Asia’s longest ski drag lift, revolving conference hall opened in Gulmarg

Kashmir’s winter tourism received a shot in the arm on Saturday (December 13, 2025), with the inauguration of Asia’s longest ski drag lift and rotating conference hall at an altitude of 4,390 metres, to match with world-class facilities for skiers in north Kashmir’s Gulmarg. 

“The newly-inaugurated ski drag lift and training facilities would give a major boost to winter sports and professional skiing. The revolving conference hall at Apharwat would significantly enhance visitor experience. Our vision is to make Gulmarg a global hub for winter sports while ensuring conservation of its fragile ecology and natural beauty,” Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

Asia’s longest ski drag lift, measuring 726 metres, is located at Kongdoori and has come up at a cost of ₹3.65 crore. At Apharwat, the rotating conference hall cost ₹86 lakh. In all, Mr. Abdullah inaugurated tourism infrastructure projects worth over ₹17 crore at Gulmarg and its adjoining areas, “to push J&K’s position as a premier global winter tourism destination.”

Sustained infra investment

The Gulmarg meadow, surrounded by mountains on three sides, was a major tourist attraction in 2024. It hosted over 7.68 lakh visitors last year and was the main venue for the fourth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games.

Mr. Abdullah also laid the foundation stone for fencing of the Gulmarg golf course, a project worth ₹4.77 crore, “aimed at protecting and enhancing one of the region’s iconic tourism assets”. 

“Gulmarg remains the crown jewel of J&K’s tourism landscape and that sustained investment in modern, high-quality infrastructure is essential to unlocking its full potential. These initiatives are not just infrastructure additions but strategic investments that will create year-round tourism opportunities, generate employment for local youth, and elevate Gulmarg to international standards,” Mr. Abdullah said.