Squads! Ready For The Slopes? Top Skiing Destinations In India To Rise, Glide And Conquer

There're some adventure sports that anyone can try without much preparation in advance to experience some kick in their life and to conquer their fear, Skiing is definitely one of them. So get your heart racing and dive headfirst by choosing from the following list that we have curated for you: 

1. Gulmarg - Jammu & Kashmir

Popularly known as the “Heartland of winter sports”, located in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is the seventh-best skiing destination of Asia. The place is also famous for “Gulmarg Gondola”-the highest cable car in the world. Gulmarg offers two points from where one can start skiing - Firstly Kongdori, which is a 450m slope, on the other hand, we have Apparwahat Peak which offers an 800m descent. It's on you to decide what are you up for? All we can guarantee is a fun and thrilling experience. Gulmarg's unparallel skiing slopes hold a great importance when it comes to addressing the best adventure sports in India.

Image Credit: India Visit Online

Best time to visit: December to March

2. Pahalgam - Jammu & Kashmir

Another extremely popular destination for skiing among the western Himalayas is a small town Pahalgam which lies in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The place is a work of God providing some breathtaking views which make it an all-time favorite for trekkers and skiers. The Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports are there to provide beginner courses for skiing as well - if you're interested in developing a hobby. Pahalgam rather Aru is the place where skiing actually takes place which is a few km away from Pahalgam - it serves as a prime location for the majority of the skiers.

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Best time to visit: December to March

3. Manali - Himachal Pradesh

Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a place so heavenly especially in winters that its snow formations and magnificent slopes attract a large number of people for skiing every year. Due to its popularity, the region has many professional skiers to guide you if you’re trying the sport for the first time. By Manali when we talk about Skiing - it's about Solang Nala/Valley that we're considering here - it's 12kms away from Manali. If you're an amateur at skiing then they've also got a teaching institute at Solang Valley to sharpen your skill and enjoy the sport. They also organize a Winter Skiing Festival - each year - why not be a part of it this year?

Image Credit: Cleartrip

Best time to visit: January to February

4. Auli - Uttaranchal

About 250 km away from Rishikesh, situated high up on the Garhwal Hills, Auli is another all-time favorite of skiers out there owing to its clean surroundings apart from spectacular beauty. Altitude for the slopes here ranges from 2500 to 3000 meters. Auli also hosted the First SAF Winter Games in 2011, marking its name in history. Auli also has a 500m long ski-life and an 800m long chairlift for skiers who prefer getting to the top of the mountains. You'll also come across a Skiing institute that offer skiing classes right from beginners.

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Best time to visit: November to March

5. Narkanda - Himachal Pradesh

Located at an altitude of about 2708 meters, Narkanda offers a magical view of the high snow-capped ranges and mountain peaks. One gets to see several apple orchards and dense forests here. What this place offers is solitude and seclusion which is why many trekkers and skiers tend to opt for this place. There’re unlimited skiing options here. The best part about Narkanda is there are different slopes for each level - which makes it a favorite spot for skiers as any can be a part of the skiing experience - Be it a beginner or professional. Several Skiing courses are also conducted in January if you're keen on learning.

Image Credit: Wiwigo

Best time to visit: November to February

6. Kufri - Himachal Pradesh

Kufri is that quaint little hill station in Himachal Pradesh which is always bustling with tourists, sporty and non-sporty alike. The tall deodars and green pines make the scenery of this place look beautiful, especially in winters which give way to white cotton-like snow all over. Like most of the places, even Kufri organizes an annual winter sports festival which attracts a number of tourists to a part of this thrilling experience. Kufri has gentle slopes that make for an unforgettable skiing experience. It's definitely a Skier's paradise!

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Best time to visit: November to February

7. Munsiyari - Uttaranchal

Surely understood for its unfathomable excellence and furthermore called the explorers paradise, Munsiyari or Munsyari 3855 m above sea level, lies 68 Km from Jauljibi of Pithoragarh region in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. One of the genuine winter trip spots with enough spaces for skiing, Munsiyari offers other experience wears like wilderness boating and climbing. Khalifa best and Betulidhar are the two high tallness puts in Munsiyari giving the best inclines to skiing.

Image Credit: Wikimedia

8. Mundali - Uttarakhand

A few 36kms away from Chakrata, Mundali in Uttarakhand also serves a hub for skiers similar to other destinations even this one offers skiing courses if you wish to learn. The courses involve all the levels from beginners to intermediate to advanced level as well. The skiing experience here offer scenic breath-taking views, you just can't escape from. Among critical quantities of renowned goals of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, snow-topped Mundali is the skiing spot for ace skiers.

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Best time to visit - November to April

9. Phuni Valley - Lachung Sikkim

At the height of 11,000ft Phuni Valley in Lachung offers just the right destination for the adventure junkies waiting to experience the real thrill of Skiing. It's a new hub for all the skiers - it offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, lush forests and picturesque valleys. Sikkim has definitely taken the challenge up to provide us with the best adventure sports possible which makes it one of the best destinations offering Skiing and a lot more to the tourists flocking in every month. Arranged around 20 km from Lachung, Phuni Valley has transformed into the inside purpose of enthusiastic skiers who start from wherever all through the world. At a stature of approx 11500 ft, the snow offers an incredible opportunity to ski darlings that slide down the smooth inclinations of the snow-secured mountains here. An ideal place for best-skiing events in India, Phuni Valley in Sikkim is a flat out must-see. Furthermore close by a fascinating skiing foundation, one has the opportunity to locate the lovely valley that looks immaculate when the front of snow covers each tree and branch here.

Image Credit: Tamarind Global

Best time to visit: March to June

10. Dayara Bugyal – Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal is one of the most picturesque skiing spots of Uttarakhand. There are lush slopes, dotted with a vast expanse of beautiful alpine grasslands. The breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered gigantic Himalayan peaks 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 heart's content on the most awesome slopes of Dayara Bugyal.

Image Credit: Townsript

Best time to visit: December to February

Bringing back the vigor of younger days, the once-in-a-lifetime experience will make you come across breathtaking sights. It also gives you the much-needed nudge to be physically fit before you even get there.

FAQ

Q: What are the types of equipment you need for skiing?

A: The gear includes - skis, ski boots, goggles, a helmet and ski poles. One can also carry a ski bag, ski carrier, sunglasses and even walkie-talkies in case of emergencies. 

Q: What to wear for Skiing?

A: For clothing, you will need ski gloves or mittens, base layer, sweater or a fleece jacket, ski jacket, and pants.