Skiing in India is a popular sport and with time it has gained immense popularity. Over the years, India as a nation, have developed as the best destination for people. One of the main reasons for the popularity of skiing in India is its easy accessibility to beautiful locales and latest ski equipments. The facilities are world class and ski slopes are of international level.
Some of the memorable ski locales in India are the Kumaon Division hills, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the north eastern parts of India which have become the favourite ski hideouts of adventure sports lovers. Huge open spaces above the snowline and the beautiful height and spread of the snow covered mountains in enough to attract the adventure loving tourists.
The cool breeze the face as one ski down over freshly fallen snow and pristine ski slopes is a mind blowing experience that will be etched in the memories till eternity. Here is the list of top ten destinations for skiing in India.
1. Pahalgam - Jammu and Kashmir
Pahalgam is a small town situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir and is very popular among the western Himalayan Mountains. The added availability of breathtaking views makes the place a favourite with trekkers and skiers alike. The perfect time to visit the place is the month of December and March, when the snow is nice and thick. There is also lot of options for accommodation due to high rush of tourists.
2. Gulmarg - Jammu and Kashmir
Gulmarg is a beautiful little place in the Baramla District of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Popularly called the "Heartland of winter sports like skiing in India" the place is the 7th best skiing destination of Asia. Gulmarg has the famous "Gulmarg Gondola" which is the highest cable car in the whole world. The best time to visit the place is during the months of December to March. Skiing expeditions are enjoyed very nicely and thus make sure to get to Gulmarg this year with your whole gang of family and friends.
3. Solang Nala - Himachal Pradesh
Solang nala is a popular valley in Manali in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The place is known for various types of winter games, especially skiing. There are many tournaments that are organized, and many training modules are also organized for teaching amateurs the basic points about skiing.
4. Narkanda - Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda is a small town in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh that is popular for its profusion of snow and thus very well-liked for skiing. During winters Narkanda, in fact, doubles up as a skiing resort. There is lush apple cultivation in place thus the steady stream of visitor and skiers are kept engaged and amused throughout. The best time to visit the place is in the winters, when the snow has formed very nicely over the slopes, ensuring a nice skiing experience.
5. Manali - Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a beautiful city located in the state of the Himachal Pradesh. It is very beautiful hill station that is famous among the citizens of India. Ample formation of snow and beautiful slopes make the place a heavenly location for skiing during winters. Every visitor to Manali must keep skiing. There are actually many guides and also professional skiers who would help out in taking the initial step in snow skiing.
6. Auli - Uttaranchal
Auli is a favourite destination for skiing because of its awesome slopes, the exquisite glittering slopes as well as the pristine environment. It is situated at 250 kms away from Rishikesh. Situated high up on the Garhwal Division, Auli is a must visit destination if skiing, or learning to ski is your passion. The slopes are positioned at an altitude of almost 2500 to 3000 m. thus, quite a pleasant way to begin on your skiing expeditions.
7. Dayara Bugyal - Uttarakhand
Dayara Bugyal is one of the most picturesque skiing spots of Uttarakhand. There are lush slopes, dotted with vast expanse of beautiful alpine grasslands. The splendid views of the surrounding snow covered gigantic peaks of Himalayan Mountains; make for an awesome summer retreat. However, Dayara Bugyal has also has the beautiful lake of Barnala Tal in its midst, which is a famous camping site for most trekkers and visitors to the area. Ski away and enjoy to the fullest to your hearts content on the most awesome slopes of Dayara Bugyal.
8. Kufri - Himachal Pradesh
Kufri is one of the quaint regions of Himachal Pradesh, which sees a lot of tourist`s crowds round the year - especially during November to February. The winters cover the area with a nice white sheet of snow; hence the beauty of scenery is beautiful. The tall deodars and the green pines look regal. The winter sport of snow skiing on Kufri`s undulating slopes is just amazingly refreshing.
10. Mundali - Uttaranchal
Mundali is a famous place situated in the Dehradun district. Mundali and has a thick cluster of the choicest dense forests. But this does not discourage the skiers from enjoying a nice sport of skiing every year. One can get a nice view of the snow capped Himalayas from the slopes of Mundali and thus there is a great rush of visitors and tourists almost the whole year round in Mundali.