Ski Touring and Splitboarding in Himalayas

Storm Overview: A Mixed Bag The storm that arrived on January 4th and 5th carried a lot of promise on paper. A week before it hit, forecasts showed it could be a big one—potentially delivering a meter of snow. IMD meteograms looked strong, and the GFS ensemble models gave us hope. There was excitement in the air... People were keen to move up the mountains. Travel arrangements and logistics were being worked out. What actually happened? Not so much. In most regions, it was lackluster, leaving us with a patchy story of snow distribution and very different impacts depending on where you were. Region-wise Breakdown 1. Kashmir (Gulmarg and Surroundings) Snowfall and Skiing Conditions: Above Dhaba Ridge, Gulmarg By Burhan Gulmarg saw around 30-35 cm of accumulation, with wind effects creating some variability in areas especially in the alpine. Skiing wise the snow on the face value was fantastic. The cold temperatures meant the snow on the top layer was dry and light -- even down to treelin...

The 40-day period of Chillai Kalan (December 21–January 31), the harshest winter phase in Kashmir, has a profound impact on snowpack dynamics and avalanche conditions in regions like Gulmarg .  Marked by extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and strong winds, Chillai Kalan fosters the development of faceted snow layers , redistribution of snow , and highly variable mechanical snowpack structures, creating a challenging environment for avalanche forecasting and backcountry travel. Faceting of the Snowpack: Temperature Gradients at Work The extreme cold during Chillai Kalan drives the formation of faceted grains , that can form weak layers in the snowpack, which persist for long periods, until they heal or are flushed away by avalanche cycles. Key Processes for faceting: Temperature Gradient Formation : Surface temperatures drop dramatically at night, often below -10°C, due to radiative cooling. The ground remains relatively warm (~0°C), creating a steep temperature gradient (>10°C/m) w...

When planning a trip to India for ski touring, splitboarding or hiking in remote areas, it’s crucial to understand the country’s strict regulations regarding satellite communication and radio devices.  Devices like satellite messengers (e.g., Garmin inReach) and satellite phones, which transmit data or messages to satellites, are illegal in India without proper authorization.  Key Points: Illegal to Transmit: Any device capable of transmitting data to satellites, including messengers and sat phones, is prohibited without explicit permission. Receiving-Only Devices are Permitted : Devices that solely receive satellite signals, such as GPS units or mobile phones using location services, are generally allowed. Instances of Enforcement Visitors to India have faced legal consequences for carrying unauthorized satellite communication devices: Recently a Scottish hiker was detained at Delhi Airport after customs officials discovered a Garmin inReach device in her luggage. The device ...

  Overall Theme by Zeeshan Mushtaq (dec) The western Himalayas have experienced a late start to the season, with limited early snowfall. Almost a one month later than Europe cycle as seen in the French alps However, a surprise storm at the end of December has brought much-needed snow, setting the stage for this season's base snow cover.  What’s Happened Since October? October: One of the driest Octobers in history for the western Himalaya November: Sporadic snowfall up to 5000 meters, with most snow disappearing quickly: Solar aspects: Nearly all snow melted. North-facing aspects: 1-3 cm persisted in cold, sheltered zones. December (early to mid): Late November: Precipitation higher in certain areas: Sonamarg and Gurez: Accumulations up to 1 foot in high elevations.                                    Pahalgam by Zeeshan Mushtaq ( early mid dec) Upper Kullu Valley, Gon...

  Two Western Disturbances incoming: first one going to impact on 5th-6th.  the second one can hit by 10/11th

In India, access to specialized ski waxing tools and materials is extremely limited. However, with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can still wax your skis effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored to the Indian 1. Finding Wax Use any glide wax you can find. This could be a brand like Swix or even unbranded wax. If ski wax is unavailable, a simple candle works surprisingly well as a substitute. 2. Heating Device Forget specialized ski irons—most of us don’t have access to them. Use any small portable iron that is wide enough to cover the base of your ski. Temperature tip: Heat the iron just enough to melt the wax. A simple test: touch the wax to the iron; it should melt but not smoke or burn. Anything hotter is unnecessary. 3. Applying the Wax Melt the wax or candle by touching it to the iron, letting it drip evenly across your ski base. Aim for drops every few inches along the base to ensure even coverage. 4. Spreading the Wax Use the iron to spread the wax, much l...

  Quick Glance Summary The Reality : In the Indian Himalayas, first responders are often the only responders. Professional medical help rarely arrives in time during avalanches. The Challenge : Large, rugged terrain and sparsely buried victims make rescues incredibly difficult. Limited training in avalanche beacons and techniques compounds the issue. Key Insight : Balancing your actions—resuscitating one victim versus searching for another—requires careful thinking, situational awareness, and adaptability. — When Help Isn’t Coming: The Weight of Responsibility in Avalanche Rescues In the vast expanse of the Indian Himalayas, the phrase "every man for himself" rings uncomfortably true during an avalanche. Unlike the Alps or North America, where professional avalanche rescue teams or air ambulances might arrive within minutes, the Himalayas present a starkly different reality. Here, it is the skiing or hiking group itself—friends, guides, or teammates—who must act as first resp...

The Western Disturbance (WD) that swept across Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on   December 27th and 28th, 2024 , brought an unexpected deluge of snowfall, surpassing all initial forecasts. What was initially expected to bring light snowfall turned into a significant weather event, raising questions about the predictive limitations of existing weather models and the unique dynamics of the Himalayan region.  The storm’s unexpected intensity stemmed from a combination of factors. Moisture inflow from both the  Arabian Sea  and the  Bay of Bengal  played a pivotal role in amplifying the WD’s strength. Additionally, two cyclonic circulations over  Pakistan  and  Rajasthan  acted as reinforcing systems, feeding moisture into the disturbance. These interactions created a "zone of confluence" over South and Central Kashmir, resulting in enhanced snowfall that most models failed to predict. Forecasting Challenges Moisture Dynamics : The models und...

In the realm of avalanche safety, the term "multiple burial" represents one of the most challenging scenarios rescuers and recreationalists can face. Recent years have seen a rise in these incidents, bringing forth a critical need to address both the technical and human aspects of avalanche rescue. Whether it's in Kashmir’s Gulmarg ski resort or Austria’s Tirol, the complexities of multiple burial scenarios demand deeper understanding, smarter tools, and better-prepared teams. Indian Context: From Siachen to Gulmarg In India, multiple burial scenarios first gained attention with the military’s use of avalanche beacons in Siachen, where large numbers of soldiers often faced burial incidents. This expertise gradually extended to professional ski patrollers, who relied on advanced transceivers with multi-search capabilities to manage rescue operations. Over time, these technologies trickled into recreational use, helping individuals venture into avalanche-prone terrains with...