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Attracting people globally, India offers abundant adventurous activities. One such exhilarating snow sport includes Skiing. With world-class skiing destinations, it is every thrill-seeker’s bliss.
Particularly in the states lying on the foothills of Himalayas, winter is buzzing with tourists. From Gulmarg in Kashmir Valley to Auli in Uttarakhand, you can visit based on your preference for the unending fun along with serene beauty. The varied slopes at these skiing attractions are suitable for both a beginner and an advanced skier. These places not only offer you the activity, but also skiing schools and a skilled instructor in case you are new to this.
For the ultimate skiing trip, read ahead in this article where we have briefly provided essential information regarding the top 5 skiing destinations in India.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg, as a globally-renowned skiing destination, is one of the most-picked places by tourists. Skiing in Gulmarg has been a dream of countless adventure enthusiasts. Undoubtedly, it is one of the pristine places of India for skiing as well as snowboarding, sledging, etc. Some of the popular ski areas in Gulmarg include Kongdoori, Apharwat Peak, Mary’s Shoulder, Gulmarg Golf Course, etc. The best time to visit Gulmarg and these ski areas is certainly in winter from December to March as the valley starts receiving heavy snowfall. Throughout the winter, the place has turned into a winter wonderland. The slopes formed here are made of powdery deep snow.
From gentler slopes to challenging ones, the place caters to all levels of skier’s need. Particularly talking, Gulmarg Golf Course is more suitable for a novice while Apharwat Peak provides off-piste skiing including heli-skiing and cross-country skiing. For mixed terrains, Mary’s Shoulder is the right place to be. You can access these places via Gulmarg Gondola Phase 1 and Phase 2, one of the highest cable car rides in the world.
Hotels and resorts are widely accessible in Gulmarg in winter providing skiing lessons, skilled guides, ski passes, transport facilities, etc. Contact local travel agents in Srinagar to plan a safe yet enjoyable skiing trip in Gulmarg.
Pahalgam
Another idyllic skiing destination of Kashmir, Pahalgam is too known for the breathtaking beauty along with much-needed adventures.
After Gulmarg, Tourists often pick Pahalgam for a memorable time.
One of the best attractions for skiing in Pahalgam is Aru Valley. While it is also a summer spot, famous as a trekking heaven,the scene is different in winter. The skiing season starts from December and lasts till March as the average temperature drops below sub zero. At a distance of about 12 kilometres from the main town, the place is completely covered in thick snow, curating varied slopes. Along with skiing, you can also pick snowboarding, snowmobiling, etc. There are many skiing schools for beginners here.
For skiing in Pahalgam, invest in good-quality ski clothes and safety gears.
Manali
Manali, residing in the heart of Himalayas, is another skiing attraction in Himachal Pradesh. Famed as a winter destination to escape the scorching heat, the place is enveloped completely in white snow from December till April. Manali is a small town and there lies the majestic Solang Valley. The valley features snow-covered meadows, frozen streams, verdant forests with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop. It features diverse slopes for intermediate as well as experienced skiers. It is accessible through a ski lift. More on the list are Rohtang Pass and Marhi, convenient for beginners mostly. Along with these winter sports, the resort town hosts different annual events such as Winter Skiing Carnival, attended by locals as well as travellers from far and wide. When in Manali, explore the local markets and cafes, serving brewing coffee. Make advance booking of accommodation and ski passes.
Auli
A less-explored skiing destination of India, Auli is a gorgeous tourist spot in Uttarakhand. Though it is remotely located, it gives a tough competition to other skiing areas in terms of beauty and tranquillity.
The place has achieved fame because it hosted the South Asian Winter Games in 2011. Still thriving as a popular ski area, the place caters to skill levels of beginners and intermediate skiers equally. There are some dedicated slopes for advanced enthusiasts as well. At an altitude of 3050 m, the place has dreams written all over it. You enjoy skiing here with gorgeous views sprawled.
From here, mountains like Nanda Devi and Kamet can easily be spotted.
Based on your budget, book your accommodation ranging from under-budget resorts to luxury hotels. The transfer from lower slopes to upper slopes is done through ski lifts and chair lifts. Various rental shops are located nearby to get ski equipment like poles, skis, boots etc.
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Ladakh
Last but not the least, the Region of High Passes as it is popularly called, Ladakh has emerged as another skiing destination in India. The skiing altitude in Ladakh ranges as low as 3500m and as high as 5500m. Starting with the Rumbak valley, it features unmarked skiing slopes, perfect for off-piste skiing. Stok Kangri is a highly recognized skiing attraction of Ladakh, though skiing and climbing here required a great set of skills and a permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation(IMF). In Ladakh, some alpine passes also stand out for offering skiing and other snow sports. Khardung La and Chang La are such areas. With mind-boggling views, tourists often come to these one of the highest motorable passes in the world, for the ultimate adventure and fun. In winter, Ladakh is your calling.
Conclusion
More than a sport, skiing has turned out as a hobby for adventure enthusiasts. In a few decades, India with its world-famous skiing destinations will be visited by people from all over the world.
This winter, pick one of these places for skiing and have the best time of your life.
