Required Clothing - Skiing Gulmarg Ski Resort

12 Essential Ski Equipment To Go Skiing in Gulmarg

Did you know that Gulmarg was ranked as the fourth-best ski resort in Asia by CNN in 2011?

This post is about twelve essential pieces of ski equipment & gear to go ski Gulmarg — and will answer your queries related to it. If you're a beginner and planning to go skiing in Gulmarg, stay tuned.

There are many reasons to love Gulmarg, but, for us, the best reason is, of course, skiing and snowboarding. A beautiful little town in Jammu & Kashmir, India, Gulmarg is the most sought after destination for Indian skiers and powder hunters from around the world.

Read This Before You Go Skiing in Kashmir

Kashmir is always ready to welcome tourists, adventure junkies, and skiers alike! Further, when it comes to skiing, Gulmarg in Kashmir ranks top in India.

Skiing is not too hard to learn. That being said, before you touch the snow with your ski-hooked legs, you require ski clothing, which includes body wear and ski or snowboard accessories.

You should book a Gulmarg beginner ski package beforehand to make sure you have a smooth first-time experience skiing in Kashmir. These packages include a private instructor and all the basic ski or snowboard equipment. You can also rent ski clothing and gear before you arrive at Gulmarg.

Proper gears and good quality ski or snowboard equipment like anti-fog goggles, ski jackets, helmets, etc., can save you from injuries and make your whole adventure more pleasant.

Without further ado, let's see what 12 essential ski equipment you need to go skiing in Gulmarg!

List of Required Ski or snowboard Clothing and Gears

Like all snow sports equipment, you must keep a few things in mind before choosing ski or snowboard clothing and accessories. Watch out for the warmth and durability of the clothing or equipment you choose - especially if you're going to buy it once and for all.

Before we go into the nitty-gritty, here's a table of items showing whether they can be rented in Gulmarg or not:

1. Skis

There are many types of skis, a powder ski being wider for more floatability. Others include freeriding skis, all-mountain (rocker) skis, backcountry skis, and carver skis. You should go for a carving ski if you're a beginner.

When choosing a ski, remember to look for the length, dimensions, turn radius, bindings and manoeuvrability. Bindings are bought separately.

Skis are included in the gear rental as part of any of our Gulmarg skiing beginner packages. You can buy skis online too, and bring them with you.

2. Helmet

Some people don't feel the need for helmets at all. This is not a mandatory piece of gear; however, they can protect your head from serious injuries. They are available for rent in Gulmarg Ski resort, so you don't have to buy one right away. Wear a warm hat or beanie if you're not going to use helmets or with the helmet.

3. Goggles

Goggles are made to protect your vision and eyes from harmful UV rays. The weather in the mountains can quickly change, and the sun is treacherous at times. A goggle will protect you from harmful sun rays, wind, and snow.

There are many factors to consider while buying ski goggles, such as lenses, comfort, and breathability. Make sure you choose your goggles as per your preferences to have the best skiing experience in Gulmarg. Pink lenses are best when the weather is somewhat cloudy, clear lenses on very cloudy days, and darker lenses work best on sunny days.

4. Gloves or mittens

Whether you're a first-time skier or an advanced one, gloves or mittens are a necessary piece of ski clothing. You don't want to freeze your fingers from the mountain winds. There are varieties of gloves available in the market, and you can buy ski gloves or mittens that fit your needs or preferences, but it's always a good idea to invest in a good-quality glove or mittens.

5. Poles

Ski poles are no different than trekking poles — they are used to maintain balance, support, and accuracy while skiing. It can help you from falling and getting injured.

Ski poles come in various designs made up of multiple substances. Generally, they're built from aluminium, glass fibre, carbon fibre or a combination of all three. You can easily buy ski poles online on Decathlon.

Poles are included in the gear rental as part of any of our Gulmarg skiing beginner packages.

6. Ski / snowboard boots, winter boots (or Gumboots)

Whether you're a beginner skier / snowboarder or a more professional one, boots might be the most essential piece of ski / snowboard equipment you can take to Gulmarg. You might find winter boots, Gumboots, and ski boots interchangeably used in Gulmarg Ski resort but know that they're different.

Winter boots, Gumboots are generally made of rubber, hence also called rubber boots. You'll need these boots if you're planning to stroll in the snow and explore the views.

You can buy ski boots in India at various designs and prices. It's available for adults as well as kids.

Boots are included in the gear rental as part of any of our Gulmarg skiing beginner packages.

Simple winter boots, gumboots can be rented in Gulmarg at many stores in the market.

7. Thermals (Base Layer)

Thermals are the piece of clothing that is worn first on your body. Their main aim is to keep you dry and warm. They usually have tops and pants for the upper and lower parts of the body, but you can also buy them in one piece.

The biggest concern you need to have for thermals is that they fit nicely on your body. As they can cause discomfort, uneasiness and frustration otherwise. We recommend not wearing cotton as a first layer. Wool or synthetic fabric are best. You can easily buy ski thermals in India for men and women online.

8. Jacket or Coat

A ski jacket or coat will provide you with insulation and keep the icy weather of Gulmarg at bay. Whether you're a beginner skier or a regular one, a jacket is another ski clothing you can't do without to enjoy skiing in Gulmarg ski resort. Jackets protect your upper body and come in various styles and features - waterproof, taped steam, etc.

You can buy them online at Decathlon India — for both men and women.

9. Pants

Ski pants, as you can guess, protect your lower body. They're made of insulated waterproof materials, designed to keep you warm and dry in the freezing cold. Waterproofing, pockets, venting, and warmth are some of the key features to look for while buying ski pants. You can order them online, available for both men and women.

Make sure you pack your ski pants along with other ski clothing and equipment because winter isn't going to be easy on you!

10. Neck Warmers

Okay, probably not the most sought after ski clothing for Indians, but when you're coming to Gulmarg, we'd advise buying a neck warmer. They can be a simple scarf or a balaclava, but they're going to protect you from chilly winds while you ski on the silky snow!

Winds can quickly get into your jackets and thermals from your neck and may leave you feeling cold. However, if you're sure you are ready to ski without a neck warmer, don't blame us for anything later ;)

11. Socks

A good pair of ski boots should be complemented with a good pair of ski socks. They are not a necessary piece of ski clothing, and you can wear regular woollen socks for skiing in Gulmarg. However, ski socks will make your skiing experience far better since they're designed for this specific purpose. Ski socks keep your feet dry and warm while providing cushioning and comfort. If you're planning to ski Gulmarg for the years to come, you should buy a good pair of ski socks for your Kashmir ski holiday.

12. Sunscreen

Winters are dry in Gulmarg, and on top of that, the sun is bright. You're likely to develop lips crack, dry skin and soak harmful UV rays unless you invest in sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.

It is necessary when skiing Gulmarg.

You can read more ski equipment FAQs on Skigulmarg — the most complete website about Gulmarg Ski Resort.

Whether you're a skier or not, you can learn to ski in Gulmarg and start having fun in a matter of days. So, pack your bags for your skiing expeditions in Gulmarg because winter is coming, and we can't wait to meet you here!

Photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash

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