If you want to change your winter plans this year and take on a more adventurous endeavour, skiing is precisely what you need to try. Even though the sport may have some catching up to do professionally in India, among tourists visiting India&rsquos many winter wonderlands up North, it&rsquos a favourite activity. If you are ready to take on this thrilling winter experience, plan a trip to these snowy locations across India.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Surrounded by mighty slopes, the lush green valleys of Gulmarg adorn an all-white garb during the winter months due to the snowfall it receives. If skiing in Switzerland has been on your bucket list, then the cascading hills of Gulmarg come incredibly close. There are two main points where you can start gliding&ndashKongdori (450 m long) and Apharwat Peak (800 m long). If you&rsquore a first-timer, then Kongdori is the best option, but if you&rsquove been-there-done-that before, head to Apharwat Peak.
Best time to visit for Skiing December to March
How to reach
By Air Land in Srinagar, and drive down to Gulmarg.
By road Hail a bus from Srinagar.
By train Hail a cab from the nearest railway stations in Jammu or Udhampur.
Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Situated 14 km from Manali, Solang Nala is one of the best places to go skiing in Himachal Pradesh&ndashnot just if you are a first-timer but also if you&rsquove mastered the sport. If you don&rsquot want to go Skiing, the smooth valleys of Solang Nala are also a perfect destination for trying out other exciting winter sports (like snow trekking and snowboarding). But if skiing interests you to the point where you may want to learn all the skills, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports also offers many short-term training programs and workshops.
Solang valley
Best time to visit for Skiing October to March
How to reach
Via air Hail a cab or a bus from the nearest airports in Bhuntar or Kullu.
Via road Reach Kullu-Manali via NH21, and from there, hail a local bus to the valley.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Sitting at an altitude of 2500 to 3000 m above sea level in the western region of Garhwali hills, the small town of Auli is a dreamland for skiers. The spectacular peaks of Mt Nanda Devi, Nar Parbat, Ghori Parbat, Nilkanth, and Dunagiri can be seen here. Its sheer beauty and up-to-the-mark infrastructure make it a favourite spot among professionals.
Auli
Best time to visit for Skiing November to March
How to reach
Via air Hail a bus from the nearest airport located in Dehradun.
Via road Take an intercity bus to Rishikesh, Dehradun or Joshimath. From there, many local buses take you to Auli at regular intervals.
Via train Take a train to Dehradun Railway Junction, then hail a bus or cab to Auli.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
If you want a genuinely invigorating Skiing experience, then the lesser-known city of Tawang is your best bet. The best place to ski here is at the Panga Teng Tso Lake, also known as the PT lake, which is situated roughly 20 km from the town&rsquos midpoint. Apart from being a paradise for many experienced skiers, this spot also holds religious significance among the Buddhists of Arunachal Pradesh&ndashbringing the best of thrill and culture together.
PT Lake in Tawang
Best time to visit for Skiing December to February
How to reach
Via Air The nearest airports are Saonibari Airport in Tezpur and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From here, many cabs ply to Tawang.
Via road Hail a bus or a cab from Tezpur, Udalguri or Bhalukpong.
Via train Hail a taxi from the nearest railway station in Tezpur.
