2006-2007 winter operations at Gulmarg

The Himalaya’s only resort with international scale ski-lift infrastructure, Gulmarg in Kashmir, has announced snow safety and grooming plans for its 2nd winter of full operation. According to Farooq Shah the Director of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism. “International experts from the USA, with experience in high altitude snowpacks similar to Gulmarg, will monitor safety over the 2006-2007 winter”

Seven (7) international Ski Patrol and Snow Grooming experts will lead mountain operations over the peak winter period from 20 December 2006 to 20 March 2007. The team of international experts has been assembled by Peter Robinson, an Australian who is assisting the resort in an honorary capacity. Says Robinson:

“Gulmarg already has a mountain and lift-accessed ski and snowboarding terrain equal to anywhere. In winter 2006-2007 Gulmarg will have world-class ski patrol and snow grooming expertise to match its fantastic terrain and abundant snowfall”.

“The increase in snow grooming this winter significantly broadens Gulmarg’s appeal to the intermediate skier and snowboarder market. Grooming of Mt Apharwat’s mid level and lower slopes this winter will also benefit advanced riders.”

“Even in paradise not every day is perfect, and the bigger investment by the resort in grooming this coming winter will improve riding conditions on non-powder days for advanced as well as intermediate skiers.”

Background

Gulmarg’s gondola, designed by Poma of France, was completed in May 2005, and offers skiers and snowboarders a bigger lift-serviced vertical rise than any ski resort in the USA. As an idea of its scale, the vertical rise of Gulmarg’s gondola is on par with any comparable single lift at Whistler-Blackcomb, which is famed for having the biggest vertical rise of any ski resort in North America. For further facts on Gulmarg see http://www.jktourism.org and http://www.skihimalaya.com

Inquiries

Specialist snow-sports and snow-travel journalists who wish to inquire about Gulmarg’s media policy for journalists visiting Gulmarg during the 2006-2007 winter should contact Peter Robinson care of http://www.skihimalaya.com