Plan Your Ski Holiday Before Winter Dawns
If you want an extraordinary vacation this winter, how about hitting the slopes in India. Glide over snow and get adventurous with a ski holiday in India.
What do you want?
Are you seeking an exclusive ski vacation with a certified course, or will you rather soak in the mountain air with just a day or two of learning a new activity like skiing?
Adventure lovers can sign up for a skiing course at a government-certified organisation such as the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM). They take care of training, skiing gear, as well as accommodation. Those under 25 will be charged Rs. 7000 (minimum), and anyone above this age limit will need to pay Rs. 14000. By the end of the week, which is the recommended minimum number of days for novices, you’ll not only learn the basics but also get a government-approved certificate. Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) and Garhawal Mandal Vikas Nigam Hotel (GMVN) in Uttarakhand also offer such courses.
Those who wish to experience skiing without a certificate can enquire with their resort for local trainers. Skiing gear can be rented.
Best time
Snowfall peaks during the period of January to mid-March. However, if there’s less snow and you already paid for your booking, organisations such as IIHM and HPTDC, will reimburse the complete amount. Private tourism companies might offer alternate adventure sports such as trekking or paragliding, instead of a complete refund. Do make these enquiries beforehand. Also, double-check with your resort about the snow condition if skiing is part of your itinerary.
Safety Concerns
Yes, a vital factor. We strongly recommend visiting ski destinations with government-approved institutions which are located in Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
Top Spots
Gulmarg in Kashmir is known across the world as the best ski destination in India. Its picturesque terrain and slopes befitting amateurs as well as experts, and stringent safety standards guarantee an unforgettable and worry-free experience. The closest airport is in Srinagar and it’s a two-hour drive, which is an added bonus.
Auli in Uttarakhand is popular as the most picturesque skiing spot, for it overlooks the majestic Garhawal mountain ranges. Also, it doesn’t attract large crowds like Gulmarg. The nearest airport is in Dehradun which is about 300 kilometers away. You can book a cab and enjoy the scenic drive. However, do consider weather conditions, because the road might be closed due to heavy snowfall.
In Himachal, Solang Valley, Kufri and Narkanda are top ski destinations. Amateurs will prefer the skiing experience in Kufri and Narkanda. Over the years, snowfall in these areas have progressively diminished making them less popular among frequent skiers. Solang Valley is a clear winner in this case. The nearest airport is in Bhuntar which is conveniently located about 63 kilometres away.
Now, all you need is to be regular with your workouts, for skiing demands strong legs. Later, you can show them off on a beach holiday!
