Skiing is an activity that is often linked to the Alps. But, you will be surprised to know that there are many skiing destinations in India that offer the perfect landscape to plan a ski trip.
India is home to some of the most glorious mountain ranges in the northern region. These mountains are covered in snow for most part of the year making them ideal for ski trips.
Some of the most recommended and sought after skiing destinations in India include:
Himachal Pradesh
The home of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh offers several ideal spots for skiing. The top skiing locations include:
Solang Valley – Manali
This magnificent hill station is quite popular for summer getaways and even weekend getaways for people living in and around it. There are perfect snow formations on the sloping landscape, making it the best place for skiing in winters. The perfect time to visit if you want to plan a ski trip is between January and February.
Kufri
Skiers from Indian choose this quaint little region in Himachal Pradesh for all their adventures. During the winter season, you will see a sheet of pure white snow surrounded by majestic pine and deodar trees. You can plan a refreshing ski trip from November to February in Kufri.
Narkanda
This is a stunning town that is at an altitude of 2700 meters above sea level. You can catch the most stunning views of the snow ranges in Narkanda. There are unlimited options for skiers among which skiing along the dense forests and the apple orchards is most popular. Skiing in Narkanda started as early as 1980 and continues to enthrall several tourists who make their way here each year.
Uttarakhand
With the glorious Himalayan range running through it, it is no wonder than Uttarakhand has become a popular destination for skiers. There are some particular regions that are chosen for the experience and the options that they offer:
Auli
The glimmering slopes and the pristine environment make Auli one of the most popular skiing destinations. It is just about 250kms away from Rishikesh and has often been described as heaven on Earth. If you love to ski, then this is a place that you have to visit, with slopes located at 2500-3000m above sea level, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Munsiyari
The name of the town itself means, “Place with snow”. So it is no wonder that several glacier enthusiasts, mountaineers, high altitude trekkers and, of course, skiers visit the town for the most unique experiences of their lives. This town, which is located on the historic Salt Route, is usually chosen as the base camp for skiing and mountaineering expeditions.
Dayara Bugyal
This is certainly the most picturesque skiing spots in India. You can enjoy great ski trips through the lush slopes that are surrounded by alpine grasslands. Even the camping site, which is near the Barnala Tal Lake, is breathtaking. The snow covered Himalayan peaks will leave you wanting more after you have visited this place once.
Kashmir
Think Kashmir and you think of vast expanses of pristine white sheets of snow. There are also some beautiful areas in the mountains that are perfect for ski enthusiasts. Some of the popular skiing zones in Kashmir include:
Pahalgam
Located in the Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is a quaint town that several travelers make their way to in the quest for peace and tranquility. This is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the Western part of the Himalayas. The best time to plan a ski trip is from December to March. This is when the snow is thick and perfectly safe for skiing.
Gulmarg
This gorgeous town is located in the Baramulla district and has earned the reputation of being the “Heartland of winter sports such as skiing in the country.” If you are passionate about skiing, then Gulmarg is one place that you simply must visit. It is ranked seventh among the best skiing destinations in India. You also get the highest cable car in the world here. It is the “Gulmarg Gondola” which makes your visit even more worth it. The best time to plan a ski trip here is from December to March.
When you plan a ski trip, make sure you visit the place in the right season to enjoy the sport safely. If you are a beginner, there are several packages that also include a brief training session to introduce you to skiing.