Winter makes people lazy and go cosy. During this season, people generally wish to remain indoors and enjoy the warmth. However, some desire to explore winter destinations and try their hands at adventure sports like Skiing and Snowboarding.
December to March is the best season for skiing and snowboarding in India. During these months, the northern Himalayan states remain covered by the thick sheet of snow. The snow and steep mountains are favourable for adventure lovers to enjoy fun activities.
If such activities seem tempting to you, then pack your bag and get ready to go on a memorable adventure tour. In this blog, we will explore the 7 best skiing and snowboarding destinations in India. Let’s go!
The complete list of the 7 best skiing and snowboarding destinations in India:
Auli, Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is one of the northern states of India famous for its scenic beauty and glamorous Himalayan peaks. Auli is one such location in Uttrakhand which remains snow-covered during the winter season. Further, its slant slopes make it a favourable place for skiing and snowboarding.
Auli is not only a tourist hotspot but also a famous destination for adventure sports lovers. It is situated at an altitude of 2500-3000m from where one can have a spectacular view of majestic peaks like Mt Nanda Devi, Dunagiri and Ghori Parbat.
The destination is easily accessible by bus, train or airways. The nearest airport, railway station and bus station are Dehradun, Rishikesh railway station, and Auli, respectively. Moreover, you can take a local bus or a taxi from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
There are multiple adventure sports companies under the Indian Mountaineering Foundation providing you an opportunity to enjoy skiing and other winter sports.
Related blog post, Planning the Perfect Family Vacation: From Choosing the Right Destination to Creating a Travel Itinerary
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
In the lush green valley of Gulmarg, there is a spectacular location to enjoy winter sports. During winter, snow covers the valley and its V shape allows skiing and snowboarding lovers to enjoy these sports.
Known as the Switzerland of India, Jammu and Kashmir has the best experience to offer during winter, especially in locations like Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam. Kongdori and Apharwat peaks are famous for skiing events.
Kashmir tourism offers you plenty of options to enjoy the winter sports. From skiing to skateboarding, you can have too much fun experiencing the release of adrenaline. December to early March is the best time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.
You can reach Gulmarg by airways, the nearest airport is Srinagar. On the other hand, you can also opt for road or rail transport. The nearest railway station is Srinagar and from there you can hail a cab or local buses.
Solang, Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is quite famous for its tourist attractions and picturesque locations. Shimla, Kullu, Manali, and Spiti Village are some of the most visited locations in Himachal. During winter, lakhs of tourists throng these places to have an amazing winter break.
Solang Valley is one such location which is very popular and known for its winter sports. It is situated 14km away from Manali, from where one can book a cab or taxi to get there. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers tourist programs to learn skiing and snowboarding. In addition, you can have a skiing and snowboarding adventure under the supervision of professionals.
November to March is the best time to visit Solang Valley. The nearest airport is Bhuntar, and from there you can take a cab to reach Solang. If you wish to travel by vehicle, first you have to reach Kullu and from there you can take a cab or pursue the journey on a private vehicle.
Note: Roads are narrow and covered with snow, so it is better if you go there by cab instead of driving your vehicle.
Yumthang, Sikkim
Yumthang Valley is situated at an altitude of 3575m and it is 134 km away from the capital, Gangtok. The valley has a unique location, it is full of slopes which make it a favourable place to ski and snowboard.
From November to March, the valley remains snow-covered which makes it an amazing winter sports spot. People throng from all over the country to enjoy skiing and other activities there.
Sikkim Mountaineering Association (SMA) is the body responsible for the adventure activities there. It provides tourists with opportunities to enjoy their time in the valley by enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
Although Yumthang is situated in the remote northern part of Sikkim, it is well connected to the road. Pakyong Airport is the nearest airport, and from there you can book a cab.
Note: The temperature can go below -15 degrees, so these extreme conditions are not fit for everyone. It is advisable to bring safety gear, food, and warm clothes to enjoy your pleasant stay.
Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Located in Himachal Pradesh, Narkanda is one of the underrated spots for winter vacations. It is surrounded by high peak mountains which remain stone-covered throughout the winter and provide breathtaking views.
The place is very quiet and less crowded because it is yet to be developed for tourism. It is located 65 km away from the capital, Shimla. If you want to beat the crowd and enjoy your winter in a calm and peaceful place then Narkanda is ready to welcome you.
HPTDC (Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation) is responsible for sports activities like Skiing and Snowboarding, you can take lessons from there and enjoy these adventure activities. To book skiing classes, you can visit the HPTDC website. It provides well-trained instructors to adventurers who want to learn and enjoy skiing.
The best time to visit Narkanda is January to March as the place remains snow-covered in these months.
The nearest railway station is Kalka, from there you can get a taxi or bus to Shimla and from there book a taxi to Narkanda.
Conclusion
India is full of surprises, it has plenty of unexplored or lesser-known places. During winters, northern states like Uttrakhand, J&K and Himachal Pradesh provide you the best way to spend your time there. Moreover, these states have spots like Gulmarg, Narkanda, and Auli where you can enjoy adventurous activities like skiing and snowboarding.
All you need to do is do proper research, buy some essentials and get ready to drive to your destination.
Shreya Bhatt