Kashmir Ski Tours: Our Team - A Closed Knit Family
Sahil Ramzan (KC) / Managing Director, Kashmir Ski Tours India Private Limited
Sahil Ramzan is an accomplished adventurer and a prominent figure in the world of skiing and mountain exploration, with over 15 years of professional experience as a senior skiing guide. His journey in skiing began at the remarkable age of five, driven by a deep passion for snow sports and mountain adventures.
Professional Expertise and Achievements
- Skiing and Mountain Rescue:
- Holds a Level 2 certification in Snow Avalanche Safety.
- Extensive experience in mountain rescue operations, having actively participated in several critical missions.
- Proficient in managing emergencies in challenging mountain terrains, with advanced first aid knowledge.
- Exploratory Skiing and Record-Breaking Feats:
- Record-holder for exploratory skiing in the high-altitude regions of Drass and Nubra Valley.
- First to ski and ride on the Mahadev Range, leading a team through uncharted territories.
- High-Altitude Expeditions:
- Successfully conquered the 7,000-meter Nun-Kun peak.
- Guided wildlife photographers for 15 days at altitudes exceeding 6,000 meters, showcasing exceptional leadership and expertise in extreme environments.
Trekking and Adventure Leadership
- Led numerous 10-day treks to iconic destinations, including:
- Great Lakes of Kashmir
- Kolahi Base Camp Trek
- Tarsar Marsar Trek
- Pir Panjal Range Trek
- Naranar River Traverse and Pin Parvati Trek
- Diverse adventure portfolio includes:
- Rafting in the Sind River
- Rock climbing in Drung Tangmarg
Sports and Community Contributions
- Inter-University Gold Medalist in Skiing, reflecting his competitive excellence.
- Secretary of the Ski Guide Association, Gulmarg, playing a pivotal role in fostering the skiing community.
Education and Advocacy
- Holds a Ph.D., combining academic depth with his practical expertise.
- As a passionate ambassador for adventure sports, Sahil dedicates his time to inspiring local youth across the Kashmir Valley. He frequently conducts motivational sessions at schools, colleges, and universities, promoting skiing and mountaineering as viable and enriching career paths.
Sahil Ramzan’s unwavering commitment to adventure, safety, and mentorship has established him as a trailblazer in the field, earning him respect as a leader, explorer, and educator. His vision continues to elevate the profile of skiing and adventure tourism in the region.
FAYAZ RATHER- MANAGING DIRECTOR/ HEAD GUIDE
Expertise and Experience
Fayaz Rather is a seasoned professional in the field of skiing and mountain exploration, with unparalleled expertise in backcountry skiing. His intimate knowledge of the powder-rich terrain of Mount Affarwat makes him an invaluable guide for adventurers seeking the ultimate skiing experience. Fayaz’s journey in the world of skiing began at the young age of seven, fostering a lifelong passion and exceptional skill set that sets him apart in the industry.
Certifications and Skills
Fayaz holds a Level 1 Snow Safety and Avalanche Course certification, equipping him with the technical know-how and safety protocols necessary for navigating and leading in challenging mountain environments. His expertise ensures the safety and satisfaction of clients as they explore the breathtaking slopes of Kashmir.
Passion for Trekking
Beyond skiing, Fayaz has an extensive understanding of the major trekking routes across Kashmir. His favorite trek, the Kashmir Great Lakes, exemplifies his deep connection to the region’s natural beauty. Fayaz’s familiarity with these trails enhances his ability to provide memorable and enriching trekking experiences for adventurers.
Leadership and Commitment
As the Managing Director and Head Guide of Kashmir Ski Tours, Fayaz combines his technical expertise with strong leadership qualities. His dedication to delivering exceptional service and unforgettable experiences ensures that every client is captivated by the magic of Kashmir’s mountains and wilderness.
Kunjan Shah/ Head Operations
Kunjan Shah is a dynamic professional with a passion for nature and adventure, coupled with extensive experience in outdoor leadership and operational management.
- Nature and Adventure Enthusiast: Born and raised in Mumbai, Kunjan’s heart always yearned for the tranquility of the outdoors, inspiring her to explore diverse natural landscapes and pursue thrilling adventures.
- Trekking Expertise: With a wealth of experience as a trek leader, Kunjan has guided numerous expeditions across the Sahyadri mountain ranges, including notable treks to Naneghat, Ulhas Valley, Prabalgad, Harishchandragad, One Tree Hill (Matheran), Bhimashankar, Manikgad, and more. She successfully led a group of 50 participants to Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak.
- Certified Yoga Trainer: With 15 years of experience, Kunjan has been dedicated to promoting physical and mental wellness through yoga instruction.
- Accomplished Skier: Kunjan has completed her foundational skiing training with Youth Services and Sports, Kashmir, and advanced skiing courses with the experts at Kashmir Ski Tours. Her skiing expertise adds a dynamic edge to her adventure portfolio.
- Athletic Achievements: As a marathon enthusiast, Kunjan has participated in multiple races, earning accolades for her performance.
- Multilingual Proficiency: Kunjan is fluent in English, German, Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati, allowing her to connect seamlessly with diverse audiences.
With her versatile skills and unwavering passion, Kunjan plays a pivotal role in operations management, ensuring seamless execution of activities and creating unforgettable experiences for clients.
Mohammad Shafi / Mountain Ski Guide &Tourist Guide
With over 20 years of experience in skiing and 15 years as a premier tourist guide in the breathtaking valley of Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi is a seasoned professional with a deep-rooted passion for mountain sports and adventure. Known for his expertise in backcountry skiing, Shafi is a master of navigating the diverse and challenging terrains of the Affarwat mountains, possessing intricate knowledge of every powder-filled slope and hidden corner.
An avid mountain enthusiast from a young age, Shafi’s journey began at the tender age of seven when he first took to the slopes. Since then, his skills have only sharpened, earning him a reputation as one of the valley’s most promising and skilled ski guides. His profound understanding of skiing, combined with his extensive experience, makes him an invaluable asset to those seeking to explore the exhilarating world of alpine sports.
Shafi has completed the Level 1 Snow Safety Avalanche Course, underscoring his commitment to safety and his advanced understanding of avalanche risk management—crucial for backcountry skiing. His extensive repertoire also includes leading numerous treks across the region, where his knowledge of the terrain and passion for outdoor exploration have earned him the trust and admiration of fellow adventurers.
As a tourist guide, Mohammad Shafi is known for his ability to captivate and fascinate visitors with his skills, knowledge, and personal touch. His dedication to his craft, combined with his years of experience, ensures a safe and thrilling adventure for every client, whether they are seasoned skiers or first-time trekkers.
Aaga Ashtar Kashmiri / Snowboard Lead Guide | Skiing and Trekking Expert | Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding Scholar
Aaga Ashtar is a highly skilled and experienced guide with a remarkable career spanning both winter and summer seasons. As a lead guide in skiing during winter and trekking expert in summer, he has built a strong reputation for his proficiency in extreme sports and mountaineering. Aaga has successfully conquered 6000-meter peaks in the Kashmir region and is actively pursuing the challenge of summiting 7000 meters.
With an expertise in climbing, ice climbing, and advanced mountaineering, Aaga is well-versed in trekking rescue operations. He holds an advanced course certification in these disciplines, ensuring the safety and preparedness of his teams in high-altitude environments. His snowboarding experience extends beyond Kashmir, having explored the mountainous terrains of Iran and the rugged landscapes of Ladakh and Drass—known as the second coldest place on Earth.
A natural on-piste snowboarder, Aaga thrives in the backcountry slopes of Gulmarg, where his skills shine in off-piste conditions. His passion for snowboarding and adventure sports is matched only by his academic pursuits. Aaga is currently pursuing a Master’s in Conflict Analysis and Peacebuilding from Jamia Millia Islamia and works closely with NGOs in conflict zones, promoting peacebuilding measures and contributing to humanitarian efforts.
With his diverse background in sports, mountaineering, and peacebuilding, Aaga Ashtar combines physical endurance with a commitment to making a positive impact in his community and beyond.
Bashir Rather / Lead Guide & Ski Instructor
Bashir Rather is a seasoned expert in skiing instruction with an exceptional ability to connect with and teach individuals of all skill levels. Known for his calm demeanor and methodical approach, Bashir possesses advanced techniques for instructing a diverse range of students, ensuring that each lesson is both effective and engaging.
Having completed the Level 1 Snow Safety Avalanche course from Canada, Bashir brings a strong foundation of safety awareness to his instructional work, providing students with the skills needed to navigate challenging environments safely. His ability to impart knowledge efficiently means that lessons are concise, yet thorough, allowing students to quickly grasp essential skills without feeling overwhelmed.
An accomplished athlete, Bashir has represented Jammu and Kashmir in numerous national skiing competitions, establishing himself as one of the valley’s top alpine skiers. His technical expertise, combined with a deep passion for the sport, makes him one of the most respected instructors in the region.
Zameer Khan / Ski Instructor & Guide
Zameer Khan is a highly skilled and qualified ski instructor, renowned for his expertise and enthusiasm on the slopes. His passion for skiing, combined with a flair for performing stunts, has earned him recognition as one of the top instructors in the region. His engaging personality and friendly demeanor make him a favorite among clients, providing not just lessons, but an unforgettable experience on the mountains.
Zameer is a certified professional who has undergone extensive training, including completing his Avalanche Safety course from Avalanche Safety Canada, ensuring that he can guide clients through any terrain with the utmost safety and confidence. With a deep understanding of the mountains, Zameer excels in navigating the most challenging slopes and is regarded as one of the best skiers in the valley.
In addition to his skiing expertise, Zameer is also an accomplished skateboarder, showcasing his versatility and love for snow and land-based sports. As a head guide with years of experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge, professionalism, and skill to each session, ensuring that every client has a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience on the snow.
Mushtaq Ahmad / Guide/ Ski Instructor
Mushtaq Ahmad is a dynamic and highly skilled Ski instructor, known for his expertise and passion for snowboarding. As the youngest member of our team, he brings a fresh, energetic approach to guiding and instructing. A national-level player, Mushtaq has earned a stellar reputation in the valley, making him a popular figure among skiing enthusiasts. His deep knowledge of the diverse terrains across the vast mountain ranges ensures that he can guide clients with confidence, regardless of the challenge. Mushtaq’s dedication to his craft guarantees that every student under his tutelage will emerge as a proficient skier. With Mushtaq, you can trust that your skiing experience will be both safe and enriching, as he tailors his guidance to meet the needs of each individual.
Mudasir Ahmad / Ski Instructor
⦁ At the age of 8 years he started skiing. Learned Basic, intermediate and Advanced skills of Skiing from Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering Gulmarg Kashmir.
⦁ Skillful Mountain Skiing Guide and Ski Instructor.
⦁ You will enjoy practicing with him.
Sumaira Hassan
Sumaira Hassan is an integral member of the back-end team at Kashmir Ski Tours, contributing to the smooth and efficient operations of the company. With a strong focus on managing the logistics, coordination, and support functions, Sumaira ensures that the company’s services are executed seamlessly. Her attention to detail and problem-solving skills play a key role in delivering an exceptional experience to clients. Through her dedicated efforts behind the scenes, Sumaira enhances the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Kashmir Ski Tours, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.