Though India is not the foremost choice
for the skiers world wide, very few know that it has an immense scope for
this thrilling sport. Himachal Pradesh lies among the Himalayan ranges of
Dhauladhar, Great Himalaya, Shiwalik and Pir Panjal; of the western Himalaya
where most of its higher reaches remain under snow for most time of the
year. Thus one can engage in skiing at any time to any height. There are
very good slopes in Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur and Shimla areas,
which have been surveyed by the government for developing them in a large
scale. Skiing in Himachal is a very old recreational activity, introduced by
British Army officers in 1930 when they explored the Kufri slopes about 12
km from Shimla on the Hindustan Tibet road. Kufri slopes are developed
excellently and a regular winter sports club was founded, which attracts
several ski enthusiasts during winter. The club has some ski equipments for
hiring and providing basic instructions to the tourists.
When to Ski All across the Himalayas, January to March is the skiing
season, when the resorts are at their snowy best. By late December, most
slopes are already well covered, but places really start attracting tourists
once the new year starts.
Major Sites for Skiing
Auli
India’s prime ski zone, Auli lies high up in the mountains of
Uttaranchal, above the town of Joshimath. About 2,500- 3,050 mt above sea
level, Auli is set amidst the forests of oak and deodar, against a backdrop
of towering snow covered mountains of Nandadevi, Neelkanth and Kamet. The
view is spectacular, and the beauty of the place is real treat for the
tourists. During the summer, the slopes of Auli are covered with grass and
wildflowers, but once the snow starts falling, the entire scene changes.
The main snow slopes of Auli stretch for about 5 km, and include 500 mt
long ski-lifts and 800 mt long chair-lifts. Snow beaters and snow-packing
machines are continually used to keep the slopes dressed. Auli, in fact, is
so good that French and Austrian experts have compared it favourably to
slopes in Switzerland.
The GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) handles all skiing activities at
Auli, so you’ll have to contact them for reservations. They’ll be
able to make arrangements for accommodation and transport, and will provide
equipment too. Week-long and fortnight-long skiing courses are conducted by
the GMVN at Auli as well. Whether you’re going as a novice or a
veteran, you should contact either of the following.
Manali
Manali in Himachal Pradesh is famous mainly for heli-skiing. The area
around Manali, including Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass and
Chanderkhani Pass, is where heli-skiing takes place. Skiers are taken aboard
a helicopter up to a height of close to 14,000 ft, where they can then get
off the copter and ski downhill. Its an exhilarating experience and is fast
growing as a popular alternative to just going to Manali for treks.
About 13 km from Manali, Solang Valley has good skiing slopes equipped with
an excellent lift. A splendid valley between Manali and Kothi, it also
offers views of the glaciers and snow-capped mountain peaks. Season: January
- March. Gulaba slopes also provide good skiing.
Solang also hosts an annual skiing tournament.
The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali is one of the
premier institutions for skiing in the Himalayas. The organisation offers
ski courses throughout the winter, and can provide both assistance as well
as advice on where and how to go skiing. The directorate also hires out
equipment.
Kufri
Kufri is perhaps the most easily approachable for anyone in north India.
Just about 10 km from Shimla, Kufri is a tranquil little town which changes
into a busy winter wonderland once the snow starts falling. A skiing trip at
Kufri can be pretty satisfying. The Mahasu Ridge, just above Kufri, has some
good slopes which are worth a try.
Narkanda
Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla is one of India’s oldest ski resorts.
Narkanda lies at an altitude of 8,100 ft, and is an important horticultural
centre. Fruit orchards on the surrounding hills produce some of Himachal’s
most luscious apples and cherries. What’s good about Narkanda is that
it’s still comparatively serene and secluded, so you won’t find
yourself suffocated by hordes of fellow skiers.
The slopes at Narkanda run the gamut from beginner’s to experts. Hattu
Peak, 6 km from Narkanda, towers 2,000 ft above Narkanda and has popular ski
slopes.
Himachal Tourism manages all the skiing facilities at Narkanda. They hire
out equipment, conduct training courses, and provide everything from
accommodation to transport. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied
Sports at Manali also plays a part in the skiing at Narkanda; they organise
special skiing courses January onwards every year.
