Winter has arrived in India, and as it turns colder, the country’s beloved hill stations are on the verge of transforming into snow-covered playgrounds. While travellers often flock to the mountains for the enchanting winter line, crisp air, and serene white landscapes, the season offers far more than just scenic beauty. From powdery slopes perfect for skiing to frozen trails ideal for trekking, winter opens the door to a host of exhilarating adventures. So, if you are a thrill-seeker, here are the top six winter sports destination in India.
From October to March, Gulmarg transforms into one of India’s most spectacular winter wonderlands, with the heaviest snowfall arriving between January and mid-February. The snow-capped slopes are considered the best in the country for skiing, drawing both seasoned professionals and curious beginners. Beyond skiing, the wide-open meadows turn into playgrounds for snowboarding, sledging, and snow biking. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, take a ride on one of the world’s highest cable cars in Gulmarg Gondola for breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas. With its combination of dramatic landscapes and world-class terrain, Gulmarg effortlessly blends thrill with tranquillity, setting the bar high as one of the top winter sports destinations in India.
Auli in Uttarakhand is where winter feels both adventurous and peaceful, as snow blankets its ridgelines and oak forests between late December and March. Known for its well-groomed slopes, it’s one of India’s top skiing destinations, with professional ski schools and instructors that make it easy even for first-timers to learn. Winter trekkers can head to nearby routes like Gorson Bugyal, Pangarchulla Summit, and Tapovan, which are popular for their sweeping views and are supported by local guides and operators. And for those who prefer sightseeing over trekking, the long, scenic cable-car ride from Joshimath offers a spectacular aerial view of the snow-laden Garhwal Himalayas, making it one of Auli’s most memorable experiences.
Just 16 km from Shimla, Kufri is a charming and accessible winter retreat where the hills turn snow-white between December and February, making it ideal for families and beginners looking to try skiing without heading too deep into the mountains. While the area offers gentle winter pastimes such as tobogganing and guided walks through cedar forests, the most popular horse and pony ride actually follows the rugged, often muddy trail up to Mahasu Peak, adding its own sense of adventure. With lively yet laid-back vibes, sweeping Himalayan views, and the buzz of winter festivals and food stalls, Kufri delivers a wholesome seasonal experience that blends soft adventure with festive charm.
Located high in the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh turns into a quiet but mesmerising winter destination where adventure meets untouched beauty. The peak snowfall season is usually from December to February, blanketing the monasteries, valleys, and high-altitude passes in a surreal white glow. Unlike the more commercial hill stations, Tawang offers a raw, unfiltered setting for snow trekking, ice skating, and offbeat adventures. Frozen lakes like Sungester Lake, also known as Madhuri Lake, become scenic highlights, while the rugged trails around Tawang Chu and Sela Pass offer thrilling winter hiking opportunities. Its remoteness, combined with sweeping mountain landscapes and rich Buddhist culture, makes Tawang a compelling choice for travellers seeking winter sports without the crowds.
Winter in Ladakh is not for the faint-hearted, as temperatures can plunge well below zero. Yet, for adventure lovers, this is precisely what makes it irresistible. The iconic Chadar Trek draws trekkers from around the world as the Zanskar River freezes into a solid sheet of ice, allowing travellers to walk across a glass-like pathway surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. However, due to the trek's environmental sensitivity and safety concerns, all participants must book through authorised tour operators and strictly adhere to local regulations and safety protocols. Beyond the trek, Ladakh offers ice climbing, snow trekking, and visits to frozen lakes like Pangong and Tso Moriri, which turn into natural winter wonders. Its raw wilderness, challenging terrain, and surreal atmosphere offer a winter sports experience like nowhere else in India.
A short drive from Manali, Solang Valley comes alive every winter as snow converts its open meadows and towering slopes into a bustling adventure hub. Known for its consistent snow and accessible terrain, Solang is a favourite for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and even ATV rides on snowy tracks. With plenty of local operators and instructors, even first-time adventurers can dive straight into the excitement. But it’s not just the activities that make Solang special; the surrounding peaks of the Pir Panjal range create a dramatic backdrop that elevates every experience, whether you’re gliding down a slope or simply walking through the valley.
1. What are the best destinations in India for winter sports?
Gulmarg, Auli, Kufri, Tawang, Ladakh, and Solang Valley are among the top destinations for skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking, and other winter adventures.
2. When is the best time for winter sports in India?
Most winter sports are best between December and February, though Gulmarg and parts of Ladakh experience snow earlier and later as well.
3. Where is the best skiing destination in India?
Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir is considered India’s premier skiing destination, thanks to its powder snow and world-class slopes.
4. Is the Chadar Trek safe for beginners?
No. The Chadar Trek is extremely challenging and only suitable for experienced trekkers. It must be done with authorised operators under strict safety protocols.
5. Which winter destination is best for families?
Kufri and Solang Valley are ideal for families because of their gentle slopes, beginner-friendly activities, and easy accessibility.