Auli is a snow-covered hill station located at an altitude of 2-3 thousand metres above sea level, providing a very beautiful view of Mt Nanda DeviKamet, Mana Parwat, Dunagiri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat, Ghori Parbat and Nar Parbat, is an ideal place for Skiing, covered with evergreen conifers and oak forest. The snow dressed slopes of Auli which once offered the training grounds for the Paramilitary forces was adjudged by the French and Austrian experts who compared it with the best skiing grounds of the world and rated it as one of the best.
Cost: The cost is INR 13,500 plus service tax of 3.63% (conditions apply) for six days.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the place is from December to February.
Kufri in Himachal Pradesh is not located very far off from Shimla. Kufri tends to be a hub of much activity and enjoyment in winters. Skiing is a popular sport here, and the town also hosts a winter sports festival in February. A number of setups here provide both training and facilities for skiing. Kufri is one of the best places for skiing in India as the slopes are gentle and smooth making it easier for the beginners to cope up with the rest. One can also try their hand at Tobogganing which involves a slide down the hill on a sledge. A winter sports festival too is organized by the Himachal Pradesh department of travel and tourism annually.
Cost: The skiing starts at INR 300 per person per hour.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Kufri to experience skiing is from November to March.
So, if you are an adventure lover, leave yourself in the hands of your professional trainers to feel the thrill of skiing in the picturesque setting of Manali. The undulating slopes of Solang Valley offers a perfect terrain for amateurs to learn their first move while an ideal grounds for professionals. A skiing festival too is conducted at the place every year where a lot of tourist participation is witnessed. The mountaineering institute provides all the required equipment.
Cost: The cost of amateur skiing is INR 8400 onwards per person during the fixed period starting from 11 January to 24 January.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the place is between December and February when some fantastic skiing slopes form due to thickening of snow.
Rohtang pass is an experience of nature in one of its rawest forms possible, amongst mountain peaks covered with snow, breathtaking view and magnificent and sprawling landscapes and views. You can try your hand at skiing and Sledge ride at the Rohtang Pass, where you slide down a slope of snow whilst using the appropriate equipment. Gear for such activities are available for a reasonable rent, so do not miss out on this opportunity.
Yumthang Valley is situated in Sikkim. It is a collection of fun activities including trekking, mountain biking, hiking and much more. The place is covered up in what appears like a blanket of snow during the period extending from November until March. The place offers an equally enjoyable experience for beginners as well as ski experts. Being away from unnecessary noise and movement, the place offers a perfect getaway.
Cost: The cost of the trek here varies from INR 1200 per person to INR 20000 per person.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Yumthang Valley is from September to December when the snow sets in and makes the place even more enjoyable.
Narkanda is another very famous destination spot which again comes from the astounding beauty of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of about 65 km from Shimla at an altitude of 2708 meters on the Hindustan Tibet road. It gives a beautiful view of snow ranges and comprises of different slopes for different kinds of skiers. Narkanda is famous for Skiing & Winter sports. Ski instructors are provided by HPTDC who supervise the beginners and help them enhance their skiing skills. Waiting to be fully explored, Narkanda is among the oldest destinations for skiing in India blessed with an undulating beauty of nature. During these days the slopes come alive with skiers.
Cost: Skiing in Narkanda begins at INR 2000 per person per hour.
Best Time to Visit: The peak time to try skiing in Narkanda is during January and February.
When it comes to skiing in India, few other places offer a more immersive experience than Gulmarg. Advanced and expert terrain are lumped together because the Gulmarg ski terrain requires competent skills wherever you go, and the difference between an advanced or expert line might be a matter of metres left or right. A person who wishes to go skiing in Gulmarg can begin the journey either from Kongdori or Aparwahat Peak. The length of both the slopes is different, however. Kongdori peak is 450m long whereas the latter one is 800m in length. It is advisable for beginners to ski at Kongdori. A cable car known as Gandola is by far the largest cable car project provided to the visitors. Some equipment required for skiing includes ski goggles, clothing, boots, socks and gloves. These can be rented from any store located nearby.
Cost: The cost of Gondola ride is INR 400 for adults as well as kids from Gulmarg to Kongdori and INR 600 from Kongdori to Apherwat. It is free for kids below three years of age.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the place is during December extending up to mid of March.
Marked on a popular trekking trail, and known for beautiful views of the Panchuli peaks, Munsiyari is also a popular site for skiing in winters. It is a small town but has been able to emerge as an important adventure spot in the country. It is also an important destination to go trekking. One is likely to have a lot of fun at the place and an unforgettable experience.
Cost: The cost is varying depending on different packages. It begins at the cost of INR 500 per person per day.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit are the months of March to June and then from mid-September to October.
Mundali, located in Uttarakhand is a popular ski destination of India blessed with lush green forests and majestic peaks covered with powdery snow. When it comes to skiing in India, Mundali sets itself apart from the others by being the most picturesque destination among them all. Apart from being an ideal terrain for professionals to enjoy and further hone their skiing skill, it also offers perfect slopes for a novice to begin their ski expedition. It is situated in the district of Dehradun and is famous for the sharp slopes that it possesses. A ski school is present for those who would like to learn some of these skills. Also, the school provides all the essential ski equipment including ski gears including alpine as well as Nordic skis, gloves and goggles. The scenery is endearing to the eyes, and the powdery snow is a keeper.
Cost: The cost of the trek starts with INR 300 per person per hour.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from December to February when snowfall is at its peak.
Dayara Bugyal is a widespread meadow situated at an altitude of 3950 m (12956ft) above sea level in the district named Uttarkashi. In winters (December- February), the meadow gets covered with snow, transforming into a 28 square kilometre skiing spot with its undulating slopes. Slopes of all kinds are present ranging from those for beginners to those for experienced skiers.
Cost: The cost of the trek depends upon the package taken such as INR 7600 + 9% service tax offered by Renok Adventures.
Best Time to Visit: There is no best time to visit the place because almost all times are great including May to July, August end to mid of October and then from December to February.
Known For : Aharbal Waterfall Tarsar and Marsar Lake Kungwattan
Pulwama, a small town in Srinagar district, is famous for its apple orchards, waterfalls, natural springs and scenic valleys.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Winter months in Patnitop are marked by a number of skiing courses and setups coming up in the area. Given the modest and gentle slopes in Patnitop, it tends to be an ideal destination for skiing for people with no prior experience.
Known For : Aru Valley Chandanwari Baisaran
Aru is another skiing destination which is located close to Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. The place offers a breathtaking view and has a beautiful landscape. For amateurs, there is an institute named Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports which offers skiing courses.
Cost: The starting cost of the skiing course offered is INR 5600 onwards.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for skiing here is between December and March.
Best Time: Throughout the year
Phuni Valley located in Lachung Sikkim is a newbie who has gotten its name listed amongst the best places to go for skiing in India. The snow present is at the height of 11000 feet and gives an amazing experience to the ski lovers to come down slopes smoothly. It should be a must-visit place on your list if you wish to witness nature's beauty all around in addition to undergoing a thrilling ski experience.
Cost: The cost of trekking in this region is INR 500 per person per hour.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the place is between January and March.
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