Time To Celebrate The Snow: Check Out These 7 Ski Destinations In India

Skiing at Auli (500 km from Delhi and 250 km from Rishikesh), the Switzerland of the East, can be a superlative experience as its pristine white slopes are considered the world’s best for cross-country, slalom and downhill skiing. Plus there are world-class facilities all around – right from snow beaters and snow-packing machines to snow dredgers and snow guns for creating artificial snow. The place has a gondola as well, connecting it to downhill Joshimath some 16 km away, and two world-class ski lifts that connect the lower slopes to the top. The Joshimath-Auli cable car is the second highest ropeway in Asia at 3,030m and the longest zig-zag one in the continent, spanning 4.15 km. There are four ski slopes out here but the key attraction is a 3 km long track with an elevation of 500m. The imposing coniferous and oak forests help cut down wind velocity and the panoramic views of the stately mountain peaks always soothe the senses. Auli will soon be the coolest hub for heli-skiing and heli-boarding – so all ski lovers, do watch out!

Altitude info: 2,520m-3,049m

Slopes: 7 km

Ski lifts: 3

Best time to visit: December-end-March

Image: Wikipedia

Another picturesque ski destination near Uttarkashi and perched at 3,048m. This high altitude meadow (that’s what bugyal means in local language) can be reached from Bhatwari on Uttarkashi-Gangotri road (around 28 km from Uttarkashi), but one needs to trek the last 6-8 km to reach Dayara. There are some magnificent ski slopes here, ranging from moderate to difficult, and sprawled across an area of 28 sq km. The stunning views of the Himalayas, the snow-filled alpine meadow and the panoramic foothills also add to the pristine charm of this ski hub.

Altitude info: 3,300m-4,000m

Slopes: 28 km

Best time to visit: December-March

Other noted ski areas in Uttarakhand: Mundali near Chakrata; Munsyari in Pithoragarh; Kush Kalyan and Kedar Kantha in Uttarkashi; Panwali and Matya in Tehri Garhwal, and Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli.

Image: Wikipedia

If you are travelling to Manali, you gonna ski at Solang Valley, about 14 km from the hill resort. It is the hub of all sorts of adventure sports and boasts some giant ski slopes, as well as a state-of-the-art gondola that rises to a height of 500m. The ropeway ride to Mount Phatru at 3,200m is an unforgettable experience while the majestic view of the snow-capped mountains, stately conifer forests, emerald green meadows and a meandering river will keep one spellbound. Best months for skiing in Solang are January-February, but skiing can be done in Gulaba, Marhi and Rohtang between March and June. Solang is 60 km away from Kullu airport and around 565 km from Delhi. It acts as a gateway to the Ladakh valley, another perfect destination for a date with the snow. Heli-skiing in Himachal has become equally popular, available in a compact area surrounded by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass. A sortie of 10 minutes can take you to the top of a 14,000 ft slope.

Altitude info: 2,560m-3,200m

Slopes: 28 km

Best time to visit: January-February

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Lying at 2,708m on the Hindustan-Tibet Road (NH 22), Narkanda is just 65 km from Shimla and the famous gateway to the apple country. Skiing started here back in 1980 and you will be spoilt for choice of slopes – be it a beginner’s run, slalom slopes or sharper, steeper descents preferred by experienced skiers. The quaint and serene hamlet offers the unique view of the eternal snow line and dense forests. And it has a record of gathering 6 ft of snow in winters – a fact that gladdens every skier’s heart. In fact, the Dhomri slope in Narkanda is already under 2 ft of snow this year and attracting loads of ski enthusiasts.

Skiing in Kufri (13 km from Shimla) at 2,743m is at its best during December-February and skiers often take a trip from the snowy fields of Kufri to Narkanda in search of thrill and variety. The road trip via Fagu is 45 km although it’s not exactly a smooth ride. But even the slopes of Kufri offer no mean challenge – once again you will find here a beginner’s track, a slalom run and an advanced slope. Experience skiers also visit Mahasu in upper Shimla to try out more difficult runs.

Best time to visit: December-March

Image: www.abouthimachal.com

Although Ladakh is the paradise for adventure freaks, skiing took off in Zanskar (a part of Ladakh) as a necessity. Zanskar is a remote area in the north-west Himalayas, sprawled across three large, wide valleys carved out by glaciers. With a valley elevation of over 3,500m, this remote region is mostly cut off by snow and mercury often dips to -20° to -30° Celsius in the winters. However, in January 1995, four geology students from the UK skied into the area on a research expedition and skiing took off here as the major means of communication and transportation. Today, heli-skiing is the key winter sport in Ladakh Himalayas, known for its glaciers and the snow-capped peaks of the Zanskar Range and the Tsomoriri Range. The heavy snow cover throughout the winter makes it an ideal location for daring skiers. So view the fabulous sites from the chopper; choose your terrain (most of them are not ideal for the novice) and drop down at about 5,181m before you start your exhilarating non-piste run.

Best time to visit: Throughout the winter.

Image: Wikipedia

The Eastern Himalayas boast some equally charming and challenging ski runs and this time, our focus is North Sikkim. Make a trip to Phuni Valley, some 18 km from the town of Lachung and located at a height of 3,505m. The vast slopes, great quality of white powder and the beautiful landscape all around make it ideal for snow babies longing for a run. However, skiing in the heart of the eastern range is a relatively new concept and everything, of course, depends on the snow.

Best time to visit: January-March

Image: Wikipedia