Skiing in Pakistan

Skiing in Pakistan traces its roots back to 1958, when the Pakistan Air Force first introduced the sport as part of high-altitude training for its aircrew. What began as a specialized activity soon grew into a passion for adventure seekers across the northern mountains.

To bring structure and promote the sport at a national level, the Ski Federation of Pakistan (SFP), now operating as the Winter Sports Federation Pakistan (WSFP), was established in 1990. Since then, the Federation, alongside organizations like the Army High Altitude School, the Alpine Club of Pakistan, and various local ski schools, has played a vital role in developing the country’s skiing culture.

Today, Pakistan regularly hosts both national and international competitions, including the Pakistan National Ski Championship and the Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup, which attract athletes from Europe, Asia, and beyond. These events not only highlight the natural potential of Pakistan’s slopes but also showcase the growing talent of homegrown skiers making their mark on the international stage.

What was once a hidden military training exercise is now becoming one of Pakistan’s most exciting adventure tourism experiences, with resorts and valleys opening their doors to travelers eager to ski among the mighty Himalayas and Karakoram.

Recent Developments in Pakistan Related to Skiing

Over the past decade, skiing in Pakistan has moved from a niche pursuit to a recognized winter sport with international appeal. The Winter Sports Federation Pakistan (WSFP), in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Force and local authorities, has expanded events and facilities across the northern valleys.

• International Competitions: Pakistan now hosts events like the Karakoram Alpine Ski Cup, drawing athletes from Europe and Asia.
• New Experiences: Beyond snow skiing, grass skiing has been introduced in areas like Malam Jabba and Toli Pir, extending the season into spring and summer.
• Infrastructure Growth: Resorts such as Malam Jabba have been rebuilt with modern lifts, hotels, and year-round adventure activities, while new projects are underway in Kaghan, Chitral, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Heli-Skiing Boom: With international operators joining in, heli-skiing in Hunza, Shimshal, and the Karakoram ranges is putting Pakistan on the global map for extreme adventure sports.

Skiing Season in Pakistan

The main skiing season in Pakistan runs from mid-December to early March, when heavy snow blankets the northern mountains. During this period, slopes in Swat (Malam Jabba), Gilgit-Baltistan (Naltar, Rattu, Astore), and Nathia Gali come alive with both professional competitions and recreational skiing.

For travelers seeking something different, grass skiing and other alpine sports extend the adventure window well into April–August in some valleys. This makes Pakistan unique, offering winter-style sports even in warmer months.

Skiing Possibilities in Pakistan

Pakistan offers a rare mix of skiing experiences, from family-friendly resorts to remote backcountry expeditions:

• Resort Skiing: Malam Jabba and Naltar provide ski lifts, equipment rental, and training facilities, ideal for beginners and families.
• Adventure Skiing: Rattu, Astore, and Nathia Gali have more rugged, natural slopes suited to experienced skiers and trekkers.
• Heli-Skiing: For thrill-seekers, heli-skiing in Hunza and Shimshal offers untouched powder runs in the shadow of the Karakoram’s 7,000- and 8,000-meter peaks.
• Beyond Skiing: Most destinations also offer snowboarding, ice skating, sledding, winter festivals, and cultural encounters with local mountain communities.

With its combination of unspoiled landscapes, diverse terrains, and growing infrastructure, Pakistan is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for skiing and winter adventure tourism.

Skiing Tours in Pakistan by Travel Asia Adventure

Skiing in Naltar Valley →

Discover Naltar Valley, one of Pakistan’s oldest and most celebrated ski resorts. Just 40 km from Gilgit (accessible by jeep), Naltar offers snow-covered slopes, alpine forests, and pristine mountain scenery. Known for hosting national and international ski competitions under the Pakistan Air Force, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned skiers. With reliable ski lifts, fresh powder snow, and breathtaking views of the Karakoram, Naltar is a must-visit winter destination.

Book your guided ski trip to Naltar this December to March and experience Pakistan’s alpine magic.

Skiing in Malam Jabba →

The most popular destination for skiing in Pakistan, Malam Jabba sits high in the Swat Valley, only 314 km from Islamabad and 51 km from Saidu Sharif Airport. With an 800-meter ski slope at 2,804 m (9,200 ft), this resort combines modern facilities with stunning mountain landscapes. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and zip-lining, along with cozy hotels and cultural experiences in Swat.

Perfect for families, groups, and first-time skiers, join us for a Malam Jabba ski holiday this winter.

Skiing in Astore Valley →

For off-the-beaten-path skiing, Astore Valley delivers untouched adventure. Nestled on the eastern flank of Nanga Parbat (8,126 m), the world’s ninth-highest peak, the valley offers natural slopes, alpine meadows, and authentic village life. Ideal for adventurers and backcountry skiers, Astore combines raw alpine beauty with thrilling ski runs surrounded by glaciers and crystal-clear streams.

If you’re seeking authentic adventure skiing, Astore is waiting for you this winter.

Skiing in Nathia Gali →

Looking for a quick ski escape? Nathia Gali, just a two-hour drive from Islamabad, is perfect for a short winter break. With its gentle slopes, cool alpine weather, and scenic hiking trails, it suits families, couples, and beginners. Surrounded by the lush Galyat range, this hill station offers skiing along with relaxation, scenic drives, and cultural charm.

Join us for a weekend skiing trip to Nathia Gali, the perfect winter getaway close to Islamabad.

Skiing in Shimshal Valley →

For true explorers, Shimshal Valley in northern Hunza is one of Pakistan’s most remote skiing destinations. Reached via a 53 km jeep track along the dramatic Shimshal River gorge, the valley rewards adventurers with untouched snowfields, high-altitude terrain, and breathtaking wilderness. Bordering China, Shimshal is a dream for mountain lovers and expert skiers seeking raw, authentic adventure.

Venture into Shimshal this season for a skiing experience few have ever tried.

Heli-Skiing in the Karakoram Mountains →

Pakistan is quickly becoming a global hotspot for heli-skiing. With helicopter access, skiers can carve fresh lines on untouched powder slopes in Hunza, Shimshal, and the Karakoram ranges. Surrounded by some of the world’s tallest peaks, including 7,000- and 8,000-meter giants, heli-skiing here is a bucket-list experience for thrill-seekers. Exclusive but growing fast, heli-skiing in Pakistan now rivals the Alps, Alaska, and the Himalayas.

Join our expert-led heli-skiing expeditions and ride the world’s highest slopes in style.

Essentials for Skiing

After knowing about the major and popular skiing destination, certainly you want to visit a skiing location in Pakistan to enjoy skiing here. But, before planning about a skiing tour, let me tell you some about skiing resources to make your skiing tour more and much successful.

Skiing is a recreational activity and competitive sport, and it needed a lot of care and safety. Your know-how about the destination, the environmental condition of location and the proper availability of equipment is very important to make your skiing successful.

The most significant thing is money, because skiing is a very expensive activity and it called for a great deal of money to fix the necessary arrangements for it.  Choose a destination and after that arrange a handsome budget before travelling to the site. The other things have significant contribution to your skiing activities included:

1. Snow Jackets and Snow Pants
2.  Ski Glasses
3.  Ski Mask
4. Long Johns
5. Extra warm socks
6. Digital camera
7. Cross Country/ Slope ski’s
8. First Aid (injuries or illness are possible)