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 This winter be adventurous and original. Come skiing in Gulmarg! If you think that it looks too difficult or will prove exorbitantly expensive, you are wrong! Gulmarg in the winter is the cheapest resort in the whole world to ski. And if you have visited there in summer, you will remember the gentle slopes within the resort itself. These rolling grassy banks cover themselves with snow in the winter, making it the perfect ski resort in which to learn.
The most enjoyable aspect of skiing in Gulmarg is the friendly atmosphere. It is like one big family where everybody gets to know everyone else, adding to the fun and frolic. And because the slopes are so well graded, skiiers of the same level of competence keep together, so you need never feel embarrassed by your mistakes.
The ski club of India was established in Gulmarg in 1927. The Indian ski team won eight diplomas in the first ever Asian Winter Sports held in March, 1986, at Sapporo, Japan. Six of the winners are from Gulmarg – the ski paradise of India. People think of mountains only in summers, reflecting on their cool shade and lovely breezes. The meadow of flowers, Gulmarg is about 50 km from Srinagar, situated at an altitude of 2,730m. it turns to a meadow of romance in winter, a small ski resort where everyone knows everyone else. There are comfortable hotels and huts to stay in it is the only ski resort in the mighty Himalayas where you can ski with a magnificent view of the Karakorams. Gulmarg provides an altitude difference of over 1,500m with lenghts of more than 10 km. But presently only a ski – mountaineer reach these higher slopes. Four ski-lifts and a chairlift are available but these are suitable for begineers only. Gulmarg is also the cheapest ski resort in the world to learn skiing. A day' cost including equipment hire, lifts and instruction does not exceeds more than $10. The latest Austrian and French equipment is available on hire. There is a ski school known as the Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, which conducts 10 day or 21 day short ski courses for beginners and advanced skiers. The all inclusive courses cost $ 70 to $ 140 per person. The season is mid – December to mid – April and the road is kept open to Gulmarg throughout the winter with the help of powerful German machines. Apart from downhill skiing, one can also enjoy cross-country runs. Excursions to the shrine of Baba Reshi through the 'powder chute' is an experience to treasure. One has not started yet with heliskiing but there are tremendous possibilities for the sport here.
Gulmarg is not only the place to challenge your courage. Ski tours from Pahalgam to Sonamarg through high mountains passes are not only arduous but also exciting
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