Gulmarg Drapes in White: Fresh Snowfall Sparks New Year Magic

December 31, 2025 — The world-renowned ski resort of Gulmarg has officially transformed into a quintessential “Winter Wonderland” following a fresh spell of snowfall that swept across the North Kashmir highlands today. As 2025 draws to a close, the timing of the snowfall has proved perfect for thousands of tourists who have converged on the valley to ring in the New Year.

A Pristine Transformation

The meadows of Gulmarg, usually a lush green, are now buried under a thick, powdery blanket of white. According to local officials and the Meteorological Department (MeT), the fresh precipitation is the result of a Western Disturbance currently affecting the region. Temperatures in the resort have dipped significantly, with the mercury settling at a chilly -1.6°C, though it remains slightly above the seasonal average for the “Chilla-e-Kalan” period—the harshest 40 days of winter.

For adventure seekers, the snow is more than just a scenic backdrop. The fresh accumulation has revitalized the slopes, allowing the Gulmarg Gondola—one of the highest cable cars in the world—to operate at full capacity, transporting excited visitors to the Apharwat peak for skiing and snowboarding.

Tourists Bask in the Glory

The “white gold” has brought an immediate surge in tourism. Travelers from across India and abroad are flocking to the resort, with many describing the experience as “heaven on earth.”

“We arrived just in time to see the flakes falling,” said Ankit Verma, a tourist from Uttar Pradesh. “Seeing Gulmarg covered in snow like this is a dream come true. The energy here, with the music and the cold air, is the perfect way to start 2026.”

Current Tourism Highlights:

• Full Occupancy: Hotels and huts in Gulmarg are reporting 100% occupancy for the New Year weekend.
• Festive Vibe: A grand New Year carnival is underway, featuring cultural performances, live music, and traditional Kashmiri cuisine like Wazwan and Kahwa.
• Revival: Industry experts note that this surge is a crucial boost for the local economy, which has shown remarkable resilience throughout the year.

Travel Advisory and Forecast

While the atmosphere is celebratory, authorities have urged caution. The MeT department predicts that light to moderate snowfall will continue through the night of December 31 and into the morning of January 1, 2026.

The administration has deployed snow-clearing machinery on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg road to ensure that the influx of vehicles remains uninterrupted. Travelers heading toward higher reaches like the Zojila Pass or Gurez are advised to check road conditions, as heavier accumulations of up to 10 inches are expected in those areas.