Mt Apharwat's winter climate is characterised by major storms and big snowfalls which last for days, followed by periods of beautiful blue weather. During the clear weather low overnight temperatures keep the snow dry and in great condition. These longer weather patterns predominate, as opposed to a climate of regular grey sky with a little snow each day. With only a small local snow-rider population and big snowfalls, there is always an abundance of un-tracked snow here. Therefore Gulmarg is one of those rare places where keen powder enthusiasts are more interested in blue sky weather, rather than the arrival of the next snowfall!
The wind conditions in Gulmarg are generally similar to the quiet and gentle weather of the southern USA Rockies, ideal for maximising the quality and depth of the settled snow pack, as well as your riding comfort in both good and bad weather conditions.
The prevailing directions of Gulmarg's winter storms tend to slightly favour the northerly orientated sub-faces of the ridges which wrinkle
Mt Apharwat's five kilometre face. These north to northeast facing slopes on Gulmarg's upper mountain provide a number of huge natural "snow traps" which can be relied on for excellent snow cover from December to late April.
Usually Snow begins early December , the lower altitudes of the Tangmarg valley below Gulmarg, there is minimal early season rain, and that the first winter snows fall on dry cold ground, assisting accumulation of the early season snow base.
What is the snow like?
The Snow quality in Gulmarg is comparable to the higher altitudes of resorts in France and western Switzerland. Gulmarg is located at a latitude of 34 degrees North and has a base altitude of 2,650 metres above sea level. Resorts with roughly comparable latitudes are Taos Ski Valley in the USA, and in the southern hemisphere, Portillo in Chile.
One feature of Gulmarg's snow that cannot be over emphasised is the low skier and snowboarder density: Gulmarg's local snowriding population is tiny relative to the size of its terrain, meaning a lot of 'untracked' areas for overseas visitors!
How much snow fell last winter?
Loads of snow but less compared to previous years , might be due to the global warming.
When is the best time to visit Gulmarg?
Recommend from mid January to mid February as the prime time to visit Gulmarg, especially for snowriders seeking a balance between a reliable snow base, combined with cold-powder snow conditions down to the lower reaches of the off-piste runs below Gulmarg in t he Tangmarg valley.
We have not yet visited Kashmir in early winter, but understand that Gulmarg is typically covered in snow by early December. However, early season travellers should keep in mind that November is statistically Kashmir's driest month of year, and that no snowmaking exists to counter any late arrival of the first winter snows.
What are the winter temperatures at Gulmarg?
The following temperatures based on 50 years of data for Srinagar (recorded at 1663 metres above sea level). Indicative temperatures are for Gulmarg’s gondola base station (2650 metres above sea level). |
