India is one of the most beautiful winter destinations in the world, and whichever part of the world attracts tourists for skiing during this season. If you want to try adventurous sports in India or would like to travel to the snowy peaks, then the top ski resorts in India will give a completely new experience for travelers. Gulmarg, situated in the snow country of Baramulla, is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while Auli, with its perfect slopes, offers a variety of winter adventure packages. In this blog, we will look at the best ski resorts in India and provide helpful information such as the best time to visit, pricing, and what to expect.
Top 5 Ski Resorts in India
1. Gulmarg Resort – Kashmir’s Winter Wonderland
Located in the enchanting Kashmir Valley, Gulmarg Resort is widely known as one of the most popular ski resorts in India. Due to its colossal height and wide skiing area, it is considered to be the best skiing and snowboarding destination in India, along with snowshoe trekking.
Best Time to Visit: The best time for skiing is during the winter over the period ranging from December to March because it receives high-intensity snow.
Cost: Skiing packages: From INR 4,000 to INR 10,000 per day, depending on equipment rental, guide fees, and skiing level.
Accommodation: Gulmarg also has quite a number of hotels ranging from the low-end to high-end hotels. It will cost you anything between INR 2,500 and INR 10,000 to find a hotel and rent a room per night.
Important Information
- Altitude: 2,650 to 4,200 meters
- Difficulty Level: Perfect for both beginners and intermediate skiers
- Attractions Nearby: Alpather Lake, St Mary’s Church, and the famous biosphere reserve of Gulmarg.
2. Auli Resort – A Hidden Gem in Uttarakhand
If you have planned your trip to the mountains for skiing and you wish to explore the peaceful beauty of Uttarakhand, then the Auli Resort is best for you. Boasting virgin slopes and beautiful scenery, Auli Ski Resort remains one of the foremost skiing resorts for beginners and expert skiers.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Auli for skiing is during the winter season, which is between December and February when there are heavy snowfalls and excellent skiing conditions on the slopes.
Cost: Skiing facilities cost between 1000 INR and 5000 INR per day, depending on the type of skiing and equipment used.
Accommodation: The hotels and resorts available for tourists in Auli cost from 3000 INR to 8000 INR per night. There are also other cheap places of accommodation in the neighboring towns, such as Joshimath.
Important Information
- Altitude: 2,500 to 3,050 meters
- Difficulty Level: It can be suitable for beginners and intermediate ones who ski within the boundaries of a skiing area.
- Attractions Nearby: MountNanda Devi, Joshimath, and Auli Artificial Lake
3. Solang Valley Skiing – Adventure Sports Paradise in Himachal Pradesh
Another place ideal for skiing is Solang Valley, which is located near Manali. It is for summer adventure, but skiing during the winter season is also a memorable experience in Solang Valley.
Best Time to Visit: Skiing in Solang Valley is recommended between December and February, as that is when snow is experienced in the valley.
Cost: Skiing packages ranging from 2000INR to 5000INR per day.
Accommodation: In Solang Valley and Manali, you have different types of hotels and houses for rent; the tariff is INR 1500 to INR 10,000 per night.
Important Information
- Altitude: 2,560 meters
- Difficulty Level: Remember, it’s best for beginners and intermediate skiers.
- Attractions Nearby: Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund, and Hadimba Temple
4. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri, an attractive hill resort located at a short distance from Shimla, is another popular skiing spot in India. As you will discover slowly, because of its small incline, Kufri is amongst the best places to take a dip into skiing for first-timers, in addition to appreciating the beautiful scenery of the mountain ranges. Thanks to its stunning setting and accessibility, it may be regarded as one of the best winter destinations for families and beginners.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to ski in Kufri is during the winter season, which runs from December to February and offers suitable skiing and snowboarding conditions.
Cost: Skiing packages around 1500-3000 per day.
Accommodation: Numerous cheap motels and mid-range accommodations are available in Kufri at the price tag between INR 2,000 and INR 8,000 for a night stay. However, there are many budget motels surrounding Shimla that are in the same price range.
Important Information
- Altitude: 2,510 meters
- Difficulty Level: Perfect for beginners
- Attractions Nearby: Pic: Mahasu Peak, Fagu, and The Himalayan Nature Park
5. Narkanda Ski Resort – A Budget-Friendly Option in Himachal Pradesh
If you are searching for the best cheap or economical ski resorts in India, then Narkanda Ski Resort will provide you with ultimate services at a reasonable cost for skiing. It is located only a few hours’ drive from Shimla, and because of the low tourist traffic, it is excellent for beginners and budget tourists.
Best Time to Visit: Skiing season in Narkanda starts in December and ends in March; therefore, it is advisable that one visits Narkanda at this time.
Cost: Skiing packages: INR 2000 – INR 5000 per day.
Accommodation: The number of hotels and lodges in Narkanda is limited, but they are reasonably priced and may cost between INR 2,000 and INR 6,000 per night.
Important Information
- Altitude: 2,708 meters
- Difficulty Level: Recommend for beginner and intermediate skiers
- Attractions Nearby: Ulan Togoo Mountain, Tannu Mourin Hot Springs or Lake, and the historical Mahamaya Kali Temple
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The Bottom Line
India has some of the most diverse and thrilling skiing terrains that attract ski tourism in India to higher and higher levels. No matter if you are searching for cheap ski resorts, India has them like Narkanda ski resort, and if travel and leisure ski resorts are what you are looking for, then India has the Himalayan Ski Resort. Thus, come and pack your bags and embrace yourself to have the best skiing tour ever during the Indian winter holidays at the skiing resorts in India.
Kufri and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh are excellent ski destinations for beginners. Both locations have modest slopes and provide beginner skiing lessons.
The cost of skiing in India varies according to the destination. The average daily cost is between INR 1,500 and INR 10,000, which includes equipment rentals and instructor expenses.
No, previous experience is not required. Most ski resorts provide introductory classes, and the slopes are split according to difficulty level, allowing newbies to learn progressively.
Pack warm, water-resistant clothing, gloves, and snow boots. If you do not own ski equipment, you can rent it at the resort. For your own safety, remember to include sunglasses, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
The most significant time to visit ski resorts in India is during the winter season, which runs from December to February when the snow conditions are ideal for skiing and other winter activities.
Yes, skiing can be safe for youngsters if they are supervised and use the proper safety equipment. Ski resorts such as Auli and Kufri provide ski instruction tailored exclusively for children.