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Embark on Your Gulmarg Powder Ski Adventure: Essential Gear Guide by Skigulmarg.com

Planning an exhilarating powder ski adventure to Gulmarg in the Himalayas? Skigulmarg.com has got you covered with a comprehensive list of mandatory and highly recommended equipment to ensure your safety and enjoyment on the slopes.

Equipment List

Mandatory Equipment to Ski Gulmarg

• Avalanche Safety Gear - you will need a backcountry specific backpack (25L plus)or at the lease a big enough backpack to carry, shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver. You will need shovel, probe and avalanche transceiver. Please bring spare batteries for your transceivers and check that they are functioning before leaving on your trip. This gear is mandatory and we will not ski without it. Practice putting together your shovel and probe and know the functions of your beacon (avalanche transceiver), prior to commencement of your trip. Sets of backcountry gear are available to rent in Gulmarg, but they are older (Tracker DTS 1 transceiver). ABS bag or compress gas canister are available to rent too. You are recommended to bring your own gear from home.
• Fat Skis (uphill capability recommended) – 110mm or wider. We recommend skis with some kind of touring setup (Marker Duke or Salomon Guardian style work well, or Dynafit or tech binding set-up also very good options). Please be familiar with your skis and know how your bindings work, before getting to Gulmarg. Your first time on your equipment should not be on snow in Gulmarg!
• Split-board or powder specific snowboard – splitboards are the best option in Gulmarg, failing that, a powder board or regular snowboard (snowshoes or ascension skis for hiking in deep snow are recommended). You should also carry some 3 piece touring poles as well. Practice assembling/dis-assembling your board before arriving in Gulmarg.
• Skins (If you have skis with uphill cababilitiy)– trimmed to fit your skis or board. We recommend trimmed-to-fit for maximum grip. We don’t recommend straight cut skins due to their lesser grip. Skins should be trimmed prior to arrival and should fit and work for your equipment. Finding out they don’t fit or work just before your first hike in Gulmarg, is not an option!
• Whistle – attached to your pack for attracting attention.
• Gulmarg rescue map – print it out, trim it down and laminate it. It must be carried in your pack at all times. See Gulmarg Trail Map Page to download and print!
• Color copy of your passport information page– carried on you at all times, if you get stopped at a military check point.

Highly Recommended Equipment to Ski Gulmarg

• Normal ski wear: jacket, pants, mid-layers, base layers, socks, gloves, etc. Shell jackets and pants that are highly breathable are recommended.
• Avalanche Airbag – We strongly recommend the use of an avalanche airbag whilst riding in Gulmarg. Sometimes travelling with airbags can be restricted or not allowed (either with empty or full cylinders) for travel by your airline, especially on flights coming to/from the US. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK WITH THE AIRLINES BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO FIND OUT THEIR RULES FOR CARRYING AVALANCHE AIRBAGS ON-BOARD AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE PERMITTED. Skigulmarg.com accepts no responsibility for guests who choose to travel with Airbags and are denied permission to carry them on their flights! Please also note that although there are several options for cylinder re-fill in Gulmarg, they are not always reliable. Skigulmarg.com accepts no responsibility if your cylinder refill is delayed or not available at time of arrival. Please email skigulmarg@skigulmarg.com if you have any questions on this. ABS bags and/or refill canister can be rented in Gulmarg.
• Spare batteries – for all electronic devices.
• Walkie-Talkie – for improved in-group communication, if we decide to ski a run beyond line of sight or for general improved communication.
• Helmet – a good, well ventilated helmet is recommended for increased protection whilst skiing/riding.
• Goggles – a good pair of goggles with lenses for bright light and overcast light. A goggle with an interchangeable lens system is highly recommended.
• Sunglasses – good to hike in instead of goggles.
• Gloves – One thicker pair for colder/snowier days and one pair of spring gloves for warmer days, especially useful when hiking.
• Clothing for travel and after skiing - bring a decent pair of shoes or boots suitable for walking through snow.
• Headlamp – good for walking at night, especially after visiting the Highland Park Hotel for apres- ski.
• Toilet paper in a sealed plastic bag to go in your pack, just in case you get cut short!
• Basic 1st Aid Kit and spare parts for your ski equipment are mandatory. You should always be self-sufficient in the backcountry.
• Medical supplies: we recommend bringing Immodium or charcoal tablets; antibiotics (you can buy antibiotics at the airport in Delhi without prescription, but please note you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK. These can be followed up with a pro-biotic to restore good bacteria levels); any other normal medical supplies you might need.
• Spending money - Between $350 and $500USD or equivalent should be fine for 1 week. You can change your money before getting to Gulmarg. It is possible to change money at the airport in Delhi, sometime at the airport in Srinagar. Make sure you get plenty of smaller bills like 100 and 200 rupee notes as many places in India inconveniently won’t break large bills. There is an ATM in Gulmarg, it is very popular and runs out of money quickly. Credit cards issued outside of India have faced challenges in processing due to government regulations, and as such, they are not widely accepted in Gulmarg. Cash remains the preferred mode of payment in the region.
• Electric plugs – India uses Type C, D and Type M plugs, so bring a universal adaptor or power strip. Surge protection is crucial due to occasional power surges and power cuts. While hotels may have international outlets, packing adaptors ensures charging convenience. Read more about Electric plugs and adaptors,
• Energy Bars – good to have in the pack for extra energy when hiking.
• Camera and/or POV camera – plenty of opportunities for photographs and sick ski/ride footage.
• Old ski gear – if you have any room, then locals in Gulmarg always appreciate donations of any unwanted old ski gear, winter clothing etc that is in good condition.

Get ready for an incredible skiing experience with Skigulmarg.com's expert-recommended gear list. Your adventure awaits!

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