Home :: India Advanture Tour :: Uttar Pradesh Skiing

India is getting serious about skiing. But a word in your ear. If you're used to apres-ski, there isn't much happening by the fireside or on the dance floor. But the serious ski-fiend will find some great slopes and some exciting challenges.

Uttar Pradesh
Auli near Joshimath, is the best-equipped centre for skiing in India. It is connected to Joshimath by a 3.5 km long cable car. Clean 10-20 km slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing. The resort has a 3 km long slope ranging from a height of 2519m to 3049m which is its major attraction. Snow beaters are utilised to keep the slopes in good shape all the time. A ski lift carries skiers back to the top of the slope saving them a long 500m walk. Don't expect much by way of apres-ski, though.
Best Season: End-December to March.    

Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda - 40 km north of Shimla offers good opportunities for cross-country skiing because it is surrounded by coniferous forests. It also has beginner's slopes with a tow bar.
Best Season: January to End March

Solang Nala
13 km from Manali has some good ski slopes specially for beginners. Several ski tows have been set up which take skiers quickly up the mountain.General facilities are better than Narkanda.

Rohtang Pass
Is north of Manali and is another ideal location for skiing. If you understand the Tibetan language don't be put off by the name (which means "heap of corpses"). Skiing is possible in the summer months when all the other ski resorts are closed.

Heli-skiing
Save time and energy. Get a helicopter to drop you on a mountain peak or ridge as high as 6,500 metres so you can whiz down the mountainside on skis. Manali is the hotbed for heli-skiing in India particularly because the area has deep snow packs, which is ideal for jetting down the mountainside. Since safety is paramount, skiers move in groups of four, including one guide. The more experienced skiers can keep their own pace.

Heli-skiing packages are organised by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and are expensive but all inclusive - 100,000 feet of vertical skiing, guides, use of avalanche transceiver, 7 nights lodging, all meals, travel to and from Delhi and the necessary local taxes. To join you need some skiing experience and plenty of money.

Winter Wear
The best way to keep warm while skiing is to dress in layers. You will be most comfortable with three warm layers, rather than in one huge woollen monster of a sweater. Many of the modern synthetic fabrics like fleece are amazingly warm and lightweight, well worth the expense.

What to wear
• Woollen Cap - absolutely necessary since you lose much body warmth through your head.
• Warm socks - several pairs (thin and thick) that can be layered and worn
• Gloves and/or mittens
• Scarf or muffler
• Pullovers/Sweaters/Sweat shirts
• Thermal underwear (longjohns)
• Wind proof jacket
• Dark glasses and sun block - you'll be surprised at how strong the glare of the snow is and how the UV rays can burn your skin even though you may never see the sun.
• Snow boots or trekking boots.