It is a well-known fact that winter tends to make people lazy and cozy. During this time, most people want to stay inside and enjoy the heat. Nevertheless, some individuals wish to discover winter locales and engage in adventure sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
The period from December to March is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in India. A thick layer of snow covers the northern Himalayan states during these months. Snow and steep mountains offer adventure enthusiasts opportunities to engage in enjoyable activities.
If these activities attract you, prepare for an extraordinary adventure tour by getting your bag ready. This blog introduces you to the 7 top destinations for skiing and snowboarding in India. Let’s go!
7 Best Skiing and Snowboarding Destinations in India
Here is the complete list of India’s 7 topmost skiing and snowboarding destinations:
Auli, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, located in northern India, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and the majestic Himalayan peaks. Snow blankets Auli throughout the winter, and its sloped inclines make it a good location for skiing and snowboarding.
Auli is both a tourist hotspot and a renowned destination for those who love adventure sports. Located at an elevation of 2500-3000m, it offers a stunning view of magnificent peaks such as Mt Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, and Ghori Parbat.
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You can easily reach the destination by bus, train or air. The nearest airport, train station, and bus station are in Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Auli. In addition, from Rishikesh and Dehradun, you can use a taxi or local bus.
Adventure sports firms register with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation, offering chances to partake in skiing and various other winter sports.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg’s lush green valley is home to a magnificent site for winter sports. Snow blankets the valley, and its shape provides a chance to ski and snowboard in winter.
Jammu and Kashmir, known as the Switzerland of India, provide an exceptional winter experience, particularly in places like Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam. The Kongdori and Apharwat peaks are well-known for skiing events.
The tourism industry in Kashmir provides numerous opportunities for indulging in winter sports. Whether it’s skiing or skateboarding, the thrill of adrenaline can lead to an overload of fun. The period from December to early March is ideal for skiing and snowboarding.
Travelers can access Gulmarg via air travel, with Srinagar being the closest airport. Alternatively, you can use road or rail transport. The nearest railway station is Srinagar, where you can catch a cab or local bus.
Solang, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is well-known for its scenic spots and tourist destinations. Some of the most frequented places in Himachal include Shimla, Kullu, Manali, and Spiti Village. During winter, countless tourists flock to these locations for a remarkable winter vacation.
One location that is well-known and highly popular for its winter sports is Solang Valley. It is located 14 km from Manali, where you can book a cab or taxi to reach it. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers tourist programs for learning skiing and snowboarding. In addition, you can embark on a skiing and snowboarding adventure with professional supervision.
The optimal period for a visit to Solang Valley is from November to March. The closest airport is Bhuntar, and you can take a cab to Solang. Additionally, to travel by vehicle, you first arrive in Kullu, after which you can take a cab or continue your journey with your car.
Note: The roads are narrow and snow-covered, so taking a cab is advisable instead of driving your vehicle.
Yumthang, Sikkim
Located at an elevation of 3575m, Yumthang Valley lies 134 km from the capital city, Gangtok. The valley is uniquely situated and packed with slopes, making it an ideal spot for skiing and snowboarding.
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The valley stays covered in snow from November to March, making it a fantastic location for winter sports. People come from different places to partake in skiing and other activities there.
The organization in charge of adventure activities in Sikkim is the Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA). It offers tourists a chance to have a good time in the valley through skiing and snowboarding.
Yumthang, despite its location in the remote northern region of Sikkim, has good road connectivity. The closest airport is Pakyong Airport, and you can arrange a taxi from there.
Note: Since the temperature can drop below -15 degrees, these extreme conditions can be unfit for some. To make the most of your enjoyable stay, it is recommended that you bring food, warm clothing, and safety equipment.
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda, situated in Himachal Pradesh, is an overlooked destination for winter holidays. It is encircled by towering mountains covered in stone all winter and offers a stunning vista.
The area remains quiet and less crowded, as it has not yet been developed for tourism. It is situated 65 km from the capital, Shimla. Narkanda awaits your arrival if you wish to escape the throngs of people and relish a tranquil winter.
The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) manages sports activities such as skiing and snowboarding. You can take lessons from them and enjoy these thrilling pursuits. Also, you can go to the HPTDC website to book skiing lessons. It offers skilled instructors to adventurers looking to learn and have fun skiing.
From January to March, Narkanda is snow-covered, making it the best time to visit.
The closest train station is Kalka; you can take a taxi or bus to Shimla from there, and then book a taxi to Narkanda.
Conclusion
India is a land of surprises, boasting numerous unexplored or lesser-known locations. In winter, northern states such as Uttarakhand, J&K, and Himachal Pradesh offer the best options for spending time there. Additionally, these states feature locations such as Gulmarg, Narkanda, and Auli that offer thrilling pursuits like skiing and snowboarding.
Simply conduct adequate research, purchase some essentials, and prepare to drive to your destination.