Does Gulmarg have a ski patrol - what about Avalanche Risk?

The steep upper slopes of Mt Apharwat, as is the case in all winter resorts with challenging high alpine heavy terrain, has potential for avalanche hazard. All lodgings at Gulmarg are located in safe locations in the vicinity of Gulmarg's golf course, well away from the steeps of Mt Apharwat.

Gulmarg has for some years employed a "Search & Rescue" winter patrol. We have been informed by the resort authorities that an international standard and professionally resourced ski patrol and avalanche monitoring team will be in place for the inaugural 2005-2006 winter operation of Phase 2 of Gulmarg's gondola. It is expected that local personnel will travel overseas during the northern summer for international training in the technical aspects of patrol and rescue, plus avalanche monitoring and risk control, and that next winter, the local avalanche control and patrol teams will be managed by experienced overseas professionals. We will provide an update later this year.

Visibility issues mean that Stage Two of the gondola will not be open during heavy snowfalls. While the main ridgelines which descend Mt Apharwat are unlikely zones for avalanche risk, and could possibly be opened by the patrol shortly after a snow storm, it is probable, following heavy snowfalls, that a number of Mt Apharwat's higher faces and bowls will be closed for the best part of a day or more, to enable any risk of avalanche to abate (which would involve either the ski patrol "blasting away" danger areas, or simply allowing time for settling and consolidation of the snow pack).

In the event that snowfalls temporarily close Stage Two of the Gondola alternative riding options are available on the forested slopes under Phase One of the gondola.

Additional riding options are also available on the excellent all-weather forested slopes falling from Gulmarg through the trees to the Tangmarg Valley.