Five Essentials you need for Powder Skiing in Gulmarg
At 2600m above sea level, in the Pir Panjal Range of Western Himalayas, lies Gulmarg, a coveted land of snow, a favorite of the Bollywood directors, a treat for the sore eyes, and a paradise for the skiers around the globe. With a breathtaking panoramic view, most of the action takes place in Mt.Apharwat which is located at a highpoint of 4200m above sea level. Gulmarg is the only place in the world that has Curry Powder snow, which is regarded as one of the best snows in the world with its fine powder-like structure. No wonder, Gulmarg is regarded as one of the best skiing destinations from around the world.
Just like any other sports, skiing also requires you to be prepared well so that you can have a maximum productive and enjoyable experience. So, in this article today, we are going to give you 5 essentials you need when you start planning your powder skiing trip in Gulmarg.
1. Base Layer
A good base layer is a great asset for anyone who loves winter sports. The base layer, which is worn under your regular clothes keeps you warm and dry. But we have all been there at some point in time when you had to compromise between feeling warm or feeling sweaty. In other words, most of the base layers do not provide warmth and good moisture wicking. In Gulmarg, the temperature often drops below 5℃, so, when you are preparing to ski, you need to have a skiing base layer that can regulate your body temperature. It should keep you warm but when you start skiing and your body starts heating, the base layer should be able to wick off the sweat and keep you dry. If not, your wet base layer will cling to your body making you feel colder. Since we are engaging in winter sports, it is also necessary to make sure that the base layer is lightweight and does not make you feel uncomfortable or stop you from enjoying the experience.
At Kosha, we have come up with an innovative solution for all the winter sports lovers with our merino-bamboo blend thermal wear. These lightweight thermals have the inherent property of merino wool which keeps you extremely warm and the natural moisture-wicking property of bamboo male sure that the fabric absorbs all and any moisture from the body and releases it without retaining water. As this merino wool thermal is temperature regulating, you can enjoy Gulmarg’s beautiful slopes with vertical meters and the Gondola rides without feeling cold.
2. Ski Jacket
Choosing a ski jacket for Gulmarg can be a bit tricky, especially if you are a beginner. The idea is to focus on the features without compromising on the comfort. Just like any other outer layer, the primary duty of the winter ski jacket is to protect your body from external weather factors. At Gulmarg, you are going to ski in the powder snow, so you definitely need a jacket that is resistant to snow. It should have a hard layer that is water-resistant and does not soak or get wet while skiing. Just like the base layer, you need a jacket that is comfortable and lets your body breathe. The inner membrane should be soft, comfortable, and breathable such that it does not let your body heat up more than desired.
Another important factor to consider is the insulation of the jacket. As you are bound to experience the sub-zero weather of Gulmarg while skiing, it is advised to choose a ski jacket that has padding which provides an extra layer of warmth. But also make sure not to choose a jacket that has too much padding as it will make it bulky and you might end up being uncomfortable.
Powder skirts are another feature that you need to look out for while choosing your ski jacket. Powder skirt aka snow skirt is a wide elastic band that clasps around your waist and stops snow and the cold wind from entering inside your jacket. Also, you need to make sure that you have vents in your jackets that ensures you can vent out the heat when your body gets too hot. For example, Kosha’s winter ski jacket has an underarm vent zip that you can open when you find yourself getting hot after skiing else you can keep it close.
It is also important to look out for a ski jacket that has enough pockets. At Gulmarg, when you have taken the skiing pass after each ride, you need to come up and show your pass. With your skis, poles, and helmets, it could be difficult to carry the skiing pass as well. So Kosha ski jackets have ski pass pockets designed especially to keep your passes on the left-hand side so that when you come back for the ride, it automatically scans your pass from your pocket.
3. Waterproof Pants
Now that we have the top wear covered, let’s discuss some of the pointers to look out for while choosing your skiing pants for the powder snow in Gulmarg. Just like in the case of the jacket, skiing involves a lot of snow, so you need to have waterproof pants. No one wants to have wet pants clinging to their legs while skiing, so choose a pant that has a waterproof outer membrane. It is also better to choose a pair of pants that have an inner line of seaming which can act as an extra layer of warmth if you are someone who has low resistance to cold. If not you can go for unlined waterproof pants which are technically designed for skiing or other winter sports. Also, make sure to choose pants that have enough room around the knee as you are prone to move and bend your knee a lot while skiing.
An important feature to look forward to while choosing pants for Gulmarg skiing slopes are the availability of gaiters in the pants. While skiing in Gulmarg, the spraying of powder snow is a common sight. It is easy for the snow to get inside and make your feet cold. This is where a built-in gaiter on waterproof pants comes into play. It’s a feature found in the skiing and snowboarding pants which is found under the cut of the pants. It is a tubular accessory worn from your shin up to your ankle and goes inside your socks to protect the feet from snow.
Kosha CEO Yukti Jhangiani at Gulmarg in Kosha Layers
4. Waterproof Skiing Gloves
Gloves play a huge role in having an enjoyable skiing experience. Most people underrate the uses of gloves as they think it is used just for providing warmth. For skiing in Gulmarg, you are advised to have waterproof insulated winter gloves. During Skiing, you are bound to be in contact with the snow, so it is important to make sure you have a thick coating of waterproof lining that does not soak the moisture but instead keep your hands warm and dry. Also since the temperature in Gulmarg is bound to be near the sub-zero range, you need a pair of gloves that are warm and cozy. So choose one that has a good insulated lining of protection.
At Gulmarg, after each ski, the Gondolas take you up to the station, so while you are in the cab, you will have to carry your skiing equipment. So make sure that your skiing gloves are not bulky and that it stops you from efficiently carrying your equipments. Also, you need to make sure that gloves have good dexterity.
5. Socks & Beanies
Last but not the least, you need to take care of your extremities while skiing. Most often, people forget to focus on the accessories and rather choose anything that floats their boat. Just like the rest of the skiing attire, it is important to pay special attention to the socks and beanies you are using while skiing.
For your feet, choose your warmest winter socks, but do not forget the fact that you are bound to sweat at times. So, choose socks that are breathable and provides support, and are quick dry. You can wear your best merino wool reversible balaclava under your helmet to protect your head from the cold.
Now that you know the essentials, here is some quick information on skiing in India for you to make an informed choice.
Best Season For Skiing in India:
December to February
Top Skiing Destinations in India other than Gulmarg:
Auli, Uttarakhand – Rs.13,500 + tax for 6 days
Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir – Rs.7500 (inclusive of food, accommodation & instructor fee)
Solang Nala, Manali – Starting from Rs.8400
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh – Starting from Rs. 300 per hour
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh- Rs.2000 per hour per person
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