Guys, if you haven’t tried your hands at Skiing yet then the only thing I can say is “GO FOR IT . During the last decade the sport of skiing has really picked up in India. The biggest reason being …….the discovery and easy access to excellent locales and latest ski equipment. Facilities are world class and the ski slopes are of international level.
Some of the best ski locales in India are the Kumaon hills, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and the North-Eastern parts of India which have become the favorite ski hideouts of adventure sports lovers. Vast open spaces above the snowline and the awesome height and spread of the snow clad mountains are enough to pump adrenaline in adventure lovers……me definitely being one of them ……
The cool wind embraces your face as you ski down over freshly fallen snow and pristine ski slopes …….It is a mind blowing experience …..guys which will be etched in your memory till eternity. I have being skiing for the last 4 years now (Auli being my favorite) and I still start jumping like a kid….. The moment I get an invitation
THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Carry loads of Sun screen cream (SPF -60) ….or else your family will refuse to take you in when you come back.
While learning ….NEVER ….compete with other learners ….it can be fatal …
Always carry a first aid kit with yourself …….consisting of an anti nausea pill …..
It would be better if you can get a BSNL mobile connection …..Only BSNL works in most of these regions….
Carry the biggest pair of Sunglasses available in the market …..Unfortunately specialized Skiing glasses are generally not available at the skiing sites……or are in really bad shape ….
Last but not the least …….Always layer yourself with plenty of clothes ( Not necessary woolens ….but in layers ) ……..NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU SWEAT DO NOT TAKE OFF YOUR JACKET …..AND GO BACK TO THE SLOPE …….TEMP IS REALLY LOW AND IT’S EASY TO CATCH SEVERE COLD
Some of the best locales for skiing trips in India are:-
- Auli ( Garhwal ) :- Auli is my favorite skiing destination. Sorry Guys, I will always be partial to Auli because this is the place where I first tired my hand at skiing. Every thing from the best ski slopes, ski equipment, lodging facilities are available here. Auli is about 250 Kms from Rishiekesh and 16Kms from Joshimath.
Location:-16-Kms from Joshimath, Garhwal Hills, Uttranchal.
Altitude :- 2500-3000 Mts
Specialty:- Skiing Resort
Best Time To Visit:- January till March.
Nearby places to visit
Valley Of Flowers
Hemkund Sahib
- Gulmarg ( Jammu & Kashmir ):- Gulmarg is one of the most beautiful skiing destinations you will find in India. The name Gulmarg means “ Meadow of Flowers “. It holds itself true to its name, in summers the whole 3Km long and 2Km wide meadow is filled with flowers of different kinds and in winters it is one of the hottest skiing destinations in the country. All the modern facilities that are required are available in Gulmarg. It excludes the old world charm of style and grace. The place is steeped in history which you feel and absorb when you stay there. The best time for skiing in Gulmarg would be from December till mid March. The ski slopes are world class and offer some great skiing to all, from the novice to the expert. Truly a great skiing destination.
Location:- 57-Kms from Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir.
Altitude:- 2730mts above sea level
Specialty:- In winters it is one of the best skiing resorts in the country and also a start up point for various treks into the mountains surrounding it.
Best Time To Visit:- Mid December till Mid March.
Nearby places to visit:- Kashmir is God’s own country which is full of exotic places to visit and admire. It is really a difficult task to point out a particular place because everything is so beautiful. Some where you can go which is off the beaten track is the Alpather Lake remains frozen till end of May.
- Manali ( Himachal ). Manali is situated about 590Kms from New Delhi on the national highway leading to Leh. It is a beautiful hill station which acts as a gateway to the Ladakh valley. Some good ski slopes are located in Solang Valley which is about 14Kms from Manali and skiing can be done from January till February. From March till June skiing can be done in Gulaba...