Gone are the days when, to enjoy winter sports, one had to go to Europe. Over the years many ski resorts have come up in India with state of the art facilities. The best ski resorts in India – Auli in Uttarakhand, Gulamrg in Jammu & Kashmir and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.

AULI

Auli in Uttarakhanda is the latest to be developed as a ski resort. It has taken some giant leaps over the years to emerge as a must visit destination for ski lovers. From an altitude of nearly 3000 meter from the sea level, with a vertical drop of 529 meter, the snowy slopes of Auli offer a perfect setting for thrilling skiing expeditions. There are special arrangements for the novices to help them master the art of skiing. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) offers a fortnight long skiing cource for amateurs, besides a one-week course for tourists. The charges are RS. 3,500 per head; nad there is a discount for students as well. But you need to buy your own skiing gear.

GETTING THERE: Nearest railhead is Raiwala near Rishikesh (259 km); from here one can take a bus/tourist cars early morning to reach Joshimath/Auli by the evening. Nearest airport is Dehradun (300 km). It is advisable to reach Joshimath by 4 P.M from where the ropeway chair can take you to Auli.

ACCOMMODATION: At Auli there is only the Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam tourist bungalow with deluxe huts. You only get regular vegetarian fare there. Charges are Rs. 700 per night. But book your accommodation well in advance to avoid last minute disappointments. If you fail to get a place there, you will have to travel down to Joshimath before sunset where private accommodation is easily available. The entire hilly route from Rishikesh to Auli is dotted with GMVN guesthouses. For the more adventurous lot, private accommodation and campsites are also available.

GULMARG

Established by the British in 1927. Gulmarg is the best ski resort in the Himalayas. Two British army officers Maj. Metcarp and Maj. Hadow had set up the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg. And since then it has been one of the major attractions for adventure lovers from all over the world. The place suffered heavily due to terrorist disruptions in the state, but now it is back, once again, in the reckoning as a tourist destination.

Even during the pre-independence years it used to host two events, one each during Christmas and Easter. Both these events were famous and lured tourists from all over the world. In 1938-39 as many as 500 skiers are reported to have participated in the Christmas and Easter ski races. Gulmarg’s atmosphere can generally be identified with the 1940s ‘Alp of good old days’. It has good sunshine as well as good snow.

Gulmarg is one of the highest lifts served ski resorts in the world. This is due to setting up of a Gandola Cable Car Lift from Gulmarg to Apharwat top. Presently, only the first section of the Gandola, from Gulmarg to Kogdori is operational, giving a downhill ski run of about 3 kms.

MANALI

Development of Manali is the classic example of blessing in disguise. Terrorism virtually made Gulmarg out of bound. This led to the discovery of Manali, Narkanda and Kufri in Himachal Pradesh. Today Manali is world famous and quite popular with couples, majority of them honeymooners. Manali’s snow-clad ski slopes have a resemblance with Swiss Alps. In winters, Solang Nala is a complete snow sports destination. Everything is available on rent from clothing to snow boots, to gloves, to overcoats. Even if you have forgotten to pack your camera in a hurry, do not worry. While driving up to the Nala you would see small kids learning to ski in their courtyards with wooden sticks. They slide down the slopes on makeshift wooden sledges. And they are there to train you and master the skiing skills.

GETTING THERE: Closest airport to Manali is Bhuntar, near Kullu. The nearest railhead is Jogindernagar, 235 km from Manali. Though Manali itself has no train connections, it’s very well connected to the rest of northern India by road.

ACCOMMODATION: Manali offers a reasonably wider range of accommodation. Some nice old hotels are situated on the outskirts of the town, while inexpensive lodges and privately owned guest houses abound in the old town. Fortunately for skiers, Manali is most crowded during the summers, when hordes of families from all across India descend on the town, determined to enjoy their summer vacation. Winters are low season for everybody except skiers, and the chance of getting good accommodation at relatively low tariff is bright.