Ski/riding in Kashmir, India?

Hi, my partner and I am planning to go to Kashmir to ski/ride for 2-3 weeks in Feb 2009. We are competent powder riders. I have read that hiring a mountain guide is recommended, some even say it is essential for safety.

Is hiring a mountain guide essential for Kashmir?

I am hoping to hear from anyone who has been. Cheers, thanks.

The ability to catch grenades and through them back before they explode would be incredibly useful in Kashmir right now..

depends where you're talking about, on or near piste somewhere like Gulmarg is probably just fine. But, the moment you're anywhere else you're going to need a guide, in part it's a cultural thing and you'd expect problems without using a local guide. Where are you going and what will you be doing?

Hi, We are thinking of spending 2-3 weeks in Gulmarg. We would like to do as much off-piste, deep powder riding as possible. We have a lot of off-piste experience in Japan, Canada, Europe. We have some back-country experience and have read that most of the decent lines are in the high bowls / through the the trees.

Any advice on how best to arrange things as economically as possible?

Do you get decent riding time if you go with guides?