Winter in Kashmir, India, starts in December and lasts till early March. The Pir Panjal range of the Himalayan mountains gets repeatedly coated with layers of fi ne talc snow. Seasoned skiers, who are in the know, are well aware of the fine powder that Kashmir’s mountains are famous for. It is the perfect escape for couples, who are looking for an exotic skiing experience.

Nestled within the folds of Kashmir, about 40km from the capital Srinagar, lies the tiny ski resort town of Gulmarg. It is 2,690m above sea level, and about a 90- minute drive from the Jammu state’s domestic airport. As you leave the valley Gulmarg, Kashmir behind and progress up the winding road, the amazing scenery gradually changes from rice fi elds to roads lined with pretty snow-capped pine trees.

Powder everywhere
There are slopes for all levels of skiers here in India’s premier skiing resort, including groomed and gentle beginner’s slopes with a T-bar ski lift. The Gulmarg Gondola, which is the world’s highest ski lift, gives skiers access to some of the highest, longest and untouched runs in the world. At the very top (4,200m), the high altitude not only causes you to be short ofbreath, but the panoramic Himalayan views also take it away.

Ski virgins can take ski or snowboarding lessons, but if you’re in for some good, clean fun, wooden toboggans are available for sliding down slopes. Or just revel in the snow with friendly snowball fi ghts, snowmobile rides or make snow angels. And with numerous resorts on Gulmarg, there’s one for every budget, from luxurious accommodation to the more basic for the backpackers at heart.