Best Skiing Destinations in India

Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the entire world, so much so that ski enthusiasts wait all year long for the perfect stretch of snow terrain on which they can ski to their heart’s content. This perfect stretch of snow-covered terrain is only available in a few places, and fortunately, India is one of them. With giant slopes where one can glide down and witness beautiful views of the valleys and ample destinations for skiing, India is becoming a well-known skiing destination for beginners. The winter season in India is a fascinating time when the glorious Himalayas that surround the north Indian states transform the vast grasslands and landscapes into giant snow-clad slopes that are idle for all the skiing enthusiasts to gear up and flaunt their skiing skills as part of India tour packages. So, strap on your ski boots and head up to the mighty Himalayas for an adventure of a lifetime, as skiing in India is something you do not want to miss.

Check the list of some of the best places for skiing in India here.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Located on the Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand, Auli is one of the most outstanding skiing destinations in India, and among the popular places to visit in Uttarakhand. During winter, this tiny hill town and its surrounding mountains are covered with blankets of snow. It is the most preferred skiing as the town remains mostly untouched by the general public and is extremely clean. The skiing slopes here range from 2000 m to 3000 m with just the perfect amount of snow on them. There is also a 500 m long ski lift and 800m long chair-lift for the skiers to get to the top of the mountains. Auli also got the honor of hosting the first SAF Winter Games in India in 2011. There is also a Skiing Institute that runs skiing classes. Besides, Auli provides every skier a scintillating view of numerous snow-clad peaks such as Dunagiri, Mt Nanda Devi, Nar Parbat, Mana Parwat, Ghori Parbat, Nilkanth, Beethartoli, and Hathi Parbat. Apart, Gurso Bugyal, Auli Lake, Chattrakund, Bhavishya Badri Temple, Tapovan, and Joshimath are some of the popular places to visit in Auli.

                                    Book Here : Auli Tour Packages

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Blessed with snowcapped mountains, freezing winds, and panoramic views of snow-covered plains, Gulmarg will remind you of a Swiss village right here in India. It is one of the top places to visit in winter in India and among the must-include places in Jammu & Kashmir Tour Packages. Besides, Gulmarg is reputed for being one of the top ski resorts in India and the 7th best skiing destination in Asia. Popularly known as the ‘heartland of winter sports in India’, Gulmarg is a place laden with snow in the winters and a perfect place to enjoy skiing amid paper-white snow and the mountains. At Gulmarg, one can either ski on the 450m slope of Kongdori or challenge yourself by skiing the 800 m ridge at Apharwat Peak. However, both the points provide you with an exhilarating experience! Also, Gulmarg is the destination with Asia’s highest and longest cable car that goes as high as 13,400 feet that offers breathtaking views of the surreal landscape covered in a white blanket of snow. Apart, Alpathar lake, Khilanmarg, Maharani Temple, Ningli Nalla, and St. Mary Church are some of the top places to visit in Gulmarg.


Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Often called as the Valley of Gods, Manali should be on your list when you are looking for heavenly skiing destinations in India. With pleasant weather, jaw-dropping views, lush forests, snow covered mountains, gushing streams and sprawling meadows carpeted with flowers, Manali is one of the excellent hill stations near Delhi, and among the popular places to visit in Himachal. The undulating slopes of Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are perfect places for skiing in Manali. Known for its Ski resorts, Solang valley turns into a skiing paradise during winters and invites professional and amateur skiers from across the country to provide an adventurous skiing experience. There are also several ski and snowboarding schools. Apart, paragliding, river rafting, zorbing, horse riding are the other winter activities that one can enjoy in Solang Valley, among the top places to visit in Manali.

                                    Book Here : Manali Tour

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Nestled at an altitude of 9000 feet in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Kufri is a quaint hill station in Himachal Pradesh where you go to lose yourself in the beauty of nature. It is one of the must-include places in Himachal tour packages, and among the popular destinations in India for skiing enthusiasts as it is home to some of the most attractive ski slopes that range from gentle ones for beginners to steep ones for expert skiers in search of a challenge. The slopes, the heights, and the thick blanket of snow it receives every year make it incredible to try the exciting adventure. There are state government-run ski courses in Kufri and they also give out equipment on hire.

                                    Book Here : Places to visit in Srinagar

Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir

Known for its breathtaking views of the snow-capped surroundings, Pahalgam is one of the premier skiing destinations in India and among the top places to visit in Jammu & Kashmir. Due to heavy snowfall, this region turns into an ideal skiing spot during winters. The main skiing point in Pahalgam is Aru, located at an altitude of 9000 m, is truly blessed with abundant natural beauty, and has the best slopes to try out skiing. Also, Aru hosts a 2-day snow festival where one can enjoy several winter sports like paragliding, snowboarding, white water rafting along with skiing. For amateurs, there is an institute named Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports which offers skiing courses.

                                     Also Read : Narkanda Tour Packages

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

The quaint town of Narkanda is another best place to go for Skiing in India, and one of the scenic places to visit as part of the Shimla packages. Located at an elevation of 2708 m on the Hindustan Tibet Road, the mesmerizing beauty of this opulent hill town manifolds in winter with densely covered snow peaks and fully gets converted into a ski resort. Narkanda is a perfect choice for skiing enthusiasts as the slopes of the Narkanda are perfect for beginners as well as experienced skiers. Hatu Peak is the most popular peak among skiers, situated at an altitude of 3400 m and attracts many adventure lovers. Here, HPTDC along with the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers courses in skiing with qualified instructors, along with rental equipment. Stokes Apple Farm, Hatu Temple, Hatu Peak, Mahamaya Temple, Kotgarh, and Thanedar are the other famous places to visit in Narkanda.

                                     Book Here : Narkanda Tour Packages

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Known for its panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan Range, luxuriant forests, excellent weather, scenic trails, and breathtaking landscape, Munsiyari is another well-known skiing destination in India. Placed at an altitude of 2298 m, it is one of the most scenic offbeat destinations that one must visit as part of Uttarakhand tour packages. The snow-clad steep descents from the hilly locales offer a great opportunity for skiers that provide them with a memorable and lifetime experience. Khalia Top and Betulidhar are the other two high-altitude slopes suitable for skiing in this region. Besides, Munsiyari is also a base for three glaciers namely Namik, Milam, and Ralam Glaciers and the ancient trade route between Tibet and India.

                                    Must Visit : Hill Stations in Uttarakhand

Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim

Yumthang Valley is a beautiful river valley snuggled in the lap of the Eastern Himalayas in North Sikkim near the Tibetan border. Situated at an altitude of 3564 m, it is another famous skiing destination in India, and among the prominent places to visit in Lachung. The entire Yumthang Valley offers wonderful snow blanketed slopes during winters that makes it one of the heavenly skiing spots for both beginners and experts as part of Sikkim tour packages. Apart from skiing, the valley also offers other adventure sports such as mountain biking, trekking and hiking that draws large number of adventure enthusiasts.

                                  Book Here : North East India Tour Packages

Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

Located at an altitude of about 3,007 m in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is one of the most scenic skiing spots in India. Although Dayara Bugyal is a lush green meadow in summers, it turns into an amazing skiing destination in the winters as the entire region is completely covered in thick snow, making it an ideal spot to provide the best skiing experience. The region is blessed with numerous slopes and are categorized for both experts and novices that can be selected for skiing as per individual expertise. Because of its stunning natural beauty, the place attracts many professional trekkers and skiers though there are no infrastructure for skiing such as chair car, ski lift, etc.


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