Skiing is by far the most popular winter sport in the globe, with skiers eagerly anticipating the right stretch of snow terrain on which to ski to their hearts’ content all year. However, this ideal stretch of snow-covered terrain does not exist everywhere, and people wind up spending a fortune travelling around the world in search of the ideal skiing location.
The winter season in India is a fascinating time, with snowfall and beautiful weather in most of northern India. It’s a terrific time of year for all skiing fans to get dressed up and show off their skills without having to leave India. If you enjoy snow and want to try your hand at skiing, head to India instead of the Rockies.
Explore Skiing in India
The beautiful Himalayas that encircle the northern states transform the huge plains and landscapes into giant snow-clad slopes that are excellent for skiing in India. It is becoming a well-known skiing destination for beginners, with big slopes where one can glide down while enjoying stunning views of the valleys and several sites for visitors to enjoy skiing in India. So, put on your ski boots and travel up to the slopes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, since skiing in India is not to be missed.
Skiing in India is a regulated and entirely safe activity, administered by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation. Because of their great height, the Himalayan ranges give an outstanding skiing experience with long descents.
The Best Skiing Destinations In India:
1. Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a charming tiny town in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The village is surrounded by the western Himalayas, and the scenery is breathtaking.
Pahalgam is well-known among trekkers for its fantastic paths. Heavy snowfall occurs during the winter, making it an ideal skiing destination. The primary skiing area in Pahalgam is Aru, which is only a short distance away and is an excellent spot to experience the rush of adrenaline and joy that skiing provides.
Best time to visit Pahalgam for skiing: October to February
Important tips: Wear suitable skiing shoes and bring adequate cold and flu medicine. When planning a skiing trip here, make sure to bring enough of warm clothing.
Reaching Pahalgam: Pahalgam can be reached by air, rail, or road. Via Air: The nearest airport to Pahalgam is Srinagar, which is 96 kilometres away. To get to Pahalgam, one can book a cab from Srinagar. Traveling by train to Udhampur or Jammu and then taking a cab or bus to Pahalgam is an option. By Road: Taking a cab, taxi, or bus to Pahalgam and travelling by road allows you to take in the breathtaking scenery along the way.
2. Gulmarg
Gulmarg will transport you to a Swiss village in India. Gulmarg, one of India’s top skiing resorts, is a place blanketed in snow in the winters and a fantastic place to enjoy the sport while surrounded by mountains. Gulmarg is also known as the “heartland” of Indian winter sports. Kongdori and Aparwahat Peak are the two places in Gulmarg where you can start skiing. You have the option of skiing Kongdori’s 450m slope or the 800m ridge at Apharwat Peak. Both of these points provide an exciting experience!
Gulmarg is regarded for having the best skiing in India and is ranked as Asia’s number seven best skiing resort. The Gulmarg Gondola, a high cable car ride, is also available in Gulmarg.
Best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing: December to March
Important Tips: It will be really cold, so bring heavy jackets and woollens. Before you begin skiing, familiarise yourself with the regulations of speed, overtaking, respecting others, avalanches, and route selection.
Reaching Gulmarg: Gulmarg is accessible by air, rail, and road. Via Air: The nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar, and a 90-minute taxi or cab ride from the airport will get you to Gulmarg. Via Rail: The nearest railway stations are Jammu and Udhampur, from where you would need to rent a cab or taxi. By Road: Take a bus or a cab from Srinagar to Gulmarg and experience the breathtaking scenery of Kashmir along the route.
3. Rohtang Pass
All amateur and professional skiers should visit Rohtang Pass, another prominent skiing location in India, while in Manali. Rohtang Pass, at 3978 metres above sea level, is a skiing paradise that delivers a breathtaking and thrilling experience. It is 51 kilometres from Manali and may be accessed by taking the road uphill while taking in the attractive and captivating scenery.
At Rohtang Pass, you may enjoy some of India’s best skiing, but make sure you follow the safety precautions for skiers. Along with Gulmarg, Rohtang Pass is another place in India where you may attempt heliskiing.
Best time to visit Rohtang Pass for skiing: December to February
Important Tips: Carry adequate woollens for your skiing activity and take proper altitude sickness medications. Only buy ski equipment and winter clothing from government-approved retailers.
Reaching Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass is accessible by air or road. By Air: The closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, from where you can take a bus or a cab to Rohtang Pass. By bus: Many Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation buses run between Delhi and Manali. You can take a deluxe bus to Manali and then a cab or a local bus to Rohtang Pass from there.
4. Solang Nala
Solang Nala is a lush green valley in Manali that is also one of India’s greatest ski resorts. The valley is well-known for hosting a variety of winter sports, with skiing being the most popular. In the valley, there are numerous contests that attract both amateur and professional athletes. Solang Nala is a 14-kilometer drive from Manali and home to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports. If you’re looking for skiing lessons in India, this is the place to go to learn the fundamentals and get started skiing on your own.
Many programmes are held at the institute to educate skiing and other sports. Adventure activities such as parachuting, paragliding, skating, and zorbing are available in addition to skiing.
Best time to visit Solang Nala for skiing: October to March
Important Tips: Bring sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a windcheater, and warm clothing. Keep cash on you for local purchases.
Reaching Solang Nala: Solang Nala is accessible by air and car. By Air: The closest airports to Solang Nala are Bhuntar and Kullu, which are 10 and 90 kilometres distant, respectively. To get to Solang, take local buses or cabs from there. By road: From nearby cities such as Haryana, Delhi, or Punjab, you can take Himachal Road Trasport Corporation buses to Kullu-Manali via NH21. You can either take another local bus or a cab to get to Solang from there.
5. Narkanda
Narkanda is a little remote settlement on the Hindustan Tibet Road, located at a height of 2708 metres above sea level. The town’s backdrop is made up of high snow-capped mountains that captivate visitors. Narkanda, one of India’s many skiing locations, is a fantastic spot in Himachal Pradesh where both beginners and pros may enjoy a ride through the snow. In Narkanda, different slopes of various complexity are accessible, allowing both beginners and specialists to challenge themselves according to their degree and comfort.
During the winter, the temperature dips to as low as -10 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for skiing. Narkanda is also bordered by lush forests and apple orchards.
Best time to Visit Narkanda for skiing: October to February
Important Tips: Wear appropriate woollens and bring a few extra with you. Bring a flashlight, a first-aid kit, water, snacks, and any necessary medications. Wear the appropriate boots and rent ski equipment from reputable shops.
Reaching Narkanda: Narkanda is accessible by road, rail, and air. By Air: The closest airport to Narkanda is Shimla’s Jubarbhatti Airport. Take a cab from the airport to Narkanda, which is 87 kilometres away. Traveling by road from Shimla to Narkanda is simple. You can order a cab or take a bus and enjoy the magnificent countryside. Via Rail: The nearest railway station to Narkanda is Kalka, from which one can take a cab or a bus to the skiing spot.
6. Kufri
Kufri is a Himachal Pradesh treasure. Many people visit the area, particularly skiers. Kufri is bordered by large deodar trees and green pines, which add to the serene and regal atmosphere of the place. The snow-covered slopes of Kufri are great for skiing and are a delight for both novices and advanced skiers. Kufri is a popular snow skiing resort in India, with hundreds of skiers from all across the country flocking here each year to ski and have some fun. The white snow carpet is ideal for skiers, allowing them to enjoy a comfortable skiing experience.
Kufri’s fame as a skiing resort in India was unknown until the British Raj found it in 1819. It is becoming one of India’s most sought-after skiing destinations.
Best time to Visit Kufri for skiing: December to February
Important Tips : Before going to Kufri, check for altitude sickness and bring vital medications in case of an emergency. If this is your first time skiing, pay attention to the directions given by the instructors. Equipment should be rented from authorised stores, and appropriate footwear should be worn.
Reaching Kufri: Kufri is accessible by road, rail, and air. The closest airport to Kufri is Shimla’s Jubarbhatti Airport. Take a cab from the airport to Kufri, which is 87 kilometres away. Traveling by road from Shimla to Narkanda is simple. You can order a cab or take a bus and enjoy the magnificent countryside. By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kufri is Kalka, from where one can take a cab or a bus.
7. Auli
At an elevation of 2500 to 3000 metres above sea level, Auli is located in the western section of the Gharwali Hills. The town is largely undiscovered by the general public and is exceptionally clean. Auli, in addition to being one of India’s greatest skiing destinations, provides skiers with a spectacular vista of multiple snow-capped peaks like Dunagiri, Mt Nanda Devi, Nar Parbat, Mana Parwat, Ghori Parbat, Nilkanth, Beethartoli, and Hathi Parbat.
Auli is about 250 kilometres from Rishikesh and is well-known among India’s most skilled skiers. The gorgeous slopes, together with the pleasant weather, make for an unforgettable skiing experience.
Best time to visit Auli for skiing: November to March
Important Tips: Carry all of the necessary materials, including a flashlight, medications, a first-aid kit, warm winter clothing, coats, and proper footwear.
Reaching Auli: Auli is accessible by air, road, and train. By Air: The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, from where one can take a bus or cab to Auli. Dehradun Railway Junction is the nearest railway station to Auli. To get to Auli, take a cab or a bus from the station. By Bus: A number of intercity buses run between Joshimath, Rishikesh, Dehradun, and other places. You can get to any of these locations and then take a local bus or a taxi to Auli.
8. Dayara Bugyal
Dayara Bugyal is one of India’s most beautiful ski resorts. Uttarakhand is the state where it is located. The beautiful grasses of Dayara Bugyal contrast with the sheer snowy hills. It is nestled between Bandar Poonch and White Peak, two snow-capped peaks. Dayara Bugyal is a lush green meadow in the summer, but it transforms into an incredible skiing destination in the winter when it is totally covered in deep snow, making it suitable for the ultimate skiing experience.
The snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Dayara Bugyal include
Srikanth, John Lee, and Draupadi ka Danda The Barnala Tal lake is also nearby, which provides for a great camping area.
Best time to visit Dayara Bugyal: Mid October to January
Important Tips: Bring identification, warm clothing, waterproof gloves and coats, necessary medications, and a first-aid kit with you.
Reaching Dayara Bugyal: Dayara Bugyal is accessible by road and rail. By Bus: You can take a bus from different cities to Barsu, from where you can travel to Dayara Bugyal. By Train: Take the train to Haridwar and then take a bus or taxi to Barsu.
9. Munsiyari
Munsiyari, located at the entrance of the Johar Valley, is another well-known Indian skiing resort. The name simply translates to ‘a location blanketed in snow.’ Munsiyari’s climate and geography make it a popular destination for mountaineers, glacier aficionados, and high-altitude hikers. The snow-covered slopes are also an excellent place to practise your skiing skills.
Trekkers frequently use the location as a base camp for their journey to Khalia. The Goriganga River runs through Munsiyari.
Best time to visit Munsiyari for skiing: October to February
Important Tips: Bring appropriate footwear, medications, a first-aid kit, a torch, water, and snacks. Also, bring enough woollens and coats.
Reaching Munsiyari : Munsiyari is accessible by air, rail, and road. By Air: The nearest airport to Munsiyari is Pantnagar Aeroplane Terminal, from which you would need to hire a cab to travel 300 kilometres. If you travel by train, you must first travel to Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 280 kilometres away, and then take a taxi from there to Munsiyari. By Road: To get to Musiyari, you must first travel to Pithoragarh and then take a bus or taxi from there.
10. Mundali
Mundali lies in the Dehradun district and is surrounded by dense green trees. This does not, however, stop the most seasoned skiers from having a great time here. It is one of India’s top skiing destinations, and you can also take in the scenic splendour of the environs.
Mundali offers a spectacular perspective of the Himalayan slopes, where most skiers head for an adrenaline rush.
Best time to visit Mundali: December to February
Important Tips: Carry all of the necessary materials, including a flashlight, medications, a first-aid kit, warm winter clothing, coats, and proper footwear.
Reaching Mundali: Mundali is accessible by rail, road, and air. By Air: The nearest airport to Mundali is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, from where you can take a bus or cab to Mundali. Via Road: Take a local or intercity bus to Chakrata and then a jeep ride to Mundali, which is 36 kilometres away. By Rail: The nearest train station is Dehradun Railway Station, from where you may take a cab to Mundali, which is 129 kilometres away.
When is the ideal time to Ski in India?
The very cold climate and snow-covered mountains give the ideal skiing conditions for a memorable and exciting experience. From December through March, India’s main ski season occurs, when most hill stations receive considerable snowfall, providing the ideal snow cover for skiing. Because summer lasts so much longer in India, skiing throughout the other months becomes difficult, if not deadly, due to melting snow.
Skiing institute in India
You can enrol in a foundation course at one of India’s ski institutes if you want to learn to ski from the ground up and become a pro. There are numerous institutes in India that offer vocational skiing education. Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports: Basic and Intermediate Skiing Courses, Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, and Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering are some of the important institutes.