10 Unique Ski Resorts in India

Monday, February 19, 2018

Yes, Indiainfo-icon knows a winter season, there are snow covered mountain peaks and even ski resorts in India!

The winters in India start somewhere around mid-November and continues until late-February. And if you are here, you shouldn’t miss the chance to enjoy skiing in India. Yes, Gulmarg and Manali are popular among the adventure freaks, but not the only ones. There are many other ski resorts in India in the shades of the highest mountain range – The Himalayas.

Most resorts are easily accessible by flights from the capital but take the road if you have got time. Travelling by road is quite fascinating in the mountains, and the roads aren’t as bad as many think. 

1) Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Mountains in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg is my personal favorite, top in India and also holds the 7th place as a skiing spot in Asiainfo-icon. It offers two levels to start your snow-journey, and the cable car takes you there. The slopes have thick layers of powdered snow, and the gentle lower level is perfect for the beginners. It's amazing that Gulmarg ski season is very long one starting in December and ending in early April. During that long season, there is a huge choice of ski resorts which means you can have an amazing time in Gulmarg on a budget too!

The pro skiers can ascend to the upper level for a steeper experience. The cable car, locally called Gondola, is one of the highest cable car systems in the world and takes you to a height of 4000 meters. Thrilling enough? Well, it is.

The nearest airport is at Srinagar, and a 2-hour drive takes you to Gulmarg.

2) Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir

Another attractive ski destination in India lies in Pahalgam. This small town with breathtaking views provides a lifetime experience for skiers. An attractive landscape with perfect slopes and serene surroundings, what else do you need?

Like Gulmarg, Pahalgam too is a 2-hour drive from Srinagar. Near Pahalgam is Aru, where this off-piste skiing spot is.

3) Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh

Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh

The Rohtang Pass near Manali is a heaven for adventure sports enthusiasts. Snow-covered mountains and the deep valleys provide you with an amazing backdrop while you go skiing. What more, you can feel the thrill right when you leave Manali.

The 51-km long road to Rohtang is full of turns and covered with snow on both sides. The nearest airport is at Kullu, only 10 km from Manali.

4) Solang, Himachal Pradesh

Solang-Himachal-Pradesh

The Solang Valley (or Solang Nala) is another skiing area near Manali. The ski resort is comparable to Gulmarg, and the snowy background and beautiful ski slopes make this 1.5 km long track an excellent place for skiing. It holds the ski festival every winter and tourists come from every part of the world. Definitely, the right place for beginners and amateurs to get perfection with their new found love – skiing.

Solang is at a distance of 12 km from Manali, a 30-minute ride.

5) Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli-Uttarakhand

Located in the hills of Garhwal range, the city of Auli rose to fame after the successful hosting of the first SAF winter games. Auli is one of the well-maintained ski resorts and is away from the city life which gives you an unique experience. You get to ski at an altitude of about 3000 m on some perfect slopes stretching up to 3 km. And for the beginners, you can sign up for a skiing class in the ski institute.

The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is a long 8-hour drive away in the mountains. The ride drops you at Joshimath from where you have to take the 3.5 km long cable ride to reach Auli.    

6) Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Kufri-Himachal-Pradesh

Gentle slopes and a backdrop of pine trees on a white sheet of snow make Kufri a spectacular spot for skiing and other winter sports. The Mahasu Ridge is a great place to start the fall, your ski adventure. The annual festival attracts a get deal of tourists and skiers around the world.

The nearest city with an airport is Shimla, 20 km away. For better connectivity options, get a flight to Chandigarh and then drive for some 3-4 hours to reach Shimla. This drive among the mountains is fun and provides with stunning views!

7) Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

Another ski resort in the state of Himachal Pradesh is the secluded Narkanda, situated at an altitude of above 2500 m. Apart from the stunning backdrop of high mountain ranges and dense forests, it offers different slopes according to your choice. The pros can test out the steep slopes of the Hatu Peak, while the beginners can check the gentle ones.

The state tourism department provides courses and instructors if you need any. At a distance of about 65 km, it takes 2 hours to reach Narkanda from Shimla.

8) Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand

Dayara-Bugyal-Uttarakhand

Dayara Bugyal (literally, high altitude meadow) is a package for adventure seekers. Fulfilling the promise of excellent experience, the slopes vary from steep to gentle and are dotted with greens and what more? You have to trek to reach there; a trek alongside the breathtaking mountain ranges.

Also, you can camp at Barnala Tal, the lake. The nearest airport is at Dehradun, and it takes about 6 hours to reach Barsu. From there, Dayara Bugyal is an 8-km trek away.

9) Munsiyari, Uttarakhand

Munsiyari-Uttarakhand

Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, Munsiyari (or Munsyari) is the entrance to Johar valley – part of the silk route. More of a tourist destination, the place is recommended by trekkers, glacier enthusiasts, and nature lovers. It offers steep descent for some quick thrills.

The connectivity to Munsiyari is a bit remote as the nearest cities are more than 200 km away. The nearest airport is Pantnagar at a distance of about 250 km.

10) Yumthang, Sikkim

Yumthang-Sikkim

What’s better than skiing near the Mount Everest? It’s another thing that Everest isn’t in India but just imagine, and Sikkim gives you that option. This state in the north-east has quite some options on offer and among them is the lesser known Yumthang Valley. At about 3500m, the valley gets a snow blanket in the winter, and you can ski and trek among the beautiful landscapes.

Yumthang is 140 km away from Gangtok by road. There aren’t any airports nearby, but New Jalpaiguri has excellent connectivity by trains. Gangtok is a 5-hour drive from there.


You never heard about snow or ski resorts in India before? Well, you certainly have learned something new today. Are you ready for something new this winter season? Pick your choice and book the flights before the season is over!

Abhijeet Kumar a freelance content writer for aSabbatical.com
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.