Afternoon: Begin parallel skiing drills, bringing your skis closer together at the end of each turn to build rhythm and fluid edge transitions.
  5. Day 5

    Gondola Phase 1 debut (3,050m) – the 4km alpine descent

    Graduate to high-alpine terrain on Gulmarg's famous 4 km groomed mountain run at Gondola Phase 1 (Kongdoori). Accompanied by a senior instructor, you'll ride the Gondola up to 3,050 meters and ski down longer, steeper, and more varied slopes.

    Complete 3 to 5 full descents during the day (depending on weather and lift operations), and learn the skills and confidence to handle real high-mountain slopes.

    • Linking parallel turns on open alpine slopes
    • Managing speed and rhythm over an extended 4 km descent
    • Correcting posture and weight shifts on varying gradients
    • Line selection and mountain awareness on alpine terrain
  6. Day 6

    Phase 1 endurance and perfecting parallel turns

    Spend the day perfecting your parallel technique on Gondola Phase 1. Day 6 builds physical stamina, consistency, and precision across extended runs.

    By the end of Day 6, long alpine descents with smooth parallel turns will feel natural and relaxed.

    • Making continuous parallel turns over long distances
    • Building leg endurance over multiple high-altitude descents (covering around 24 km total)
    • Refining turn shape, rhythm, and edge engagement on steeper slopes
    • Developing efficient movement to minimise muscle fatigue
  7. Day 7

    Mary's Shoulder chairlift and Off-Piste intro

    Take your skiing to the next level by moving from groomed runs to chairlift-accessed natural terrain.

    This area features steeper terrain, un-groomed snow, and natural terrain features. Under expert guidance, you'll learn how to handle real mountain conditions beyond the main pistes.

    • 10:00 AM: Meet at the Gondola base station and ascend directly to the Mary's Shoulder Chairlift.
    • Navigating chairlift loading and unloading safely
    • Advanced parallel turn adjustments for steeper gradients
    • Absorbing natural bumps and terrain changes (moguls)
    • Introduction to off-piste body positioning and un-groomed snow tactics
  8. Day 8

    Chairlift, moguls, and media session

    Spend day 8 refining your technique on chairlift terrain while tackling more varied snow conditions.

    Throughout the day, our team will capture high-resolution photos and video clips of your runs, giving you professional footage of your achievements to take home.

    • Fine-tuning balance and flow through natural bumps and uneven snow
    • Controlling speed on steeper, un-groomed terrain
    • Building total independence on advanced slopes
  9. Day 9

    Powder skis and Gondola Phase 2 summit (3,800m)

    Subject to individual ability, weather, and safety conditions

    This is the pinnacle of your 10-day ski adventure in Gulmarg.

    • Morning: Exchange your carving skis for wide powder skis designed for better performance. Get specialised instruction on off-piste powder techniques, balance, and floating through natural snow.
    • Afternoon: If weather, snow safety, and your technical evaluation allow, ascend Gondola Phase 2 to 3,800 meters for an unforgettable high-altitude descent surrounded by the highest peaks of the Himalayas.
    • Deep-snow powder skiing stance and weight distribution
    • Off-piste route selection and mountain hazard awareness
    • High-altitude ski control from 3,800 meters
  10. Day 10

    Free skiing day and departure transfers

    Enjoy a final day on the slopes at your own pace before heading home.

    • Morning: Check out of your hotel and head to your favourite slopes for independent free skiing using all provided equipment.
    • Media and wrap-up: Collect your full photo and video package captured throughout the week.
    • Late afternoon: Return your equipment. We drive you back to Srinagar or directly to Srinagar International Airport for your onward journey.

Before you arrive

How to physically prepare

  • Skiing engages core muscles, quadriceps, and joint stabilisers for 10 consecutive days and requires good physical preparation. We recommend starting light leg exercises (squats, lunges, wall sits), core work, and light cardiovascular conditioning 2 to 3 weeks before arrival to build stamina and prevent muscle fatigue on the slopes.

Off the slopes

Gulmarg mountain culture and off-slope life

  • Evening bonfires

    Relax around outdoor fires with fellow skiers and instructors.

  • Kashmiri hospitality

    Enjoy warm local tea (Kahwa) sessions and social gatherings.

  • Video coaching nights

    Review footage from your day's runs in cosy evening settings to prepare for the next morning on the snow.

FAQs

Want to know more about this experience?

Yes. All our instructors are native mountain guides certified in alpine first aid and basic life support. They carry essential high-altitude first-aid kits on the slopes at all times and maintain direct communication with the official Gulmarg Ski Patrol and Rescue Team.

Reserve your spot

Ready for the ultimate in skiing?

Spaces are strictly limited each week to ensure small group sizes and personalised high-altitude coaching on the mountain. We take care of everything you need, from custom gear fittings to airport transfers. Have questions about the progression or logistics? Chat with our ski experts.