SKIING VACATIONS IN INDIA

India - A Delight for Skiiers.

India, as a skiing destination presents immense opportunity to an aficionado of skiing and unquestionably the reason for this is the presence of the great Himalayas. There was a time when Kashmir was the only popular skiing destination. However, with passage of time skiing has developed in other parts of India and people flock from world over to enjoy the experience of skiing.
Though skiing is an immensely popular and exhilarating sport, yet it could be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Since skiing entails prolonged exposure to cold and chilly winds, proper clothings to cover body, hands and feet are necessary. However overdressing can pose problems and should be avoided. Proper care of eyes are also essential.

Gulmarg
Gulmarg is located in the Kashmir valley which is regarded as the ‘Paradise’ because of its enchanting beauty. Gulmarg’s extraordinary beauty has drawn tourists from not only India but also from various other countries. Gulmarg or the ‘meadow of flowers’ boasts of the best ski resort of the country. Established in 1927 by two British officials, this resort gained prominence almost immediately and became the venue for the first National Winter Games in 1998. As winter approaches and the peaks of the Himalayas get wrapped in white snow, skiers from all over begin to pour in. The skiing season which begins from December( before Christmas) concludes by mid April. The tourists interested in skiing can take the required equipments like skis, boots, goggles and gloves on rent from Government owned shops. Gulmarg is suitable not only for experienced skiers but also for amateurs who can learn skiing by qualified instructors. Skiing in Gulmarg is also enjoyable because of the Gandola cable car lift that carries tourists from Gulmarg to Apharwat top allowing a downhill skirun of about 3 kms. Tourists visiting India are sure to love the divine beauty of the Kashmir valley especially Gulmarg and enjoy skiing.

Auli
Auli is yet another popular skiing destination in India. Situated in the Garhwal hills of Uttaranchal at an altitude of 2500-3050 m above sea level, Auli ski resort stand just next to Gulmarg ski resort. Auli is linked to Joshimath by road( 16 kms) while the nearest airport is at Dehradun and railhead is Rishikesh. The best time to visit Auli is quiet obviously during winters when the mountain peaks are covered with snow ( between January to March) which is about 3 m deep. Skiing is done from an elevation of about 500m which is at par with international standards. Skiers also enjoy the view of the gigantic mountain of Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri. Skiing festivals held at regular interval attract numerous skiers. Facilities are available for tourists like skiing equipments and medical facilties. However a first aid kit is not provided and is meant to be carried by the skiers themselves. Sking in Auli, like in Gulmarg is not restricted to experienced and trained skiers , rather a beginner can also enjoy the pleasure of skiing. Numerous training programmes are conducted for the benefit of new skiers. For the lovers of skiing, Auli is a delightful place and skiing here is a memorable experience.

Other skiing destinations
Skiing can be undertaken in the Solang valley in Manali, Himachal Pradesh between January and February. Though skiing in Solang valley is a huge fun therefore numerous tourists are attracted to this place. However participants need to carry their own clothes, gloves and other required items. Apart from Solang valley there are other palces in Manali where skiing can be undertaken like Dhundi, Gulaba, Marhi and Rohtang.
Another popular destination for skiing is Kufri which is 16 kms east of Shimla. Infact Kufri is considered a delight for sport lovers though facilities available are not equivalent to international standards. The best time to visit Kufri is between December to February, however it depends on the amount of snowfall. Kufri also offers an opportunty for Heli-skiing.