Top 10 Skiing Destinations Of India
With the winter months just round the corner, one winter sport people are really looking to explore is Skiing. Due to the surging popularity of this extreme yet entrancing winter activity, there are multiple locations where one can consider. But to make it easier for you, here are the Top 10 destinations you can go skiing in India!
1. Auli
If paradise exists, Auli is definitely it. This little village in Uttarakhand has gained popularity in the past few years due to its serene, breathtaking views, pristine snow-capped landscapes and its quaint ski resort!
Nearest Major City: Dehradun – 290 kms. (7 to 8 hours)
Cost of one-day Ski Pass at Auli: Starts at Rs. 1500 per adult.
Cost of skiing courses & packages for learners at Auli: Ranges from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000.
For more information on cost of skiing in Auli, visit www.auliskiing.in
How to reach Auli: The nearest major airport from Auli is Dehradun. You can either book a taxi all the way to this hamlet or take the bus from Lansdowne Chowk, Dehradun to Joshimath, 6 kms. From Auli. There is only one bus that runs at 6:15 early in the morning so make sure to book in advance. The bus journey would cost you around Rs. 800, depending on the time of the year.
Best time for skiing at Auli: From late November till the end of March.
2. Gulmarg
Srinagar is without doubt one of the most popular yet serene places to go skiing at. Gulmarg is especially known for its famous ski resort and the Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering. If you are looking to learn to ski like a pro, this is the place for you!
Nearest Major City: Srinagar – 10 kms. (30 minutes)
Cost of one-day Ski Pass at Gulmarg: Starts from Rs. 740 onwards.
Cost of skiing courses & packages for learners at Gulmarg: Rs. 10,000 for below 25 years, Rs. 20,000 for anyone who’s 25 years and above.
For more information on learning skiing professionally as a sport in Gulmarg, India; visit https://www.iismgulmarg.in
How to reach Gulmarg: Just a 30 minute drive away from Srinagar Airport, this is one of the most convenient ski destinations to get to.
Best time for skiing at Gulmarg: Ski season in Gulmarg starts in January and runs until the end of March. Best time to visit here to ski would definitely be February.
3. Pahalgam
Another place if you wish to ski in Srinagar. Pahalgam isn’t exactly a hidden gem but is definitely a little less crowded than Gulmarg. If you are looking to have a tranquil skiing experience, head to Pahalgam this winter.
Nearest Major City: Srinagar – 92 kms. (Around 2.5 hours)
Cost of one-day Ski Pass at Pahalgam: Approximately Rs. 2000 per person.
Cost of skiing courses & packages for learners at Pahalgam: Starts Rs. 10,000 onwards.
How to reach Pahalgam: The nearest major airport from Pahalgam in Srinagar. You can easily book a taxi all the way to Pahalgam and enjoy the 2 hour scenic drive to this ski destination.
Best time for skiing at Pahalgam: From late November till the end of March.
4. Kufri
If you are heading to Shimla for a vacation, why not add a little adventure to your trip. With a multitude of the various adventure sports to choose from, try your hands on skiing at Kufri, Shimla.
Nearest Major City: Chandigarh – 140 kms. (Around 4 hours)
Cost of skiing at Kufri: Starts from Rs. 1750 per adult.
How to reach Kufri: Though Shimla has its own airport, due to lesser frequency of flights most people prefer travelling from Chandigarh Airport. You can either book a taxi or drive up to Shimla or take the bus from Tribune Chowk to Shimla. The frequency of the buses is quite decent and start from Rs. 600 , depending on the service operator.
Best time for skiing at Kufri: December to February
Here are some accommodation options in Shimla you should consider for a luxurious and comfortable stay!
5. Mundali
This lesser known ski destination is all you need if you are looking for a ski vacation, away from it all. With a myriad of packages and courses to choose from, you can professionally learn to ski at Mundali, Uttarakhand.
Nearest Major City: Dehradun – 114 kms. (3 to 4 hours)
Cost of skiing at Mundali: Packages start at Rs. 15,000 for 2 people
For more information on cost of skiing in Mundali, visit http://www.osrvacation.com/tour/mundali-skiing-tour/
How to reach Mundali: The nearest major airport from Mundali is Jolly Grant Airport. You can easily book a taxi all the way to Mundali and enjoy the 3 hour scenic drive to this ski destination.
Best time for skiing at Mundali: November & December.
6. Yumthang
If you’ve been thinking of exploring the North-East? Here’s another excuse you should do it right now! Yumthang Valley offers one of the most exhilarating vistas you could ever imagine and skiing here is just pure bliss.
Nearest Major City: Gangtok – 142 kms. (Around 6 hours)
Cost of skiing at Yumthang: Varies from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 20,000.
How to reach Yumthang: The nearest major airport from Yumthang Valley is Pakyong Airport. You can easily book a taxi and enjoy the 6 hour scenic drive to this ski destination.
Best time for skiing at Yumthang: Starts in December, goes on till the end of March.
7. Phuni Valley
Another gem of an option in the north east if you wish to ski, is Phuni Valley. Get lost in the serenity this untouched part of India has to offer!
Nearest Major City: Gangtok – 117 kms. (Around 6 hours)
Cost of skiing at Phuni Valley: Starts from Rs. 300 only!
How to reach Phuni Valley: The nearest major airport from Phuni Valley is Pakyong Airport. You can easily book a taxi and enjoy the 6 hour scenic drive to this ski destination.
Best time for skiing at Phuni Valley: Starts in December, goes on till end of March.
Apart from skiing, Phuni Valley also offers you a whole collection of winter sport activities including snowboarding and ice-skating as well.
Here are some accomodation options in Gangtok you should consider to pit-stop by, if you are heading to Phuni Valley.
8. PatniTop
Jammu & Kashmir is without doubt the ‘it’ place when it comes to experiencing snow or any kinds of snow activities in the country. Well, just about 3 hours from Jammu there are a myriad of ski resorts that offer amazing ski packages that you can grab this winter!
Nearest Major City: Jammu – 112 kms. (Around 3 hours)
Cost of skiing at PatniTop: Skiing packages starting at Rs. 5000.
How to reach PatniTop: The nearest major airport from PatniTop is Satwari Airport, Jammu. You can either book a taxi all the way to the PatniTop or take a bus from Katra Bus Stand. You might want to check the bus timings with the locals as due to the weather conditions, the bus services might be unpredictable.
Best time for skiing at PatniTop: November to February.
9. Solang
Solang Valley, apart from being well known for the myriad of adventure activities that it offers, is also a great option if you are considering skiing as one of the things you want to tick off your bucket list.
Nearest Major City: Chandigarh – 300 kms. (Around 8 hours)
Cost of Ski Pass at Solang: Starts from Rs. 300 per person, per hour.
Cost of skiing courses & packages for learners at Solang, Manali: Rs. 18,000 onwards.
For more information on skiing courses in Manali, visit www.activitymanali.com/skiing
How to reach Solang: The nearest major airport from Solang is Chandigarh. is Ahmedabad. You can either book a taxi all the way to Manali zone or hop on a bus. The frequency of the buses is quite decent and it would cost you anywhere around Rs. 600 to Rs. 1200, depending on the service operator.
Best time for skiing at Solang: Late December onwards, until snowfall last; which is usually February end.
10. Rohtang Pass
After Solang, Rohtang Pass is definitely one of the most popular tourist destinations, not just in Mnali but the whole of North India. Just a stone’s throw away from the main city of Manali, you can hop to Rohtang Pass if you wish to ski this winter.
Nearest Major City: Chandigarh – 330 kms. (Around 8.5 hours)
Cost of skiing at Rohtang Pass: Starts from Rs. 700 to Rs. 2500, depending to Rs. 40,000.
How to reach Rohtang: The nearest major airport from Solang is Chandigarh. is Ahmedabad. You can either book a taxi all the way to Manali zone or hop on a bus. The frequency of the buses is quite decent and it would cost you anywhere around Rs. 600 to Rs. 1200, depending on the service operator.
Best time for skiing at Rohtang Pass: Late December onwards, until snowfall last; which is usually February end.
Looking for a stay while in Manali? Here are some spectacular and luxurious accommodation options by StayVista.
