Skiing in India is the most sought-after winter activity. In winters, across the Himalayas, people love to see the snowfall. They love to do snow activities. People throng all the snow hill stations to ski. In this blog, we will be explaining some details about skiing in India.
We will touch upon some of the best skiing destinations in India. And also add some specific information about skiing in general.
What makes India the best destination for skiing is its Himalayas. The Himalayas receive snowfall every year because of their high altitude. And the long mountain ranges provide a better opportunity for skiers to have long descents.
In India, skiing over the years has improved both in infrastructure and the skiing trails. From baby slopes where beginners can learn and practice skiing to the backcountry and heliskiing, India has developed quite a good skiing infrastructure.
Skiing in India comes under the auspicious Indian Mountaineering Foundation.
Let’s start this blog with the best skiing destinations in India.
1. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is so much famous all over India that it needs to introduction. It is the most beautiful and the best-visited winter destination in India. Gulmarg is in the mountainous regions of Kashmir. And is the heaven for skiers and winter adventurers. Gulmarg sees a huge influx of tourists both from India and outside India. The snow here is of supreme quality which suits the skiing for long runs and high altitudes. This place gets abuzz right from December until the end of March.
The best place to spend your honeymoon, birthday, Christmas, and New Year. There is a new year carnival in Gulmarg every year. Gulmarg is also famous for snowboarding in India. It has the best snowboarding snow quality and Cliffhangers India’s qualified snowboard trainers will help you to finish learning snowboarding.
Best time to visit Gulmarg
Gulmarg is best visited in all seasons. But if you wish to enjoy the skiing and snow in Gulmarg then the season starts from mid-December to mid-March. The prime months of cold and snow are January and February.
How to reach Gulmarg
1. Via Air
Srinagar Airport is the only airport in Kashmir. Once you reach the airport, take a cab direct to Gulmarg.
2. Via Railway
Jammu railway station is the nearest railway station to Kashmir. From Jammu, the railway station takes a shared cab or a government-run bus to Srinagar. And from Srinagar again take a shared cab to Gulmarg.
3. Via Road
You can take a direct cab or government-run bus from Delhi to Srinagar. And from Srinagar take a shared cab to Gulmarg.
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2. Sonamarg
Sonamarg again falls in Kashmir. This is a breathtaking offbeat skiing destination. If you want to avoid the crowd of Gulmarg, visit Sonamarg. This place has equally beautiful slopes and mountain ranges. Situated towards the Baltal side of Kashmir, Sonamarg was very much famous in the 70s and 80s as a skiing destination.
However owing to the bad road and closure of roads during the winters, it waned its popularity. Thanks to the newly constructed tunnels and roads, this place is now accessible even during winters and you can enjoy the best skiing here in Sonamarg.
Best time to visit Sonamarg
Sonamarg is best visited in winter. Owing to its fantastic snow-peaked mountain ranges, this place is heaven in winters. The best months to visit Sonamarg for skiing are from December to March. However, January and February months are extremely cold months.
How to reach Sonamarg
1. Via Air
Srinagar Airport is the nearest airport to Sonamarg. Once you reach the airport, hire a direct cab direct to Sonamarg.
2. Via Railway
Jammu railway station is the nearest railway station to Kashmir. From Jammu railway station take a shared cab or a government-run bus to Srinagar. And from Srinagar again take a shared cab to Sonamarg.
3. Via Road
You can take a direct cab or government-run bus from Delhi to Srinagar. And from Srinagar take a shared cab to Sonamarg.
Skiing 5 Days/ 4 Nights
Skiing 7 Days/ 6 Nights
3. Auli
Uttarakhand is already established as a favorite place for adventure seekers. From trekking to mountaineering to rafting to other activities, this place has all the adventure in the country. In winter apart from its famous winter treks, this place has one of the best skiing destinations in India which is in Auli. It was the Auli skiing destination that hosted the 2011 SAF winter games.
Auli has quite a variation in altitude in its slopes. They normally range between 200m and 3000m. This gives quite a room for different skiers i.e to both beginners and seasoned skiers. Skiing India is incomplete if you have not visited Auli.
Best time to visit Auli
Auli is an all-season and all-month destination. But, to enjoy skiing and winter activities the best months to visit this place are between November and March
How to reach Auli
1. Via Air
The nearest airport to Auli in Dehradun isJolly Grant, From the airport one can directly take a cab to Auli.
2. Via Rail
Dehradun Railway Junction is the closest railway station to the Auli skiing destination. From the railway station board a shared cab or a bus to reach Auli.
3. Via Road
Daily buses are going from Delhi to Dehradun. Take any government bus or shared cab to reach Dehradun and from there take a bus or cab to reach Auli.
What is the distance between Dehradun and Auli? The total road distance from Dehradun to Auli is around 300km.
4. Rohtang Pass
Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass that is motorable. The pass falls largely in Himachal Pradesh and connects Kullu valley to Spiti valley.
The altitude of the pass is 3978m. The best feature of Rohtang Pass is the high altitude. And the fantastic mountain ranges of Pir Panjal Range of which Rohtang Pass is a part. This makes it the ideal place for skiing. This place receives snowfall and is a very much loved skiing destination.
Almost all the travelers who visit Manali, do visit Rohtang Pass. It is surely a treat for ski lovers and it gives breathtaking mountains and panoramic views. This place is also becoming famous for heliskiing like Gulmarg. Like Gulmarg snowboarding in India is also done at Rohtang Pass.
How far is Rohtang Pass from Manali
This is a short distance of 51km. But, the road is uphill and takes more time than what it takes to cover 51km of flat road.
Best time to visit Rohtang Pass
The ideal time to visit Rohtang Pass to see snow is between December to February.
How to Reach Rohtang Pass
1. Via Air
The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar. From Bhuntar, you can take a direct cab or bus to Rohtang Pass.
2. Via Road
You can book a deluxe bus or shared cab from Delhi to Manali and from Manali to Rohtang pass.
5. Kufri
Kufri is also one of the fantastic winter destinations in India. This is a winter gem situated in Himachal Pradesh. This is heaven for skiers who live in the surrounding states of Kufri. The snow-capped mountains and range are best suited for skiing slopes and running.
Both advanced and beginners’ skiing is done here in Kufri. This place receives a large flow of skiers during winters. And apart from skiing, there are other winter sports activities that you can do here in Kufri. This is quite a good place to do skiing in India.
Skiing in Kufri is being done right since 1819 from the times of the British Era.
Best time to Visit Kufri
Kufri is an all-month destination. However, to experience snow and winter sports the ideal months are December, January, and February.
How to reach Kufri
1. Via Air
The nearest airport to Kufri is Jubarbhatti Airport in Shimla. From this airport book your shared cab or government-run bus to Kufri. The distance is about 85km from the airport.
2. Via Road
All types of cabs and buses are available from Delhi to Manali and from Manali to Kufri. The drive to Kufri is a delightful experience with the best Himalayan view.
3. Via Rail
The closest railway station to Kufri is Kalka Railway Station. You can get any road transportation from the railway station to Kufri.
FAQs About Skiing
Are there artificial skiing slopes in India?
Yes, in case you are unable to go to the Himalayas for skiing and want to enjoy skiing in the artificial snow. You can try skiing at Snow World in Delhi NCR, and DLF Mall of India in Noida.
Best institutes for Skiing courses?
The best institute to learn skiing in India is Nehru Institue of Mountaineering and Skiing. They teach skiing on the breathtaking slopes of Gulmarg and also they the cost-effective skiing course packages.
Another institute to enroll in for Skiing courses is Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports. This is at Pahalgam Kashmir. Also, skiing courses can be done at Auli Basic Level Skiing Course situated at Auli.
Is Skiing available in India?
Yes, Skiing is available in India and done across the winter season. You can visit India in winter if you are looking for skiing activity. The winter months start from December to March. In these months you can ski in India across the Himalayas.
Which place is famous for skiing in India?
There are many places to ski in India. However, the most famous and best resort to do skiing in Gulmarg. Gulmarg is a fantastic ski location with the best snow quality in the world. People from across the globe throng Gulmarg in winter to enjoy skiing.
Is it safe to ski in Gulmarg?
It is safe to ski in Gulmarg. The Gulmarg ski resort has all the safety and security measures that make skiing here safe and thriving. There is proper ski slope management with the best avalanche and snow clearance teams. What makes Gulmarg skiing safe is the dedicated and well-equipped ski patrol teams.
Can beginners skiing in Gulmarg?
Yes, beginners can ski in Gulmarg. It has the best baby slopes below apharwat mountain. A lot of beginners come here every year to learn skiing. Cliffhangers India is the best ski company here that has made people learn skiing for a decade now.
How much does skiing cost in India?
In India, skiing cost is quite high. The reason being the flow of skiers during winter makes the demand high. However, with cliffhangers, you will get affordable ski packages for families, groups, and solo skiers.
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