In an ideal world, we would have been heading to the ski slopes every winter and be dashing down the snowy peaks of some picturesque mountain but we’re Indian and in India, we don’t exactly head for the ski slopes every winter as they do in other countries. In India we cycle, we swim, we play cricket and we study very hard to achieve the unachievable but whatever ever happened to learn a sport that’s so very outside our tropical comfort zone? Not many places in India offer the chance to learn how to ski as a result, skiing as a sport was not always entirely accessible for us city-dwellers but we decided (better late than never) to test ourselves at the mighty adventure sport that is skiing.
Your first skiing holiday will always be a learning curve – from what do I wear to how do I not fall to ouch, I fell and that hurt a little. So to help you gear up physically and mentally for your first ski trip, we’ve compiled a few suggestions.
1. The Where: Gulmarg, Kashmir
India’s very own winter wonderland, flanked by breathtaking vistas, Gulmarg a charming little town has had the privilege of hosting multiple ski championships welcoming skiers from across the globe.
Gulmarg’s ski slopes are easily accessible from the state’s capital city Srinagar from where you can hire a private/shared vehicle (2 hours) and make your way to the slopes. Once in Gulmarg, your eyes are in for a treat as the hill station is blessed with 360-degree views of the Himalayas and fields that are now blanketed in snow.
2. The What: Gulmarg skiing zones
The beginner slope: The beginner slope is where you hop on to your skis and learn the fine art of balancing. The slope here is at a very slight incline and is the best place to learn your basic skiing techniques. On your first day, you will also be made to hike up the very same slope, ski equipment in tow to prove yourself to be worthy of the make-shift J-bars/drag lifts that you’ll be soon allowed to use. A minimum of 2.5 days should be spent on this slope.
Slope 85: Slope 85 is where I possibly fell the most in all my days of learning how to ski. This one for me was my Everest and after multiple falls, I finally conquered the 85. The 85 is located a few steps from the beginner slope and offers a short but frightful run.
The Highland Park Slope: Also known as the intermediate slope and much broader than the other two slopes resulting in a lot of good runs for you to learn. This slope is also less dreadful than the 85 and holds a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Phase 1: After a good five days on the above learner slopes, we were confident enough to ski from Phase 1. After a quick scenic ride to Phase 1, we made our way down to the base station traversing about 5 km of steep and flat terrain. Phase 1 is numbered from 1-10 with marks 5 and 7 having a steep gradient, promising a good amount of challenges for beginners.
Chair car, Phase 2 and Backcountry: Chair car is the lift you take from Phase 1 up to a certain height allowing advanced skiers to run the slopes on a beaten track as well as some narrow turns and bends on a raw path down the mountain. Above this level are the slopes ideal for professional skiers – Phase 2, that which can be accessed via the Gondola at a height of 14,000 feet. This includes catching the gondola to a certain height and going off-trail to the backcountry, frequented by professional skiers and guides.
Your level as a first-time skier? On our 6th and 7th day we were confident enough to ski down Phase 1 and also had a whole bunch of fun doing it. Chair car/lift can be attempted if you have more time and/or your instructor feels you have the right skill and technique to attempt it.
3. The Who and How
As tempting as it is to “teach yourself” how to ski, it’s usually a terrible idea. Learning by watching how others around you are doing it, isn’t going to get you very far especially when it comes to learning something completely outside your comfort zone. Skiing requires technique and technique is something that can be taught correctly with the help of a professional. It’s also a great way to learn more in a short period of time and gain the confidence you need while skiing down a slope.
You can pick the government ski institute for training (most cost-effective), a private freelancing instructor and a private ski school that also provides a personalised instructor. The latter two options work out more expensive but if you’re pressed for time and want one-one personal attention then these are the best options. Prices range from INR 1500 – INR 4500 per day.
Our instructors were from Himalayan Edges, a ski school located in Gulmarg. The owner and his team of instructors are all ski champions, medalists and have been teaching skiing for years now. We decided to not take any risks and sign up with the best for personalised attention and care right from being picked up from our hotel to strapping on our skis the right way.
4. The Gear
If you’re used to humidity, 30 degrees celsius on average and wear sweaters in movie theatres, it’s advisable to pack wisely for the minuses. Keeping your body temperature at a medium level while on and off the ski slopes should be maintained and this can be done by layering up. Breathable base layers/thermals help keep you keep warm when it’s cold whilst simultaneously keeping the sweat at bay when you’re indulging in vigorous activity such as skiing. A waterproof jacket, trousers and woolen socks are absolutely necessary. Ski equipment doesn’t need to be purchased but can be rented via your training institute.
Check-list of what to carry when on a ski-trip:
- Ski goggles (decathlon)
- Ski gloves (decathlon)
- Ski pants (decathlon)
- Thermal/ base layer (decathlon/Marks & Spencers)
- Middle layer/fleece jacket (decathlon)
- Outer layer (Boohoo UK). Decathalon has good options too.
- Ski vest (myntra)
- Snow boots (decathlon) – Used for non-ski days
- Thermal socks/ woollen socks (decathlon)
- Hiking backpack 10L decathlon (keep the weight on your backlight)
- Sunscreen
- Protein bars, glucose water and chocolates
On sunny days, all of the above layers are not required as it gets too hot. Use a base layer/thermal and a down jacket/ski vest and you’re good to go.
5. The Physical fitness level check
If you’re glued to the laptop screen or fixed to a chair for the better half of the day with little exercise, you’re in for a rough ride. I was pretty confident that I would be able to handle the level of activity given my daily workouts but skiing is nothing like busting a few abs and legs for 20 minutes a day. You’ll be working out almost every muscle all day long, tightening your glutes and hamstrings as you control the top half of your body in a steady rhythm. Not to mention, the high altitude and dry air only add to the lethargy therefore working up a good routine before a ski trip is very important. Day 2 and 3 were painful days for the lower half of my body but skiing in itself is a workout so your body gradually gets used to the sport adjusting to the level of fitness that is required.
We carried protein bars, chocolates, glucose water to stay energised between ski runs and these probably saved me from giving up several times!
6. I suck, what else can I do
Finally, if skiing just isn’t for you and you would much rather admire the slopes than ski down them, we can pick a few fun things for you to do in Gulmarg:
- Enjoy a hot Kahwa at Hotel Highlands Park whilst marveling at the skiers
- Take a joyride on an ATV, snowmobile or sled anywhere in Gulmarg
- Visit the Gulmarg market for souvenirs
- Enjoy a pizza at Northwind Cafe, Gulmarg
- Lunch at the Khyber Himalayan Resort surrounded by mountains
- Take a Gondola ride up to Phase for lunch and Phase 2 to capture the perfect photos
- Hunt for snow monkeys and snow leopards (leopards are a rare sighting)
- Simply find a path and walk in the snow enjoying the sunset
- Visit the frozen Drung waterfall, 13 km from Gulmarg
Hotel: Hotel Rosewood, Gulmarg
Ski School: Himalayan Edges
When to go: Mid January – Early March
Gondola pricing: (10 AM – 4 PM)
Phase 1 – INR 740 per adult & Child (3 to 10 years)
Phase 2 – INR 950 per adult & Child (3 to 10 years)