Ski Touring and Splitboarding in Himalayas

  Stay ahead of your next ski-touring adventure with this comprehensive weekly outlook. From North America’s bomb cyclone to Europe’s Alpine snowstorms, find out where to find the best powder and plan your trip accordingly. Summary Table Region Snowfall* Timing Pattern / Flow Key Notes North America    (US + Canada) ~20–60 cm (up to 60 cm in Atlantic Canada) Nor’easter  Tue–Wed (East Coast) •  Snow peaks  Thu–Fri (Rockies & West) •  Blizzard conditions  Sat–Sun Rapidly deepening Nor’easter meets Arctic air • High-pressure ridge west; deep trough east • NW flow behind low-pressure fronts Early-season storms have dropped 30–90 cm in the Rockies and Canada; Atlantic Canada may see up to 2 ft of snow • Avalanche bulletins warn of wind slabs despite stable storm snow • Cold air spreading across central/eastern Canada and the US Europe (Alps)         ~10–40 cm (locally >50 cm) Light snow Wed–Thu • Heavy snow Sat–Su...

A 20-Year Case Study (2004–2024) Introduction Western Himalayan snowfall is primarily delivered by western disturbances (WDs) —moist low-pressure systems originating in the Mediterranean that track eastward into the Indian subcontinent. Their frequency and intensity are strongly shaped by large-scale climate modes such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) . ENSO phases alter the subtropical jet stream and moisture transport, while IOD phases modulate precipitation patterns in the Indian Ocean basin. Climate change adds further complexity by warming the atmosphere and reducing long-term snowpack. This case study analyses notable winters from 2004 to 2024 , correlating ENSO and IOD phases with snowfall outcomes using scientific papers, satellite datasets, and climate reporting. How ENSO and IOD influence Western Himalayan snowfall La Niña and western disturbances La Niña episodes are often associated with strengthening of the subtropical jet , whi...

Introduction As ski-tourers and split-boarders exploring the high passes of the western Himalaya, understanding why snow comes when it does is just as important as planning routes or waxing skins. Snowfall in the Himalaya depends on a delicate interplay of local weather systems and distant ocean–atmosphere cycles. One of the most talked-about drivers is La Niña —the cool phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). But La Niña’s effect on Himalayan snow is far from straightforward; depending on surrounding climate patterns, it can mean deep powder, intense cold, or surprisingly little snow. This article lays out the science behind La Niña, western disturbances, and the major teleconnections shaping Himalayan snowfall, drawing on recent research, journal studies, and meteorological insights. What is La Niña? La Niña is defined by colder-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The World Meteorological Organization describes it as a coup...

  Global Ski-Weather Summary: Current Conditions & Outlook for Next Week North America (US & Canada) Current Conditions: The Great Lakes region is seeing substantial snowfall from lake-effect storms, with totals around 60–90 cm in parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. Western Canada recently received 40–60 cm of new snow on a rain crust, creating moderate avalanche danger. In the Rockies, several resorts reported up to 90 cm over the past week. Next Week Outlook: A strong storm continues to influence the Great Lakes through mid-week, followed by another system late week that may bring additional snow. The Rockies remain cooler with light-to-moderate snow mid-week and a stronger front possibly arriving near the weekend, bringing heavier snow and gusty winds. Avalanche risk persists, especially in areas with wind slabs on weak layers. Europe (Alps) Current Conditions: Light snow showers produced a few centimeters mid-week across Austria, France, Ital...

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...