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's 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.
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: Kongdori (450 m long) and Apharwat Peak (800 m long). If you are a first-timer, then Kongdori is the best option, but if you've 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.
Situated 14 km from Manali, Solang Nala is one of the best places to go skiing in Himachal Pradesh—not just if you are a first-timer but also if you have mastered the sport. If you don't 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.
Best time to visit for Skiing: October to March
How to reach
By air: The nearest airports in Bhuntar or Kullu. Cabs are available from there to Solang.
By road: Reach Kullu-Manali via NH21, and from there, hail a local bus to the valley.
Sitting at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,000 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.
Best time to visit for Skiing: November to March
How to reach
By air: Hail a bus from the nearest airport located in Dehradun.
By road: Take an intercity bus to Rishikesh, Dehradun or Joshimath. From there, many local buses take you to Auli at regular intervals.
By train: Take a train to Dehradun Railway Junction, then hail a bus or cab to Auli.
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 and brings the best of thrill and culture together.
Best time to visit for Skiing: December to February
How to reach
By air: The nearest airports are Saonibari Airport in Tezpur and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. From here, many cabs ply to Tawang.
By road: Hail a bus or a cab from Tezpur, Udalguri or Bhalukpong.
By train: Hail a taxi from the nearest railway station in Tezpur.