Viral Video: Two Women—One Indian, One Swiss—Snowboard in Sarees at Gulmarg, Take Internet by Storm

A breathtaking video of two women gliding down the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg in traditional sarees has gone viral, blending cultural elegance with adrenaline-fueled adventure. The video features Urmila Pable, a professional skateboarder from Mumbai, and Linda, a snowboarder from Switzerland.

The now-iconic clip, shared by both women on their Instagram accounts, shows them confidently navigating Gulmarg's powdery slopes while wearing vibrant sarees. Their flowing pallus trail behind them against the stark white snow, creating a visual spectacle that has captivated audiences across the internet .

The duo captioned their post with a playful twist: "Saree not sorry. Snowboarding edition" .

What makes this video particularly striking is the contrast—the traditional Indian garment, often considered restrictive, becomes a symbol of freedom and fearlessness as the women carve sharp turns, tackle small kickers, and power through fresh powder without missing a beat .

Meet the Women Behind the Viral Moment

Urmila Pable: The Indian Sensation

At just 22 years old, Urmila Pable's journey to viral fame is a story of resilience and determination .

Born in Navi Mumbai, Urmila's tryst with skating began at age five when she first learned roller skating. But tragedy struck early—when she was in the fifth grade, her father passed away. Her mother single-handedly held the family together. To keep her sporting dreams alive, Urmila began working at just 17 .

Years later, she stepped back into a local skate park, and the childhood passion reignited. She didn't just return to skating—she excelled. Urmila went on to:

• Represent India at the World Skateboarding Championship

• Win a Silver Medal at the National Games

• Pivot to snowboarding and win a Bronze Medal at the Khelo India Winter Games in February 2025 

Her Gulmarg video came just weeks after her national medal, proving that her skills transcend surfaces—from Mumbai's concrete streets to Kashmir's frozen slopes.

Linda: The Swiss Partner

Linda, the Swiss snowboarder featured alongside Urmila, brought her expertise in winter sports to the collaboration. While less is publicly documented about her background, her presence in the video highlights something significant: the universal appeal of breaking stereotypes .

A Swiss woman and an Indian woman, united by a shared love for adventure and a willingness to challenge convention, gliding down the Himalayas in sarees—it's a partnership that itself tells a story of cultural fusion and mutual empowerment.

Note: While some reports initially described the second rider as a "fellow professional rider" without naming her , later coverage confirmed her identity as Linda from Switzerland .

Why This Video Matters

Breaking Stereotypes on Multiple Fronts

The viral video operates on several levels of stereotype-defiance:

1. Age is No Barrier: Urmila's journey—starting work at 17 to support her family and still pursuing elite-level sports—shows that life circumstances need not define one's limits.

2. Attire is Not Restrictive: The saree has long been perceived as beautiful but impractical for athletic pursuits. These women proved that skill and confidence matter more than what you wear .

3. Women in Extreme Sports: Snowboarding and skateboarding remain male-dominated spaces in India. Urmila's achievements—from world championships to national medals—challenge that narrative.

4. Global Collaboration: The pairing of an Indian and a Swiss athlete demonstrates that the pursuit of joy and freedom transcends borders.

Social Media Reactions

Netizens were quick to celebrate the duo:

1. This is sooo cooool ahhhhh screaming
2. Queeeennnnssssss
3. Proof that you can conquer the mountains without losing a single pleat

One viewer aptly described them as "superwomen flying through the snow" .

Urmila's Inspiring Journey: From Loss to Glory

Urmila's story deserves to be told in full, as it encapsulates the spirit of resilience that the viral video represents :

• Age 5: Learns roller skating in Navi Mumbai

• Age 10 (5th grade): Loses her father; family faces hardship

• Age 17: Begins working to support her family while nurturing her sporting dreams

• Later years: Returns to skateboarding, discovers skate park culture

• Achievements: Represents India at World Skateboarding Championship; wins National Games Silver

• Feb 2025: Takes up snowboarding; wins Bronze at Khelo India Winter Games within weeks of starting

• March 2026: Viral Gulmarg video with Linda

Her story echoes what she proved on those slopes: sapno ki koi dress code nahi hoti—hausla ho toh saari mein bhi pahad jeete ja sakte hain (dreams have no dress code—with courage, you can conquer mountains even in a saree) .

The Bigger Picture: Women, Sports, and Mental Well-Being

How Adventure Sports Are Emerging as a Tool for Mental Well-Being

Urmila's story aligns with a growing recognition of how adventure sports can support mental well-being. As seen in the journey of another saree-skating icon, Oorbee Roy (Aunty Skates) from Toronto, skateboarding can be profoundly liberating:

"When I get on a skateboard, it is the most liberating feeling I've ever experienced, and whatever problems that I'm having in my life, they just go away" .

For Urmila, navigating grief and financial hardship, skating and snowboarding likely served a similar purpose—a space where challenges become manageable and the mind finds flow.

How Representation Is Changing the Narrative for Women in Sports

Oorbee Roy, who began skating at 43 and gained fame as "Aunty Skates," spoke about the importance of visibility:

"If I'm out there, as an Indian woman in my 40s skateboarding, that representation matters" .

Urmila, at 22, represents a different generation but carries the same message: Indian women belong in extreme sports, on world stages, and on viral videos that inspire millions.

How Physical Activity Acts as a Natural Therapy for Mental Health

The mental health benefits of activities like skateboarding and snowboarding are well-documented:

• Stress reduction: Physical activity releases endorphins, improving mood

• Flow state: The focus required creates a meditative escape from daily worries

• Resilience building: Falling and getting up builds mental toughness

• Community: Being part of a skating or snowboarding community provides social support 

What's Next for Urmila?

With her Khelo India Winter Games bronze and viral fame, Urmila is poised for greater recognition. She has already:

• Competed internationally in skateboarding

• Won national-level medals

• Transitioned successfully to snowboarding

• Captured the imagination of millions

Her journey from a 17-year-old working to support her family to a viral sensation and national medalist is a testament to the power of perseverance.

As she told The Better India in her own words: "Because dreams have no dress code—with courage, you can conquer mountains even in a saree" .

Join the Conversation

Have you seen the video? What does it mean to you to see women defying stereotypes—in sport, in attire, in life? Share your thoughts below.

*If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, support is available. Call Tele-MANAS at 14416 for free 24x7 counseling.*