Pakistan’s dramatic mountains and trekking trails are normally what come to mind, but not this incredible winter sports. From high-alpine ski resorts to virgin ski-touring valleys, Pakistan’s north is a secret ski and snowboarding heaven. Whether resort skiing or backcountry ski-touring is your passion, these five spots for beginners to advanced skiers deliver wild adventures beneath the great giants of the Himalaya, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.
Here’s our guide to the 5 best places for skiing and ski-touring in Pakistan!
1. Naltar Ski Resort – Gilgit-Baltistan
Hidden among the mountains of the Naltar Valley, near the city of Gilgit, lies Pakistan’s oldest ski resort. Naltar is home to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Ski School and hosts Pakistan’s national skiing championships on a regular basis. It includes slopes, chair lifts, and run courses at the intermediate level.
- Best for: Resort skiing, families, ski racers
- Facilities: Ski lifts, ski school, basic hotels nearby
- Snow season: December to April
- Access: 2-hour jeep ride from Gilgit city
- Bonus: Surrounded by pine forests and stunning alpine scenery
Pro Tip: Naltar is ideal for those seeking an authentic ski experience without the crowds of bigger international resorts.
2. Malam Jabba Ski Resort – Swat Valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
One of the most accessible and established ski resorts in Pakistan, Malam Jabba sits overlooking the Swat Valley with ski lifts, rental facilities, hotels, and cafes.
Originally developed with Austrian support, the resort now boasts state-of-the-art chair lifts, zip lines, snow tubing, and ski training facilities. It’s Pakistan’s most visitor-friendly winter resort.
- Best for: Families, beginners, tourists seeking fun winter activities
- Facilities: Chair lift, ski rentals, hotels, restaurants, zipline
- Snow season: Late December to February
- Access: 4–5 hours drive from Islamabad
- Bonus: Night skiing events and snow festivals
Pro Tip: Combine skiing at Malam Jabba with a cultural tour of the Buddhist archaeological sites around Swat.
3. Rattu Ski Resort – Astore Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan
Way up the Astore Valley, Rattu Ski Resort is a rugged, remote haven ideal for adventurous travellers. Run by the Pakistan Army for training purposes, it is open to visitors during part of the winter season.
Rattu offers untracked slopes, powdery snow, and breathtaking views of the eastern Nanga Parbat Range.
- Best for: Skilled skiers, military training, high-altitude ski enthusiasts
- Facilities: Military ski centre, minimal public accommodation
- Snow season: January to March
- Access: 6–7 hours drive from Gilgit or Skardu (road conditions variable)
- Bonus: Gateway for remote ski-touring towards Rupal Valley
Pro Tip: Check access permissions and coordinate with local tourism offices before planning your trip.
4. Khor Peak – Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan (Ski Touring)
For ski-touring enthusiasts, Khor Peak in Hoper Khas offers one of the wildest and remotest ski-touring spots in Pakistan. Located in Nager village in Nagar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan region, this remote ski-touring location offers endless powder runs with stunning vistas overlooking the Ultar massif (7,300m).
Khor Peak is essentially untracked — no lifts, no crowds, just untouched wilderness.
- Best for: Backcountry ski touring, experienced adventurers
- Facilities: None – self-supported ski expeditions only
- Snow season: December to April (depending on snowfall)
- Access: 2 hours from Gilgit → drive to Minapin → skin/hike approach to slopes
- Bonus: Combine ski-touring with winter trekking to Rakaposhi Base Camp and the Hoper Glacier view
Pro Tip: Hire local guides from Hoper Khas who know avalanche zones and safe ascent routes.
5. Madaklasht Meadows – Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Ski Touring)
Hidden away in the mighty Hindu Kush, Madaklasht Meadows at Chitral offers a ski-touring paradise for the extreme adventurers who want to test their limits and venture off the beaten track. Soft meadows, hard faces, and vast untracked snow slopes comprise a wintry fairyland.
Not many skiers still enter this area, offering untouched lines and solitude.
- Best for: Advanced ski-tourers, splitboarders, explorers
- Facilities: Limited — basic homestays and guesthouses; full self-supported touring needed
- Snow season: January to late March
- Access: ~45-minute drive to Drosh town, then 1–1.5 hours jeep track to Madaklasht village
- Bonus: Majestic views of the highest peak of the Hindu Kush and a visit to the Kalash valley
Pro Tip: Due to deep snowpack and remote location, always plan for safety, carry avalanche gear, and travel in a team. And, hire a local guide
