Skiing

Skiing Overview

Temperature: Auli (-2°C to 10°C), Dayara Bugyal (-5°C to 8°C), Munsiyari ( -3°C to 12°C)
Altitude (in feets): Auli (8,202 feet), Dayara Bugyal (10,000 feet)), Munsiyari (7,218 feet)
Located in: Uttarakhand, India
Nearest City: Dehradun, Rishikesh
Best Time to Visit: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar
Nearest Airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), Pantnagar Airport
Main Attraction: Skiing, Auli Artificial Lake, Himalayan Views, Peaceful Environment

Skiing in Uttarakhand:-

Uttarakhand, located in the Himalayas, is a great place for skiing lovers. Its tall, snowy mountains, wide open fields, and perfect winter weather make it one of the best spots for skiing in India. Here’s everything you need to know about skiing in Uttarakhand.

Skiing Destinations in Uttarakhand

1. Auli

Known as the “Skiing Capital of India.”
Features slopes at an altitude of 2,500–3,050 meters.
Offers Asia’s longest cable car for panoramic views and access to slopes.
Equipped with world-class facilities like ski lifts, chair lifts, and trained instructors.
Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.

2. Dayara Bugyal

A high-altitude meadow at 3,048 meters.
Known for its serene environment and gentle slopes.
Ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Accessible via trekking, adding an adventurous edge to the trip.

3. Munsiyari

Located in the Pithoragarh district at 2,200 meters.
Popular for backcountry skiing and offbeat adventures.
Offers challenging terrains for experienced skiers.
Stunning views of the Panchachuli peaks.

4. Kedarkantha (Ski-Trek Destination)

A perfect combination of trekking and skiing.
Trails covered with fresh snow during winter.
Summit at 3,800 meters offers breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayas.

Best Time for Skiing

Winter Season (December to March):
- Heavy snowfall and perfect conditions for skiing.
- February and March are ideal for milder weather and spring skiing.
Spring Skiing (April): Higher altitudes like Auli still have snow.

Why Ski in Uttarakhand?

Reliable Snow Cover:
Regular snowfall during the winter months creates perfect skiing conditions.
Varied Terrain:
From gentle slopes for beginners to challenging terrains for experts.
Spectacular Scenery:
Unmatched views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Bandarpoonch.
Affordable Adventure:
Skiing packages, including gear and training, are reasonably priced compared to international destinations.
Training Facilities:
- Auli offers professional skiing courses through the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
- Certified instructors for all skill levels.

Tips for Skiing in Uttarakhand

Prepare for Cold:
Pack thermal wear, waterproof gloves, and snow boots.
Safety First:
Always wear a helmet and follow instructor guidance.
Acclimatize:
Spend a day adjusting to high-altitude conditions to avoid AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Plan Ahead:
Book accommodations and skiing lessons early, especially during peak season.

Additional Attractions

Auli Ropeway: One of Asia’s longest cable cars with stunning Himalayan views.
Local Culture: Explore nearby villages and savor local Kumaoni and Garhwali cuisine.
Festivals: Winter sports festivals and cultural events during the skiing season.