Trekking in snow can be extremely thrilling. Yet, one wrong foot can send you tumbling down several feet. It’s important to know how to walk in snow, whether you’re trekking in peak summer or winter. There are different snow conditions you may be dealing with, and different weather circumstances. 

And that’s why, from using the right gear, to packing enough layers - it is important to understand the nooks and crannies of trekking in snow. 

In this article, you’ll read about the different types of snow, necessary gear to carry, methods of trekking in snow, and of course, how to keep yourself safe. Don’t forget to look out for the advanced tips from trekkers! 

Stay out too long in the snow and you will get wet. Protect yourself with ponchos or rain jackets. 

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together." - Vista M. Kelly. 

First, understand the different types of snow 

If there’s a snowfall when you arrive at the mountains, you know that it’s good. No scratches or scrapes for a while. Then you hear someone talking about crud snow. But what does that mean? Isn't all snow just the same? 

Once you learn more about snow trekking, you realize that not all snows are of the same type. Then you begin to wonder - how do you trek on different types of snow? What techniques are you supposed to use?

To begin with, let’s understand the two primary types of snow you will encounter during your trek, and how to tackle them.

A frozen water system at Indiahikes campsite. 

The two main types are fresh and hard-packed snow. 

Fresh snow, as the name suggests, is newly fallen, cold, dry, and has not been compacted. Sometimes, when the snow is fresh, you sink in all the way to your knees or calf. Lifting your leg from the deep snow to take a step every time can get tricky, to say the least. So, you might have to create a path by plowing through it. 


Hard snow, on the other hand, is the product of snow accumulating and becoming firmly packed due to the cold climate. On hard snow, you might need to learn some specialized skills. As the snow hardens, your shoes must find a grip on the hard surface that can help you move in balance. We will cover more about this in the next section.

Other varieties of snow also exist depending on multiple factors such as the altitude and temperature. When the heat or wind melts the upper layer of snow powder, cold air temperature may soon follow, thereby creating a crust. Crust snow has a hard surface on top of powder snow. But what is powder snow? It is quite easy to spot: powder is fresh, untouched, and feels soft. They appear in the form of tiny flakes that create a smooth surface on the mountains. 

Imagine a lot of trekkers walking on powder snow. The snow will eventually get piled up at certain spots and become hollow at the other points: this is a type of snow called crud. The snow goes through a lot of phases too. So when the temperature becomes slightly warmer than the freezing point, the crud snow starts melting. You will see the snow crystals slowly become large packs of ice: this is when a slush forms. 

Can you guess the next phase of snow? It’s ice! Although you will rarely come across real ice on the slopes, the ice you find is usually due to the change in temperature. The ice you see occurs when the snow melts and freezes over and over again. When that happens, a hard surface of snow forms which we refer to as “ice”. 

Since there are many different forms of snow, you should also be aware of what type of gear to use and when!

A trekker traversing a steep snow section with the help of microspikes.

We notice several trekkers making a mistake here. They treat all kinds of snow similarly, often using the wrong gear in the wrong kind of snow. For instance, very often we see trekkers using microspikes in very fresh snow, which doesn’t create any extra traction. 

Keep reading to find out how to plan your gear. 

1) Microspikes: For hard-packed snow, it is advisable to use microspikes. While your normal trekking shoes stop providing traction in ice, microspikes give you Spiderman-like grip in snow. 

2) Trekking poles: Using trekking poles gives you extra support and balance. It is so very effective to propel yourself forward when you are stuck or feeling tired. Make sure your trekking poles have their baskets on, to keep them from sinking into snow. 

3) Gaiters: When you climb on fresh or semi-fresh snow, you will find that a lot of snow enters  your shoes from the top. This is a worst nightmare for a trekker. Snow starts entering your shoes, making your feet cold, wet and numb. Even worse, it never dries for the rest of the trek. Wearing gaiters creates a seal around your shoes, and will keep the snow from entering in. 

4) Gloves and mittens: Trekking on snow can be very fun, but the chances of tripping are high. Although it is fun to fall on snow and feel the fluffiness, you don’t want your hands to meet the cold surface. On hard snow, you might even end up scraping yourself. To avoid all of this, always carry extra gloves. 

5) Crampon: While trekking on snow, you may sometimes have to cross glaciers, snowfields or icefields. Crampon is a device that you attach to your boots. It gives you incredible traction in these snow conditions, and improves your mobility during the climb. 

6) Sunglasses: During your trek, if you notice the sun shining, immediately wear your sunglasses. The reflection of sunlight on bright white snow can damage the eyes and cause snow blindness. Ensure to wear sunglasses with UV protection to protect your eyes.

Sunglasses on snow become indispensable. Pro-Tip: People with glasses often use clips or magnets for sunglasses atop their regular eyewear.

What are the different methods of trekking in the snow?

Similar to choosing gears, there are different methods of trekking based on the type of snow. Sometimes, you may also have to choose a combination of methods to reduce risks and increase the level of effective trekking. 

1) Kicking steps: In fresh snow, you will need to use your trekking shoes to kick with your toe box and create small dents in the snow. With every step, you’re creating a small, flat resting spot for your foot. However, when the snow gets too thick or if it is too difficult to kick steps, you can use a crampon.

2) Stomping steps: When the snowpack are much wetter, you may need to stomp on them to climb comfortably. Here’s how you do it: stomp the sole of your feet on the snow to support your weight or use a combination of this and kicking steps. 

3) The French technique: If you are planning to follow this, be assured that it is an invaluable technique to climb big mountains. In essence, French technique means you have to keep your crampon flat on the snow surface, instead of kicking your toe area into the ice. You need to place your foot flat and make sure that all points of the crampons are in contact with the ice. (Keep in mind, do not use this technique when the slope is too steep). 

Trekkers using ropes and microspikes to traverse a difficult section

Although we covered the logistic areas like types and gears, the most important thing to keep in your mind is safety. While ascending, the biggest challenge you will face on fresh snow is your footing. Here is a classic tip to tackle the situation: cut through the fresh snow using ice axes to move freely. Cutting through the snow will also help you stay in balance — a key factor!

On the other hand, when you descend the slope, the snow might become slippery. To avoid any risks, we provide microspikes to trekkers to ensure that everyone has a good grip. 

Slippery snow also means that you can slip or slide down the snow. To avoid this, do not hesitate to use your full body. It is quite common when trekkers feel embarrassed to get on all their fours to slide down. But really, it is the best way to minimize risks and use our body to the fullest potential. 

On a snow-filled trek, only your two legs aren't enough. Trekkers seen helping each other. 

And lastly, here are some advanced tips for trekking in snow! 

1) Snow in the mountains can wipe out everything sometimes. Yes - including the trekking trails. It might become too hard if you lose sight of the trails, so always stick with the team and follow the path of the trekker who is in front of you. But what if you are a solo trekker? Well, we have answers for that too. 

2) When it comes to solo or DIY treks, a smart idea would be to book your trekking slots cautiously: either before, during, or after Indiahikes treks. We recommend this because if Indiahikes is trekking on similar dates, you can immediately reach out to them if you face any difficulties during your trek. 

3) Here are some simple but effective ideas to stay warm throughout the trek. Keep sipping warm water at regular intervals, and place the bottle inside your sleeping bags. You can even keep them near your feet. Your body will stay warm due to the lukewarm water. Remember the classic tip? - it is always easier to stay warm than to get warm! 

4) Here’s a great tip from one of our trek leaders: work hard on your leg muscles. Winter trekking might be just a little harder than what you experience on summer treks. Your primary balance and weight will be on your legs and you really need to strengthen them up! So, other than ensuring that you have the basic fitness, try to focus more on those leg muscles too. 

Trekking in winter is a great experience! You will do great if you learn how to trek in snow and if you keep the advanced tips in mind. 

Let us know in the comments section if you have any questions (or more tips to add), and we’ll be happy to answer you. Happy trekking! 

Article on how to trek expertly in snow. Includes topics such as different types of snow, essential gears to use in snow trekking, safety in snow, and advanced tips to trek comfortably in snow

How To Trek Expertly In Snow (Includes Advanced Tips)

Trek in snow, types of snow, essential gear, trekking methods, safety on snow

Every summer, when high altitude treks open up (above 13,000 ft), within a couple of weeks, there are reports of mishaps, evacuations, even deaths. It worries us to see so many of these incidents that were avoidable happening because of ignorance or slow action.

In this article, we share 5 steps that every trekker can follow to stay safe, no matter with whom and where they are trekking.

5 Precautionary Steps To Ensure A Safe Trek

Which organisation are you going with? What is their experience in the mountains? How credible are they? What are your fellow trekkers saying about them? Who are their Trek Leaders? What knowledge do their Trek Leaders have? What equipment are they carrying for your safety? Does their itinerary give you enough acclimatisation? How will they take care of you in emergency situations?

These are all important questions to ask before you choose an organisation.

I often come across talks of “Go with a local guide, they know better.” And I always want to tell these people to stop being foolish.

Please do not assume that guides from around the area are the best to trek with. While they may know mountain routes, most of them are not trained to tackle medical or weather emergencies. We say this from harrowing experiences in the past, where locals have approached our Trek Leaders for last-minute emergency aid, where their trekkers were in near-death situations.

To stay safe, choose to trek with organisations and Trek Leaders who are well-trained and seasoned in the mountains. If the situation arises, they must be able to save your life.

2. Completing a trek ‘at any cost’ is foolish

This is a sensitive topic, but last year, many organisations ran the Buran Ghati and Rupin Pass treks in slightly before the main season, while Indiahikes started in time.

Many trekkers wrote back to us later, pointing and smug that they completed the trek with other organisations.

I want to tell you honestly, it is not impossible to complete a trek. Frankly, any trek can be accomplished at any time of the year! We’ve seen people pulling off a trek like Pangarchulla in winter. But at what cost? Risk an avalanche? A rockfall? Risk soft snow? Or take double the time required to cross a pass at 15,000 ft because of waist-deep snow? Risk notorious post-noon weather in the mountains?

In the mountains, there is a certain risk involved during any season. But what is the extent of risk you want to take? That’s your decision to make.

At Indiahikes, we always choose to start a season when it is the right time to do so. We err on the side of caution because we strongly believe that completing a trek at any cost is foolish. The trek is always going to be there. But putting your life at risk for the sake of the trek is not wise. Your life is worth much more than a trek.

From how we see it, there are four levels of fitness when you’re on a trek.

Level 0 is not preparing for a trek at all. It’s appalling but it is true that there are umpteen trekkers who go to the mountains with zero preparation. Since we at Indiahikes are extremely strict about fitness, we don’t see too many in this category. But in the mountains, there is a discernible difference between our trekkers and others, especially when others are at Level 0. 

Level 1 is being just about fit to manage to complete the trek. You struggle quite a bit. Though you make it to the top, it is with difficulty (from our experience 10% of our trekkers achieve this fitness level).

Level 2 is being fit enough to enjoy your trek. You don’t feel exertion or the need to pay attention to your body. You have enough time to absorb the surroundings and make conversations while trekking (around 60% of our trekkers achieve this).

Level 3 is when you are fit enough to comfortably face bad weather conditions, and trek that extra mile through snow and rain. Most trekkers who achieve this level of fitness are stoic about any circumstances thrown at them (bad weather, extra miles to walk, deviation in the trail), they accept it and embrace it (very few trekkers achieve this level of fitness).

I notice that if trekkers are going on tough treks like Kedartal, Rupin Pass, Warwan Valley, they do try and reach Level 3. But most others who are going on easy-moderate treks reach just Level 1 or 2.

But I must tell you, emergencies can occur even on the easiest treks. There have been several times when trekkers have had to be evacuated from easier treks like Brahmatal and Kedarkantha with bad weather conditions.

So no matter what trek you choose, target to be at the peak of your fitness. Aim at Level 3. That way, you’ll at least hit Level 2.

4. Check what safety equipment you’re trekking with

In the mountains, we notice that many organisations don’t have basic equipment — micro spikes to walk in snow / ice, ropes to secure dangerous traverses, oxygen cylinders for medical emergencies, or even stretchers for evacuation. 

Many a time, they hop over to our campsites to borrow stretchers and oxygen cylinders.

But these are all basic things that must be in place, especially if you’re trekking above 11,000 – 12,000 ft. We have a comprehensive list of all the equipment we carry on a trek in this video. Take a look.

5. Trekking is not a service — YOU play a major role in your trek

Many trekkers leave the management of a trek completely to the organisation or guide they are going with.

Ask yourself how much you know of the trek before you decided to choose it. Where is it located? What is the trail like? Have you studied the GPX file? How high does it climb? Where are the camps? What are the risks of climbing that high? How can you help yourself if you’re hit by AMS? Do you have the required medicines? Which is the closest road head on the trek if you need to evacuate yourself or someone?

Of course, you cannot know everything but put in effort to learn the basics. That alone will take you a long way in keeping yourself safe on a trek.

My only advice to you at the end of this post, is that you take responsibility of your trek. Don’t leave it to the organisation or the guide. If you’re trekking on your own, that’s wonderful too. But exercise precaution. 

If you’re ever stuck in bad conditions on a trek, I hope you’re the one reaching out to help others and not the one in need of help.

If you have any other observations from these events, drop in your thoughts in the comments below.

We share 5 life-saving steps that every trekker must take before they choose a Himalayan trek, no matter whom they are trekking with or when.

5 Precautionary Steps You MUST Take Before Choosing a Trek for the Summer

On a trek you need to manage with minimum resources. This can be challenging. But the lesser you carry, the easier it is for you to trek. Here are some things you shouldn’t have in your backpack.

When emptied, your backpack should look more like a survival kit. Make-up, shaving kit, matching caps and scarves are a big no. You don’t need to be fashionable on a high altitude trek.

Don’t carry excessive medicines and toiletries

If you are trekking with your family or friends, ration your resources. For instance, carry a single bottle of sunscreen for all. This is more than sufficient for a 6-8 day trek. You don’t need to carry medical kits separately for each person either. One medical kit with the necessary medicines will suffice.

Avoid too many products with the same use

Carry a tube of face wash that can double up as a hand wash.

Leave anything you won’t need on the trek behind

Unwanted extras like the clothes you’ve taken for your post-trek travel need to be left in hotel lockers. These can wait till you are back from the trek.

Some trekkers tend to carry a lot of packaged food like snack bars. If you are travelling with Indiahikes you will be provided with meals and snacks. If you wish to carry food, carry a few nuts and dry fruits. Nothing more.

Carry DSLRs, battery back ups and tripods only if you are into photography.  To be in the mountains is a break from constantly buzzing electronics. Carrying i-pads and speakers will kill that purpose and strain your back.

“If it rains I may need an extra set of clothes or if it snows I might need an extra jacket.” These situations have very little certainty. What is certain is the weight of your backpack. So stick to that weight limit. Ideally, your backpack must weigh only 8-9 kg.

They are bulky, eat too much space and take too long to dry. Carry one light towel instead.

You can avoid spare footwear altogether. But if you’re keen on it, carry the lightest pair. If you’re in a group, you can share the extra pair of slippers. Three-four can carry just one pair of slippers and manage with it.

Don’t overload yourself with water when not required

Carrying two 1 litre bottles is a must, but you don’t always have to fill them to the brim when there are water sources on the way.

On a high altitude trek, even a handkerchief can weigh you down. So think and pack wisely. 

Now that you know what to and what not to take on your trek, have them all laid out. For help with packing watch this video.

On a high altitude trek, even a handkerchief can weigh you down. More than knowing what to take, you need to know what NOT to take in your backpack.

What &#039;NOT&#039; To Take On Your Trek

Here’s a simple hack to pack your backpack. Roll up your tshirts, sweaters and jackets into Ranger Rolls so that they are compact and neat! They won’t open up and they’ll sit snug in any corner of your backpack! This is the military way of packing your backpack efficiently!

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