IN THIS POST:
- Malam Jabba Ski Resort
- Naltar Valley Ski Resort
- Nathiagali Ski Resort
- Astore Valley Ski Resort
- Fairy Meadows Ski Resort
- Shimshal Ski Resort
December usually marks the beginning of winter sports activities in Pakistan, skiing, in particular. Gliding down the slopes of snow-covered mountains, battling rough weather conditions, and avoiding avalanche-prone areas are what make skiing a thrilling sport.
So, are you looking for an adventurous trip this winter? If yes, then this blog is meant for you as we have carefully chosen some of the most popular ski resorts in Pakistan.
The Best Ski Resorts in Pakistan
For winter sports lovers, now is the time to pack your boots and skiing essentials for a memorable trip up to the northern areas of Pakistan.
These are some of the most well-reviewed ski resorts in Pakistan you must check out.
Malam Jabba Ski Resort
Malam Jabba Ski Resort is the most beautiful ski resort situated in the Hindu Kush range of Swat Valley, located 9,199 ft. above sea level. It is situated 40 km east of Saidu Sharif and 314 km northwest of Islamabad. One of the oldest ski resorts in Pakistan, Malam Jabba Ski Resort is partly functional at the moment, as it is being renovated. The spot offers some of the best snow conditions for skiers in the region. During winters, when the snow is thick and firm, skiers have an exciting time playing snow sports at Malam Jabba.
People can enjoy snow tubing, skiing and skating on top of the snow-clad peak. There are two 800-meter ski runs and maintained pistes that offer different kinds of difficulty levels both for beginners and professionals.
There are four chairlifts that have been reconstructed. Apart from this, Malam Jabba ski resort will soon offer a 60-room five-star hotel. An ice skating rink is also being developed. The Ghorband Valley trekking trail and Saboney Valley trekking trail are now open.
Malam Jabba attracts national as well as international skiers. The skiing season in Malam Jabba usually starts in January and ends in March. The resort is also accessible via road from Islamabad. It’s almost a 6-hour drive.
Distance from the airport
You can get to Malam Jabba via Peshawar International Airport. From the airport, a 3-hour drive will take you to Mingora. From there, you can get to the Malam Jabba top in nearly two hours by road.
Naltar Valley Ski Resort
Located in the Karakoram mountain range of Naltar Valley, in Gilgit-Baltistan, Naltar ski resort is one of the most popular ski areas in Pakistan. It is at a top elevation of 2,950 metres and has served as the main facility for the Ski Federation of Pakistan.
Moreover, it has served as the venue for the Pakistan National Ski Championship, which saw international skiers gathering from across the globe to participate in ski races and test their skiing skills on the slopes of Naltar Ski Resort. Different winter activities such as snowboarding, ice skating and ice hockey competitions are also held at Naltar Ski Resort during the winter season.
Distance from airport
Those travelling to this destination have to get to Gilgit Airport first. After covering 43 km, which could be a 2-hour drive, you will reach Naltar Valley Ski Resort.
Nathiagali Ski Resort
Do you know there is a ski facility even in Nathiagali? Those who live in Islamabad can head over to Nathiagali on a weekend and enjoy the snow-clad mountains awaiting to welcome you. This is a perfect skiing spot for beginners in Pakistan. The beauty of the snow-covered pine forests is breathtaking.
There is a slope of 200 meters with beautiful, enchanting views of the Miranjani and Mukshpuri mountains. One of the most-visited ski facilities in Pakistan, there is also a ski lift for taking the athletes to the top. The travelling time to Nathiagali is only 2 to 2.5 hours from Islamabad.
So, Islambadians! What are you waiting for? Pack your ski boots and ski gear and head over to the pristine white slopes of Nathiagali for an experience of a lifetime. The best time to go skiing in Nathiagali is December and January.
Distance from airport
Those travelling to Nathiagali Ski Resort can reach Islamabad International Airport by air. From there it would take around 3 hours by jeep. This makes it about 158 km of distance to reach Nathiagali Ski Resort.
Astore Valley Ski Resort
Another hidden paradise in Gilgit, the Astore Valley is at the face of Nanga Parbat, which is almost 8,126 metres above sea level. Rattu is a small village town located in the Astore District.
Rattu is home to adventure sports, having a natural skiing slope and it also provides adequate facilities for training in winter sports in Pakistan. It is one of the ideal skiing spots for beginners in Pakistan.
Distance from airport
Astore Valley Ski Resort is about 160 km away from Gilgit Airport. By jeep, it can take you around four hours to get to your destination.
Fairy Meadows Ski Resort
Nanga Parbat sets the backdrop for the enchanting Fairy Meadows, where you can glide through the snow-covered slopes. You will have to trek to Fairy Meadows as there are no chair lifts. The best time to ski at Fairy Meadows is from mid-December to March. You won’t find proper accommodation here and a lot of people rely on huts there for an overnight stay. Recommended for those who love trekking and skiing.
Distance from airport
Fairy Meadows Ski Resort is about 92 km away from Gilgit Airport. If you’re taking a jeep to your destination, you’re in for a 3-hour drive.
Shimshal Ski Resort
Located in the north of Hunza Valley, Shimshal Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Pakistan. If you are travelling from Islamabad, then it would take 22 hours to reach Hunza by car.
You should spend the night at Hunza to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude of 2,500 metres above sea level. In the morning, take a four-hour drive and you’ll reach Shimshal Valley, which is almost 3,100 metres above sea level.
To reach Shimshal Ski Resort, you need to further trek for around six hours before you reach your destination. It may not be one of the easy-to-access ski resorts in Pakistan, thanks to its location. But it definitely is one of the most popular ski resorts in Pakistan.
International skiers from Austria have also conducted a ski training camp at Shimshal Ski Resort. Ski instructors Stefan Ager and Andreas Gumpenberger trained amateur skiers for the popular winter sport in a 10-day skiing workshop back in 2016.
Distance from airport
The distance to reach Shimshal Ski Resort from Gilgit Airport is almost 207 km. That’s almost a 6-hour drive if you’re taking a jeep.
So, this was our pick of some of the best places to spend winters in Pakistan. If you are planning a trip to the northern areas this winter, then make sure you experience the thrill of skiing on the snow-dipped slopes of Pakistan’s famous ski resorts.
Remember, to keep the necessary ski gear and equipment before you plan your journey. Do take a look at the dos and don’ts of travelling to northern areas, in case you miss out on anything significant. Moreover, check out our guide on what to do if your car gets stuck in a heavy snowfall.
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