Great ski backpack

Go to a store and see what fits. Sounds like you want < 30L. I prefer top loading packs, but the zippered ones have lots of nifty pockets... Just go to REI and see what they have.

It sounds like you want something along the lines of the dakine pro II or REI fall line 30. having used both of these packs i can tell you that they work great. In my experience dakine packs have lasted longer than my rei ones have. as stated above it sounds like you want something between 25 and 30 liters. I recommend bringing all of the stuff you plan on carrying with the pack to a store and packing to make sure you can comfortably fit everything with good weight distribution. I prefer zipper packs to top lading packs, and would recomend a pack with a back access zipper so you can still get to your gear without taking your skis off the pack. This is incredibly useful if for example you need to shed a layer while climbing.

I hope that helped and have fun in Kashmir, I have always wanted to ski there.

I have a Dakine Heli Pro II. It fits all the specs you just asked for. I personally love it, does everything I want it to.

Not sure if they make it anymore, but I have the Osprey Switch 26 and love it for day trips as long as you don't have too shed/store too many layers. Try to find it used maybe?

I have the Eddie Bauer Alchemist 30 and it is a great backpack to ski with in my opninion. It has enough room for everything you would need, but isn't too big.

The heli pro is a classic for a reason. Fits my shovel even with a massive (booter building) blade. Lots of options for ways to carry skis, hydration pack compatable if you use one. The main compartment is big enough for lunch, a probe, a layer of clothing and a bit more.

I use it in the summer too because the goggle pocket is perfect for sunglasses in a hard case and there is a water bottle pocket on the side.

great pack, I love mine!

I got a black diamond covert pack as a gift, easily one of the best packs I have every used. During the winter it fits my shovel, probe, extra clothing, food, I could easily fit a camera in there, it is great for carrying skis once you figure it out. It also has space for an avalung if you ever decide on investing on one. Like AkiJoy said around 30L would be a good side, maybe a bit big but you can always stuff in an extra shirt or sweater just incase your stuff gets we to keep the bag from flopping around. It's also very durable, I have used it in the summer for hiking day trips, some scrambling, a bit of free climbing with the pack on along with some spelunking. It has been dragged through tiny caverns, over sharp rocks and even dropped off cliffs (by accident) and there are no tears in it. I have managed to crack the front buckle but it still works fine.