Leading Ski Destinations in India

If you love snow and have been able to pick up some skiing skills during your holidays abroad, you will be happy to know that you no longer need to travel 1000s of miles to hit the slopes. India too, offers some exquisite ski destinations in the north that are easily comparable to some of the best in the World.

• Skiing in Gulmarg

This charming town in Baramla District this destination is considered to be the heartland of winter sports in India. Considered to be among the top 10 ski destinations in Asia, no trip to Kashmir is complete without visiting here. If you aren’t confident about your skills on the slopes, don’t worry the Gulmarg Gondola ride is in it an experience worth your travels. The highest cable car ride in the world offers magnificent views of the valleys nearby.

In addition to excellent powder snow, this region offers one of the best views from the slope tops. If you intend to hit the slopes, make it a point to come between December and March and the snow is thick.

Take a break from all that skiing by heading to Srinagar booking you in a centrally heated houseboat in Kashmir.

• Solang Nala, Himachal Pradesh

A popular valley in the Manali region of Himachal Pradesh, this destination is famous for its various types of winter games such as skiing. With a host of tournaments, workshops and classes being organized for people across skill levels, this destination is ideal for first time skiers. This location is open to tourists all year round.

• Munsiyari, Uttaranchal

The name of this location roughly translates to the “Place with Snow”. Located on the banks of River Goriganga, this tourist destination is attracting a lot of attention from glacier enthusiasts, trekkers, nature lovers, skiers and mountaineers. Falling on the ancient salt route from Tibet, this magnificent valley is worth visiting for its excellent slopes.

• Manali, Himachal Pradesh

This gorgeous town also doubles as a popular hill station and honeymoon destination for people within India. With sufficient amount of snow and gorgeous slopes, skiing here is a dream come true during the winter months. Here, it is easy to find tutors and professional skiers that are more than happy to help you as a first timer. January and February are the best months in the year to visit.

• Auli, Uttaranchal

The nice clean environment along with the gorgeous slopes makes Auli a favored ski destination for many. Located about 4 hours from Rishikesh, this heavenly location stuns most visitors with its beauty. If skiing is your passion, you must visit here at least once in your life. With slopes as high as 3000 meters above sea level, it’s a memorable adventure worth having.

• Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

Another picuresque ski spot, the lush slopes here allow you to navigate through a vast expanse of beautiful grasslands. With exquisite views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, this destination is also worth visiting during the summers. For a break from all the skiing, you can head to the Barnala Tal Lake that is a famous camping site.

In addition to this, Kufri and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh and Mudali in Uttaranchal are also worth visiting. Plan well in advance so that you are able to find the most convenient accommodations closer to the resorts and slopes. Sign up for classes if you aren’t confident about your skills but are excited to try out a new sport amidst the gorgeous valleys of North India.