Hit The Slopes – These Are India’s 10 Best Ski Towns

Hit The Slopes – These Are India’s 10 Best Ski Towns

December is upon us and though the first place that comes to mind is Goa, it’s definitely not the only option. If you’re the kind that wants to make the most of India’s varied landscape and climate, you’d probably want to take advantage of winter and everything that comes with it. Skiing in particular seems to slip under the radar more often than not, whenever India’s vacation spots are being decoded but we took this opportunity to dispel the notion that ‘India’ and ‘ski’ doesn’t go together. Her are some stellar ski spots across the country, complete with views to die for and great ski schools.

So stop hanging around with those pretentious friends of yours (we’ve all got a few of them) who balk at the idea of skiing anywhere except Switzerland, pack your bags and head up north for a truly white Christmas. Besides, you can always find a weekend for a Goa getaway once you’re back.

 I. Auli, Uttarakhand

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Auli in Uttarakhand sits between 8,000 and 10,000 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by dense conifer and oak forests. It’s known for four ski slopes in particular: the 900-metre 10 No. Slope (White); the 800-metre 8 No. Track (Blue); the 400-metre Temple Track (Red); and composite slopes that run for over three kilometres. If you’re a beginner, the Temple Track is where you need to go. Auli also has Asia’s longest cable car, which runs a distance of 4 km, connecting Auli to Joshimath. Auli first caught the attention of the world in a big way when it hosted the SAF Winter Games in 2011.
Visit: Skiing season in Auli is from January to March. Trek The Himalayas offers a six-day course for those in need of brushing up on the basics of skiing.

II. Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

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Dayara Bugyal is known for its moderate-to-difficult ski slopes high in the mountains of Uttarakhand—we suggest first attempting the slopes at Auli before you hit the ones at Dayara Bugyal. However, keep in mind that you need to trek to get here. The last motorable road ends at Bhatwari, from which Dayara Bugyal is a 6km trek.
Visit: The best time to visit Dayara Bugyal for skiing is from December to February. Dodital Trek offers ski courses you can take to prepare yourself.

III. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

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Gulmarg is a serious skiing hotspot. Not only is it Asia’s seventh best skiing destination, it’s also home to the world’s highest cable car, the Gulmarg Gondola. Plus, Gulmarg’s Pir Panjal mountain range is world famous.  For skiing, based on your skill and experience, you can start from two points: Kongdori, a naturally groomed 450-metre slope is ideal for beginners, while Apparwat ridge, with its 800-metre descent, gives even advanced skiers a thrilling experience.

Visit: Like most winter vacation spots in Jammu and Kashmir, December to March are the best time to plan your trip. There are quite a few ski tours and classes you can take, though we suggest Mercury Himalayan Explorations (MEH), offering India’s first ever ski school for beginners and intermediate skiers.

IV. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

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A short distance from Shimla, Kufri is a charming little region in Himachal Pradesh. Winter sees the slopes covered in layer upon layer of snow, making it a white wonderland with some of the most incredible ski trails. Kufri is Himachal Pradesh’s winter sports capital, and while skiing is definitely the number one activity, tobogganing is also popular. The little town is quiet for most of the year but really comes into its own as the snow begins to fall

Visit: The ideal time for skiing in this region is from November to February. Adventure India provides all the information you need about ski schools, heli skiing and equipment rentals in the area.

V. Mundali, Uttarakhand

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Mundali is a dreamland for expert skiers with high slopes that dip and curve. The fact that it’s hard to reach adds to its charm. Mundali is located 129 kilometres from Dehradun and you can get there via Chakrata. Mundali has a ski school that will give you all the necessary training and gear before you hit the slopes.
Visit: The winter months of November and December are the best for skiing in Mundali, hosting visitors from across the globe. Neo Adventures offer a great seven-day ski tour and the Forest Rest Houses, run by the Forest Department of Uttarakhand, offer accommodation with prior permission and is the only available stay in the area. There are more options available in Chakrata, if you’re willing to take a short trek.

VI. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

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Munsiyari lies at a height of 7,200 ft. in the foothills of the Himalayas at the entrance to Uttarakhand’s Johar Valley. This small hill town is a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers and all-round adventure seekers. Munsiyari offers great slopes, glittering mountains, and dazzling natural beauty complete with a sky full of stars. There are a few ski spots you can enjoy, including Khaliya Top, which is about seven kilometres from Munsiyari town, and Betuli Dhar, which is five kilometres away and is a dreamland for adventure sports and nature lovers alike.
Visit: Skiing season is between December to February. The Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering offers courses in mountaineering, skiing and adventure courses for all-round outdoor activities.

VII. Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

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Narkanda is another sleepy hamlet nestled in the scenic ranges of Himachal Pradesh, 64 km from Shimla. The slopes come alive in winter, when snowboarders and skiers are out and about. Set in coniferous forests, it provides a unique ski experience for visitors. Advanced skiers can dive down some of the steeper, more challenging slopes, while beginners and intermediate skiers who want to brush up on their skills have smoother slopes to practise on. Narkanda is located at an altitude of nearly 9,000 ft. on the Hindustan-Tibet road, with stunning views of the Himalayan range, green fields and apple orchards,.

Visit: Peak skiing season is usually between January and February, when the slopes are well covered with snow. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) conducts ski courses at Narkanda every winter, providing guidance for new skiers.

VIII. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

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Once a humble shepherd’s village, Pahalgam has grown into a highly sought after destination for skiing and adventure sports enthusiasts in India. Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, this small town promises breathtaking views and dreamy landscapes. To be more specific, it’s Aru village, about 11 kilometres out from Pahalgam, that’s the skiing hotspot. The state’s tourism department has tied up with the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM& WS) to offer skiing courses in a bid to promote winter tourism.

Visit: Between December and March.

IX. Phuni Valley, Sikkim

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Phuni Valley has become a hub for domestic and international ski lovers. At a distance of 18 km from Lachung, in Sikkim, and at a height of 11,500 ft., the area offers incredible slopes for avid skiers to glide down while being surrounded by snowcapped peaks and lush forests. Phuni Valley, having recently opened up to the public for skiing, is an almost paradisal setting for a great action-packed holiday.

Visit: January to March are the best months to visit Phuni Valley, when snow falls and covers every tree down to the leaves, making everything even more enchanting. In a bid to promote tourism and skiing in Sikkim, the state’s tourism department has started organising basic courses in skiing with the help of the Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA).

X. Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh

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About 12 km from Manali is Solang Valley. Known as Solang Nala, this place is pretty popular for its ski slopes and its annual winter festival that hosts visitors and participants from across the world. As snow falls and thickens, the giant slopes of grass slowly turn into great ski jumps.

Visit: The best time to visit is between December and February. Operating in winter only, a few ski agencies offer ski courses and equipment on rent. If you are a beginner eager to ski, Trek India organises a seven-day course you can take.

Words: Neville Bhandara and Sara Hussain.

Research by Sanyukta Shetty.

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