Are you a lover of snow? Is skiing an adventure sport that excites you to the core? When we talk about skiing in India, the rugged Himalayas have been tagged as the destination attracting adventure enthusiasts from around the world. The snow-kissed Himalayas have some of the most enthralling and blissfully challenging skiing slopes of the world, giving a perfect platform to an extreme skiing experience. In the recent years, India has emerged as a wonderful host for skiers and leaving no stone unturned in giving a distinct experience of skiing. Read further to get acquainted with the best skiing destinations in the country:
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Solang Valley, the name is quite famous when one talks about skiing in Manali. Solang Valley is situated just 12 km from Manali and has some of the finest skiing slopes in the country. Each and every year, during the winters, a winter skiing festival takes place at Solang Valley, where the participants from around the globe can be seen. Irrespective of you being a novice skier or a seasoned one, the place has something for everyone. One skiing institute is also set up in Solang to give the right lessons to the skiers. Make sure to visit the Solang Nala during the months from December to February as a thick layer of snow can be seen during this time.
- Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Pahalgam is a small mystic town situated in the famous Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a major destination for Kashmir skiing in the Western Himalayan region. The presence of the spectacular views from the slopes present here makes this destination a complete package for the skiers. The snow cover is thick in this region right from December until March and a number of skiing camps are organised for the ski lovers.
- Auli, Uttrakhand
The destination Auli in Uttrakhand provides a brilliant skiing experience owing to the great height that paves way for long descents. The altitude of 11,000 ft and the presence of vast and open space is sufficient to entice any ski fanatic. Auli is just 250 km from Rishikesh and offers skiing opportunities to professionals as well as beginners. The ski lovers can undertake a ski lift which is 500 m long and a chair lift which is 800 m long at Auli. One amazing thing about skiing in Auli is that one can enjoy the adventure irrespective of the weather. However, the ideal season starts from January and extends until April.
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- Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Gulmarg is celebrated as a reckoning skiing destination of the Himalayas, which is boosted by the presence of the untouched skiing slopes and a scenic location. For skiing in Gulmarg, there are two points here- Aparwahat which provides a descent of 800 m and Kongdori which offers a slope of 450 m. The professionals can enjoy the steep terrain at Aparwahat peak and for the beginners, the ideal would be Kongdori peak. Along with this, one can also enjoy Gulmarg Gandola ride which is the largest cable car project in Asia.
- Munsiyari, Uttranchal
The name of this destination itself speaks volumes about its connection with snow. The name, Munsiyari hints at ‘ a place filled with snow’. It is situated in Uttranchal at the Goriganga river’s bank. This is a growing destination for skiing sports and is capturing the likes of one and all. The location, Munsiyari also ushers the entrance for the Johar Valley.
- Dayara Bugyal, Uttrakhand
Dayara Bugyal is celebrated as one of the most visited and admired skiing destination in Uttarakhand. The region boasts an abundance of lush green slopes which are embellished with a number of alpine grasslands. One can view breathtaking slopes from this location. There is also the presence of a beautiful lake named Barnala Tal which draws the attraction of the skiers.
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- Lachung, Sikkim
Sikkim is one of the fantastic destination for trying the charm of skiing. The Yumthang Valley and Phuni Valley are the celebrated destinations for the skiing sports. Phuni is at a distance of 18 km from Lachung and has an altitude of about 11,500 ft.; giving some of the stunning views of the snow. The months from November till March are considered the best for trying skiing in Sikkim.
- Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
The region of Kufri in Himachal Pradesh receives the maximum footfall of skiers from all over the country. The maximum skiers visit this quaint region during the months starting from November till the month of February. The entire region is covered with snow during this season with green pines and deodars spotting the place and enhancing its beauty. The experience of enjoying the undulating slopes of Kufri during the winter months is totally exceptional.
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- Mundali, Uttarakhand
Mundali is an exotic skiing location situated in the Dehradun district of Uttrakhand. The region has a number of steep gradients to add to the fun of skiing at this location. The thick layer of the dense forest cover never deters the skiers from the skiing adventure. A ski training school is also present in this location for providing the necessary training and gears to the skiers. The place is tagged as the skiers’ paradise. The location receives skiers for the entire year.
- Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
The beautiful Kinnaur Valley is situated in Narkanda in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The place has a number of slopes that can cater to the desires and adventures of both the beginners and the pro skiers. With an altitude of 2708 m, the location offers some of the stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The place has a history in skiing and as per the historical data available, the skiing sport started in this location way back in 1980 and is still enjoyed with the same charm and enticement.
Winter is not very far now. It would be best to plan in advance your skiing tour to hone your skiing skills and at the same time indulge in some adrenaline rush. Our destination guide will surely help you in deciding on where to go this winter!
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