|
time to any height. Himachal are very good slopes in Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, Kinnaur and Shimla areas
for Skiing, 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.
When to Ski All across the Himalayas, January to March is the skiing
season, when the resorts in Himachal are at their snowy best. By late December,
most slopes are already well covered, but places really start
attracting tourists for Skiing once the new year starts.
Major Sites for Skiing
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.
|
