Winter season in India is at its peak. It is snowing everywhere. This is a great time of the year for the skiing enthusiasts as they can enjoy the adventure of skiing on the snow-covered mountains of Indian Himalayas. If you are also a skiing lover, then in this blog we have brought you information about 11 best skiing destinations in India where you can enjoy the best of this adventure activity this winter season.
Here is the list of best skiing places in India, Himalayas where you can thoroughly enjoy this adventure activity.
- Manali in Himachal Pradesh
- Auli in Uttarakhand
- Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir
- Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir
- Kufri in Himachal Pradesh
- Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh
- Dayara Bugyal in Uttarakhand
- Mundali in Uttarakhand
- Munsiyari in Uttarakhand
- Phuni Valley in Sikkim
- Yumthang Valley in Sikkim
Check out: Popular Skiing Tourism Packages in India
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Just about 12kms from the doors of Manali is the exhilarating skiing destination called Solang Valley. Do not be fooled, because when they say that you can ski in Manali, they actually mean Solang Valley instead. Also known as Solang Nala, this place is pretty renowned for its fine ski slopes.
Each year, winter skiing festival is organized here with participants coming from different parts of the world. If you are an amateur skier or wish to get skilled at your new found interest, Solang Valley has Mountaineering and Allied Sports Institute set up here to help you with skiing lessons.
The best time to visit Manali/ Solang Valley would be between December and February, when the layers of snow thickens resulting in preparation of excellent skiing slopes.
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Auli, Uttarakhand
Welcome to the most preferred winter sports destination in India, Auli. It is one of best skiing destinations in the country and is situated in the lap of beautiful Uttarakhand. It is the most preferred skiing hub for the simple reason that it is a well-maintained, pristine retreat away from the confines of a bustling city life.
Auli has also got the honour of hosting the first SAF Winter Games in India in 2011 and ever since this place has gained immense recognition in the winter sports world. The skiing slopes here range from 2000m to 3000m with just the perfect amount of snow on them. There is also a 500m long ski-lift and 800m long chair-lift for the skiers to get to the top of the mountains. Like Solang Valley, Auli has a Skiing Institute that runs skiing classes.
The best time to visit Auli for skiing is obviously the winter months of December to February.
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Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Reckoned to be the top skiing destination in India, Gulmarg boasts scenic geographical location and its unparalleled skiing slopes. If you want to go skiing in Gulmarg, there are two points from where you can start this activity; one is Kongdori and the other is Aparwahat Peak. A naturally groomed 450m slope offers an exhilarating skiing experience to skiers at Kongdori, whereas from Apparwat ridge there is an 800m descend that apparently offers once in a lifetime experience.
The steep snow terrain is strictly for skilled or advanced skiers and for the beginners it is ideal to try skiing at Kongdori. Another attraction in Gulmarg is the Gondola or the cable car, which is Asia’s largest cable car project that has two main stops one at the Kongdori and the other at the Apparwat Peak. So, along with great skiing experience one has the opportunity to enjoy the Gulmarg Gondola ride.
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Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir
Skiing in Kashmir always has something special to it. Pahalgam is known as one of the prime places for an enjoyable skiing experience in Jammu and Kashmir. To be precise Aru is the place that we are talking about, which is situated at a short distance from Pahalgam.
Undoubtedly the place is breathtaking with surreal landscape and ample of serenity making Skiing in Pahalgam once in a lifetime experience. The Jawahar Institute of Mountaneering and Winter Sports offers skiing courses to amateurs. The best time to visit Pahalgam/Aru for skiing is between December and March.
Check out: Popular Skiing Tour Packages in Jammu & Kashmir
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Not so far away from Shimla, there is a venue for excellent skiing in Himachal Pradesh. During the winter season, this most beguiling tourist attraction becomes the haunt of skiers from all over the world. You can mostly find beginners or amateurs trying their hands at this exciting winter sport. Gentle slopes that are covered with layers and layers of snow make for some incredible skiing experience.
One can also try Tobogganing (sliding down the hill on a sledge) along with skiing in Kufri. The travel and tourism department of Himachal Pradesh organizes an annual winter sport festival here, which attracts a large number of tourists.
Check out: Best Places to Visit in Kufri Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Another great skiing destination also emerges from the lap of Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda, which is located about 65kms from Shimla is yet another brilliant place to enjoy skiing in India. There are different slopes for different levels of skiers; there are a few easy ones that allow beginners to perfect their skills.
While the advanced level skiers have the opportunity to challenge themselves on the steeper descents, the beginners can try a hand at skiing under the guidance of ski instructors HPTDC conducts many skiing courses in January in Narkanda and thus promotes this excellent winter sport.
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Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand
Well, Uttarakhand has some good skiing destinations in its pocket. Dayara Bugyal or Dyara Bugyal is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Known for proffering excellent skiing opportunity, Dayara has been a popular haunt of both domestic and international skiers. The high amount of snowfall in the winter season sets the stage for an exhilarating experience.
There are slopes that vary from easy to difficult and for beginners there is even a ski training institute. Other places that you can try skiing in Uttarakhand are Bdeni Bugyal, Chiplakot, Kedar Kantha, Kush Kalyani and Natya.
Check out: Dayara Bugyal Trekking Itinerary
Mundali in Uttarakhand
Get off the main road and to reach to an exotic place situated called Mundali. Situated in Dehradun district and at a short distance from Chakrata, this skiing destination in India is known for its steep gradients.
There is a ski school that provides all the necessary ski gears (alpine skis, Nordic skis, gloves and goggles) and training. Offering scenic background and the fine powdery snow, this place is a skiers’ paradise!
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Munsiyari in Uttarakhand
A must-see winter destination in India, Munsiyari in Uttarakhand is also the skiing hub in India. Known for its resplendent natural beauty, this small town has made itself an important adventure centre in the country. Munsiyari or Munsyari as it is often called, like many of its counterparts proffers steep descents for an over the edge skiing experience.
Other than skiing, Munsiyari is famed as an important trekking destination in Uttarakhand.
Check out: Famous Winter Snow Trekking Adventure Tours in Himalayas
Phuni Valley in Lachung Sikkim
Alright Ski-Lovers, Sikkim is ready for you! Located about 18kms from Lachung, Phun Valley has recently become the hub of avid skiers who come from all over the world. At a height of 11000ft, the powdered snow offers a wonderful opportunity to ski enthusiasts that glide down the smooth slopes of the snow-clad mountains here.
An ideal place for best skiing holidays in India, Phuni Valley in Sikkim is absolutely a must see! Also, along with an exhilarating skiing experience, one has the opportunity to witness the picturesque valley that looks ever so gorgeous when the blanket of snow covers every tree and branch here.
Check out: Information About Adventure Tourism in Sikkim
Yumthang Valley, Sikkim
Skiing in the Himalaya is definitely one of the most enjoyed activities. Yumthang Valley in Sikkim is pretty well known for skiing along with trekking and, mountain biking and hiking. During the winter months between November and March, the valley is blanketed with snow resulting in a perfect destination for skiing in Sikkim.
Yumthang Valley is situated about 25kms from Lachung and is as good as Phuni Valley. The valley caters to all levels of skiing, beginners to advance skiers. The place is lesser known thus you can have a wonderful skiing time here without being interrupted by unwanted noise and crowd.
Check out: Sikkim Tourism Packages
Winter is not that far away and it would be ideal to plan your skiing tour in India now. Make sure to research well and make advance bookings for hotels OR you can contact us and we will make all the necessary arrangements on your behalf! Just decide on a place from the above mentioned list and let us take care of the rest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q.What is the best season for skiing in India?
The best season for skiing in India is between mid-January and February end.
Q.Which are the best skiing destinations in India?
The best skiing destinations in India are:
- Gulmarg, Kashmir
- Auli, Uttarakhand
- Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Q. Is there an option of heli-skiing in India?
Yes, heli-skiing can be done Gulmarg and Kullu Valley in India.
Q.Where can one learn to ski in India?
NThe best places to learn skiing in India are Gulmarg, Auli, and Solang Valley.
About the author
Having an experience of more than 16 yrs in the Himalayas, Arun is the main driving force & mentor at the Peak Adventure Tours, a leading adventure travel agency in India offers trekking tours in Indian Himalayas including Nepal, Bhutan & Tibet. A long history with exceptional experiences he is the “Marathon Man” in the field of adventure. Today Arun looks after the Peak Adventure and shapes & designs the venture of the organization. He is contributing to this blog as a regular guest author.
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