SKIING IN HIMACHAL
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.