5 Fascinating Ski Resort Destinations in India, A must visit in Winter

Who says you cannot ski and enjoy snow sports in India when there is an abode of snow? The vast Himalaya provides for some of the world's best ski resort destinations in India. Not only are these ski resorts sorted after for adventure and adrenalin rush but also for some of the world's most scenic experiences.

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, at 9000 feet elevation, is the world's third-highest ski resort destination and is the most popular among the ski resort destinations in India. Skiing, snow cycling, sledding, and snowboarding on the majestic slope of Apharwat Peak is an experience. This is the longest ski slope in Asia and is also known for its marvelous powdery snow. Besides snow sports, riding the gondola (ropeway or cable car), over the white slopes, is the chief attraction at Gulmarg. Kashmir lives up to its old name, ‘Heaven on Earth'.

Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli is one of the best ski resort destinations in India. A snow-white holiday in Uttarakhand's Auli, at an elevation of 9500 feet, is an experience of a lifetime. Auli is popular for Ski festivals and snow sports. One can't miss the longest cable car in Asia, from Joshimath to Auli. The panoramic view of majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dunagiri is heavenly. Skiing on the Garhwal Himalayas is exhilarating. Beginners can hire instructors too. The infrastructure is of international standards. Making snowmen, snow hiking, and throwing snowballs are some other fun activities.

Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Manali's Solang Valley is the hot spot for gliding and zorbing throughout the year. In the winter months, Solang at 8400 feet, is doubly blessed with snow and becomes one of the most visited ski resort destinations in India. With expert instructors, one can try the dream of skiing on the Himalayan slopes into reality. Gliding through the thick blanket of snow is soul-stirring. This picturesque valley is just 14 kilometers from Manali.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri is the oldest among all the ski resort destinations in India. The thick snow carpet is the most alluring feature at almost 9000 feet and attracts people from all over India in the winters. Besides skiing and other snow sports and activities, riding horses on the snow carpet is also wonderful. Kufri is extremely popular for celebrating a white Christmas, a white New Year, and/or a white Valentine's Day. It is 16 kilometers from Shimla.

Phuni, Sikkim

Phuni Valley is one of the new ski resort destinations in India. This picturesque place, at an elevation of 11000 feet, is 18 kilometers ahead of Lachung in North Sikkim. It borders Tibet. The vast slopes of the majestic mountains encircling the Phuni Valley are completely snow-covered in the winters. The place becomes a paradise for ski lovers managed by Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA). Lachung is 109 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.

Things to Keep in Mind

If you are visiting any of the ski resort destinations in India, there are certain things you must keep in mind.

1. The ski resorts in India are at very high altitudes, in the Himalayas. Hence, altitude sickness is something that one should check before planning such a trip
2. Thorough medical checkup before the trip and carrying basic first-aid, pain relievers and medicines for cold and flu are must.
3. Carry warm clothes which are meant for sub zero temperatures
4. Do not try skiing without instructor and proper gear and equipment for safety