With the increasing popularity of winter sports, there are plenty of destinations offering skiing in India, along with snow boarding and trekking. Come winter and the picturesque Himalayas turn into a white wonderland. Carpeted in layers of fresh snow, they have some of the highest ski slopes in the world. Equipped with good accommodation, training centres and instructors, these ski towns in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand Kashmir are ideal for an adventurous getaway. From the magnificent high-altitude snowy landscapes of Gulmarg to the more gentle slopes around Narkanda and Solang Valley, there are a range of options to choose from.
Kufri
If you're visiting Kufri during the winter,
it's the best time for a spot of skiing. For beginners, there are several
gentle slopes to ease into things, while the pros can flaunt their skills down
the slope from Mahasu. The government offers a number of ski courses ranging
from a day to several days—ski equipment is available for hire as well—where
experienced instructors teach you the ropes. A relatively new winter sport,
tobogganing has recently gained popularity in Kufri, and is a favourite with
tourists who want to enjoy sliding down the slopes without too much skill.
Solang
Valley
Around 13 kilometres away from Manali, this
pretty valley is a popular spot for adventure sports, especially skiing.
Situated between Solang village and Beas Kund, it offers panoramic views of the
surrounding snow-capped mountains and glaciers. In summer, it has facilities
for paragliding, zorbing, mountain biking and horse riding. In winter,
especially between January and March, it is used for skiing, snowboarding and
sledging. It also hosts a winter skiing festival. The Directorate of
Mountaineering & Allied Sports in Manali also organises basic, advance and
intermediate level courses in skiing. For the less-adventurous, there are also
plenty of walking trails all around.
Gulmarg
If you're looking for a destination
which is as breathtakingly beautiful as it is adventurous, then look no further
than Kashmir. The Kashmir valley is
considered heaven on earth, and when it's blanketed in snow, it exudes a charm
few other places do. The tiny and isolated hill village of Gulmarg is situated
at the western extremity of the Himalayas in a subsidiary range called the Pir
Panjals. Lying about 50 kilometres from Srinagar, it can be easily
accessed by tourist buses, taxis and even by air. Owing to its location,
Gulmarg gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in the Himalayas and has earned the
distinction of being the best ski resort in the country. So
once you've feasted your eyes on all the beauty, immerse yourself in some
activity by hitting the slopes. Catering to both beginners and pros, skiing
here can be one of the most powerful experiences. For the more mild adventure enthusiasts,
there's the option of sledging, cable-car rides and snowboarding. Ski season
starts mid December and lasts till the beginning of April. As for accommodation,
there are various options. From state-owned huts and cottages, and beautifully
appointed mid-range hotels for luxury accommodation there's something to suit
every budget. Crossworld
Holiadys also help you in Hotel Booking for Gulmarg.
In
addition, Gulmarg offers several other sites of interest for tourists. It has
the highest golf course in the world, the frozen Alpine lake of Alpather, the Baba Reshi shrine and the
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserves.
Auli
A twelve-hour-long drive from Delhi, Auli
is the closer and more affordable alternative to skiing in Gulmarg. Plan your
trip between December and March, to catch the snow, and get in some ski time.
For beginners looking to get a crash course, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam
(GMVN) offers several programmes, and also rents out all the necessary gear and
equipment. There’s a 500-metre-mong ski-lift between the upper and lower slopes,
and a superb, 20-km-long slope which is a treat for veterans. The days are
usually nice and sunny, but the evenings get chilly, so pack heavy, and don’t
forget to slather on a strong sunblock.
Narkanda
Perched at a height of 2708 m on NH-22, Narkanda
is famous for its apple orchards as well as its skiing. The best season for
skiing is between January and mid-March, when Narkanda is carpeted with thick
snowfall. Situated only 65 km from Shimla, it is a quick and convenient winter
getaway from Delhi and a popular skiing hotspot. The slopes around the hill
station offer beautiful views of snow-covered forests and mountains. The main
skiing area is in Dhumri, whose gentle slopes are ideal for beginners. Most hotels
run by HPTDC along with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering
and Allied Sports offers courses in skiing with qualified instructors, along
with rental equipment.
