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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. |
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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.
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