Skiing in Pakistan: A Local’s Guide to Hitting The Slopes

Winter is here, and while half the country is gearing up for an endless loop of wedding seasons, the other half is thinking of ways to escape it. I belonged to the latter half and a good way to escape was to run off skiing. 

Yep, skiing in Pakistan. 
You don’t hear about it often.

There’s nothing quite like the rush of carving through fresh snow, followed by a hot cup of chai with frozen hands. If you’ve never considered Pakistan as a skiing destination, you’re not alone. It’s not exactly the Alps, but that’s what makes it special.

Skiing in this country isn’t about luxury chalets or après-ski bars (though I really wish it was). Instead, it’s raw, remote, and ridiculously rewarding. The northern regions are home to some of the most rugged, untouched slopes in the world, attracting a small but passionate community of skiers and snowboarders. If you’ve seen Zabardast, the documentary about freeride skiing in Pakistan, you already know the insane terrain we’re working with. But let’s be real—you’re not about to ski down a 5000m peak on your first trip.

What you will get is an off-the-beaten-path adventure, with breathtaking views and a very uncurated experience, unlike the ones you might find in more developed parts of the world.  

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About Pakistan

For those unfamiliar with Pakistan, let’s get one thing out of the way—it’s not just bustling cities and spicy street food (though both are great). The real magic lies in its mountains. 

Bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, India, and China, Pakistan is home to some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. The northern regions boast three massive mountain ranges: the Himalayas, the Karakoram, and the Hindu Kush, creating an alpine playground that offers some truly wild skiing opportunities.  

But let’s set expectations early—this is NOT a luxury ski destination. If you’re expecting heated gondolas, perfectly groomed slopes, and après-ski lounges,  you’re reading the wrong blog and I don’t want to waste your time. The infrastructure is basic, lifts are limited (if they exist at all), and nights are spent layering up in freezing guesthouses instead of cozy lodges. That’s part of the charm, but it’s also something to be prepared for.

For locals, skiing in Pakistan is an underrated winter escape. For foreigners, I’ll be honest—if you’re coming to Pakistan for the first time, winter might not be the best season. The real highlight of the north is the trekking in summer—high-altitude meadows, glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain passes that make up some of the best hiking trails in the world. If that sounds more like your kind of adventure, check out my summer itinerary for Pakistan for a better idea of what this region is all about.

But if you’re here for the slopes, then buckle up—skiing in Pakistan is rough, unpredictable, and nothing like you’d expect. And that’s exactly why it’s worth it.

Ski Resorts in Pakistan

Pakistan’s skiing scene is still in its early stages, with only a handful of resorts offering proper infrastructure. Skiing in Pakistan generally falls into three categories:

Developed ski resorts – Places like Malam Jabba have proper ski lifts, rental equipment, and some level of tourist infrastructure. If you want a straightforward ski experience, this is your best bet.
High-altitude training areas – Rattu, mainly used for military training, opens up for ski competitions and limited tourism. If you’re experienced and want to push your limits, this is the place.
Backcountry and off-piste skiing – Naltar is a mix of both. It has some infrastructure but still feels wild and remote. If you’re looking for adventure with a bit of support, this is the middle ground.

Each of these has its own pros and cons, but at the end of the day, I’d take a chance to ski at any of them again in a heartbeat. Now, let’s dive into the details.

Rattu

Rattu is where I first learned to ski, so it holds a special place in my heart. Nestled in the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan, this isn’t your typical ski resort—it’s actually an army training school, one of the highest-altitude military training facilities in the world. Originally built to train soldiers in high-altitude and mountain warfare, Rattu has slowly opened up to a handful of local ski enthusiasts and adventurous travelers.

Getting access isn’t straightforward. Since it’s still controlled by the Pakistani military, you need prior permission—usually arranged through a local tour company that organizes ski trips here. But if you can get in, you’re in for one of the most raw and thrilling skiing experiences in Pakistan.
Rattu has three ski slopes of varying difficulty, and surprisingly solid instructors, which makes it a great place to learn. The easiest slope, “Nursery,” didn’t even have an operational ski lift last time I visited. No chairlifts, no cozy lodges—just untouched powder, crisp mountain air, and some of the most isolated slopes you’ll ever ski on. If you’re looking for a commercial ski resort experience, Rattu is not it. But if you want a rugged, no-frills adventure, you’ll love every second of it.

I first came to Rattu in 2014 for a mountaineering course, not knowing I’d return three more times. It’s where I learned to ski, where I saw snowfall for the first time, and where I spent most of my ski days dramatically wiping out. The instructors here are serious about their training but have a soft spot for complete amateurs like me. If you’re lucky, you might even get to try night skiing—a whole different level of terrifying fun.

Beyond skiing, Rattu offers rappelling and some basic amenities—by international standards, nothing fancy, but pretty solid for winter in Pakistan. There’s also no mobile signal here, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how much you love being off the grid.

How to Get to Rattu Ski Resort

The closest town is Astore, which can be reached via Gilgit (a 7-8 hour drive). From Astore, it’s another 2-3 hours to reach Rattu, depending on weather conditions. Since it’s an army-controlled area, you’ll need permission in advance—book through a local ski tour operator or through personal contacts in the army (bummer, I know). 

Naltar

I had been trying to get to Naltar for years. My grandfather, who served in the navy, would tell me stories about this valley—how beautiful it was, how the locals practically grew up on skis, and how it was unlike anywhere else in Pakistan. Every time I planned a trip, something got in the way. But when I finally made it, I understood why it had lived in my imagination for so long.

Located about 34 kilometers (21 miles) from Gilgit, Naltar is one of Pakistan’s most well-known ski destinations. It’s home to the National Ski Championship and even hosts international competitions, but don’t mistake it for a polished ski resort. The infrastructure is still developing, and while it has better facilities than Rattu, this is not a luxury ski getaway. The ski runs here are suited for intermediate to advanced skiers, but beginners can still get by with the help of local instructors. 

They say every child in Naltar knows how to ski, and honestly, after watching a three-year-old effortlessly zoom past me on the slopes, I believe it. The locals have been skiing here for generations, and there’s something special about seeing an entire valley where skiing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life.

How to Get to Naltar

The only way up is via a jeep ride from Gilgit, which takes about two hours on rough, winding roads. In winter, heavy snowfall makes the journey unpredictable, so plan ahead. Most tour operators arrange transport, but if you’re traveling independently, hire a driver who knows how to navigate icy mountain terrain.

If you’re flying in, Gilgit is the nearest airport, with flights from Islamabad. Just keep in mind that these flights are highly weather-dependent and often canceled. If that happens, your only option is to take the Karakoram Highway, which means a 20-hour overland journey from Islamabad. It’s long, but the mountain views make up for it.

Naltar is located between Gilgit and Hunza (Karimabad), off of the Karakoram Highway. The last stretch is a 45-minute drive in a jeep or four-wheel drive on the steep, unpaved, rocky Naltar Valley Road, with a river running below it. The road conditions can be challenging, especially in winter, so be prepared for a bumpy but breathtaking ride.

Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba was never high on my list. Unlike Rattu and Naltar, which feel raw and remote, Malam Jabba is Pakistan’s most commercial ski resort—easily accessible, tourist-friendly, and fully open to the public. If you’re looking for a straightforward skiing experience with lifts, rental shops, and nearby hotels, this is where you go.

It also has a complicated history. The original resort was burned down by religious extremists in 2005—because, apparently, skiing was considered “haraam” (sinful). But it has since been rebuilt, now featuring better infrastructure and a steady rise in visitors each year.

At 2,700m in Swat Valley, Malam Jabba is one of the highest ski spots in the country. It’s ideal for beginners and families, with proper ski lifts and instructors who are used to first-timers. You won’t find the deep, untouched snow of Rattu or the challenge of Naltar, but you will find well-groomed slopes, consistent snowfall (January–March), and extra activities like ziplining and ice skating.

The downside? Crowds. Malam Jabba’s accessibility means weekends get busy, and if you’re after a quiet, remote ski trip, this isn’t it. But if you want a hassle-free skiing experience without the logistical nightmare of permits and off-road travel, Malam Jabba is your best bet.

How to Get to Malam Jabba

Malam Jabba is the easiest ski resort to reach in Pakistan.
From Islamabad: It’s a 6-hour drive, making it perfect for a weekend ski trip.
From Peshawar: It takes around 5 hours by road.
From Swat (Mingora): Malam Jabba is just 40 km from Saidu Sharif, the main city in Swat.

Unlike Naltar, which requires a bumpy jeep ride, you can drive a regular car to Malam Jabba in winter without much issue. The roads are well-maintained, though snowfall can cause delays.

Activities Beyond Skiing

Even if you don’t ski, Malam Jabba has plenty of winter activities:
✅ Ziplining – One of the highest ziplines in Pakistan, with incredible valley views.
✅ Snowboarding & Ice Skating – Rental shops are available for both.
✅ Hiking & Trekking – Explore snow-covered trails in the surrounding mountains.

Malam Jabba may not have the wild, off-the-grid charm of Rattu or Naltar, but it’s the best choice for a casual ski trip—especially if you just want to have fun in the snow without the logistics nightmare. If you’re new to skiing, this is where you start.

Ski Resort Comparison Table

If you’re trying to decide where to ski in Pakistan, here’s a quick breakdown of the major resorts:

Location	Accessibility	Ski Slopes	Chairlift	Accommodation	Activites
Rattu Ski Resort	Army operated Permission required	No of slopes: 3 Night skiing: Available	Lifts on all slopes. Whether it works or not is a risk you will have to take	Army mess available for booking	Mountaineering course, Australian rappelling, rock climbing
Naltar Ski Resort	Air Force operated Permission require	No of slopes: 2 Night skiing: Not available	The biggest slope has a chairlift, which is the highest chairlift in Pakistan	Air Force mess available if you have ‘connections’. You can also stay in guesthouses in Naltar valley	Ice skating
Malam Jabba	Open to the public	No of slopes: 2 Night skiing: Not available	Chairlift for the biggest slope	PC opened up their hotel again in 2021 right close to the ski slopes, other accommodation options available in the area	Snow tubing

Ski Season in Pakistan

The ski season in Pakistan typically runs from December to late February, though exact conditions vary by location. Malam Jabba, being lower in altitude, gets snow earlier and has a longer ski season, often starting in late November and lasting until March. Higher-altitude regions like Naltar and Rattu see peak snowfall from January to mid-February, offering deeper, powdery conditions.

Winter in northern Pakistan is unpredictable. Flights to Gilgit and Skardu frequently get canceled due to bad weather, sometimes leaving travelers stranded for days. If you’re planning to fly, keep buffer days in your itinerary. Overland travel isn’t always smooth either—landslides and heavy snowfall can block roads, especially on routes leading to Astore and Naltar.

If you’re set on skiing in Pakistan, keep an eye on weather updates and stay flexible with your plans. The mountains make their own rules, and here, winter is anything but predictable.

Cost of skiing in Pakistan 

The cost of skiing can vary based on the chosen resort and the type of ski equipment required. However, I can offer you an average estimate.
Skiing cost: The cost of a one-day ski pass is about $25 USD. Ski equipment rental is also available at the resort for about $15 USD per day.
Accommodation: You can expect to pay $25 per night for accommodation.
Transport: A roundtrip by air from Islamabad to Gilgit/Skardu will cost you $100. If you choose to go by road on public transport, it will be $25 both ways. The cost of jeep.
Food: The price of one meal can range anywhere from $3 to $10.

What to Pack for Skiing in Pakistan (Helpful for first-time visitors)

Thermal wear – Layering is crucial for extreme temperature shifts.
Waterproof clothing – Snow is fun until you’re drenched.
Gloves – Opt for insulated, waterproof gloves.
Ski goggles – Protect your eyes from glare and harsh winds.
Sunscreen – (Yes, really!) The sun reflecting off the snow will burn you.
Power banks – Many remote areas have unreliable electricity.
Backup internet devices – Some regions have weak mobile signals.

Safety and Ski Conditions in Pakistan

Skiing in Pakistan is unlike hitting the slopes in Europe or North America. There are no dedicated ski patrols, avalanche warnings are minimal, and in military-controlled areas like Rattu, extra restrictions apply. It’s crucial to check weather conditions beforehand, as heavy snowfall can cut off access for days.
For those wondering about general safety concerns when traveling to Pakistan, I’ve covered that in detail here.

Is Skiing in Pakistan for You?

Like I said, if this is your first trip to Pakistan, winter might not be the best season to visit. The real magic of the north is in the summer—trekking, alpine meadows, and endless mountain adventures. But if you’re a local looking for something different, skiing in Pakistan is an incredible experience.

It’s an opportunity to learn and practice without the hefty price tag you’d find elsewhere. Sure, the infrastructure is basic, and the slopes are rugged, but that’s part of the charm. Whether you choose Malam Jabba for convenience, Naltar for a challenge, or Rattu for pure adventure, you’ll leave with stories worth telling.

If skiing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty more to explore in the north. From hidden valleys to breathtaking treks, check out my complete guide to Northern Pakistan and start planning your next adventure.

Skiing in Pakistan – FAQ