India may not be the first country that comes to mind for skiing, but its Himalayan slopes offer everything from gentle beginner runs to world-class powder terrain. During the winter months of December to March, destinations like Gulmarg, Auli and Manali transform into thriving ski hubs with gondola access, ski schools, equipment rentals and even heli-skiing. Whether you’re a first-time skier, a family looking for a snow holiday, or an experienced rider chasing deep powder, skiing in India is more accessible and affordable than most people realise. Here are five of the best places in the country to hit the slopes.
Quick Snapshot (What To Expect)
- Ski season in India: mainly December–March; peak snow and best powder usually in January in many places (Gulmarg can peak in Jan).
- Terrain: Gulmarg = high-altitude alpine & powder; Auli = long gentle slopes perfect for learning and intermediates; Solang (Manali) = accessible resort skiing + off-piste areas; Kufri = short family-friendly slopes.
- Costs: day rentals and lift tickets vary widely — expect budget day-pack trips (INR 3,000–8,000/day per person all-in typical for local resorts) up to premium heli-ski/packaged trips that run much higher. Specific local rates noted below.
1. Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir) — India’s Powder Capital
Why go: Gulmarg’s Apharwat slopes, big vertical and regular heavy snowfall make it India’s top destination for powder/ski touring and advanced skiers. The famous Gulmarg gondola takes you up in two phases to high slopes used by freeriders and heli-ski operators.
What you need to know
- Gondola & lift: Two-phase gondola (Gulmarg→Kongdori; Kongdori→Apharwat). Expect separate fares for Phase 1 and Phase 2 (example published government/authority prices show Phase 1 ≈ INR 800 and Phase 2 ≈ INR 1,000 — book early during season).
- Best month for powder: Heavy snowfall and best powder often occurs in January, though conditions can be excellent in Dec–Feb.
- Heli-skiing: Commercial heli-skiing is offered in the region by specialist operators (book well in advance; packages are premium-priced and vary by verticals purchased).
- Safety: Gulmarg has steep, off-piste terrain – beginners should stick to groomed/low-angle runs and use guides/instructors. Local mountain guides and IISM (Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering) / ski schools operate lessons and guided runs.
How to reach: Nearest airport Srinagar (≈56 km); road transfer 1.5–2 hours. Srinagar–Gulmarg road is the usual approach.
Who it suits: Intermediates to expert skiers and powder chasers; adventurous beginners who book lessons and stay low-angle on first days.
2. Auli (Uttarakhand) — Best For Learners & Structured Courses
Why go: Auli’s long, gently pitched slopes and reliable chairlift/chair access make it one of India’s most learner-friendly resorts. Auli also runs organized skiing courses and group training packages.
What you need to know
- Ski courses: Local ski schools in Auli offer multi-day beginner courses; sample advertised packages for 2026 beginner courses start around INR 17,999 for multi-day programs that include instruction, equipment and basic stay (group/shared lodging) — good value for new skiers.
- Equipment rental: Ski shops in Auli offer rental (skis, boots, poles, clothing). Expect rental & day-lift pricing to be affordable compared with international resorts; book via the resort/ski school to guarantee sizes and instruction.
How to reach: Nearest rail/road hub is Rishikesh/Haridwar; road to Joshimath (gateway to Auli). Many packages include coach transfers from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun.
Who it suits: Absolute beginners, families and anyone who wants an affordable, structured learning program; also cross-country/heli options are growing for adventure tourists.
3. Solang Valley / Manali (Himachal Pradesh) — Convenient, Lively Resort
Why go: Solang Valley (above Manali) is the most accessible resort for visitors coming from Delhi – great for weekenders, resorts & rental shops, plus a lively adventure-tourism scene (snowmobiling, paragliding in summer).
What you need to know
- Ski resorts & lessons: Solang Ski Resort and local operators provide lessons and rentals; slopes suit beginners and intermediates. Many hotels/resorts run combined Manali ski packages for multi-day stays with transfers and gear.
- Costs: Rental, lift/entry and short-group lessons are generally mid-range (multiply local day rates by number of days). For multi-day skiing, expect to budget for lodging + guide/lesson fees + rentals.
How to reach: Kullu–Manali Airport (Bhuntar) + short road transfer to Solang; by road from Chandigarh/Delhi (10–12 hours drive).
Who it suits: Weekenders, beginners and intermediates who want easy access and a mix of activities.
4. Kufri & Shimla Region (Himachal) — Family-Friendly & Inexpensive
Why go: Kufri is an easy day-trip from Shimla with short, safe slopes ideal for families and first-timers; it’s also one of the most budget-friendly options in India for skiing.
What you need to know
- Entry and ski fees: Small local slopes and commercial operators run hourly skiing packages – publicized entry/one-hour ski costs are commonly in the range INR 300–INR 500/hour for basic sessions at Kufri (rates vary by operator and season).
- Suitability: Gentle slopes, short runs – perfect for kids, family photos and a first ski experience.
How to reach: Shimla by road/rail; Kufri is a short drive from Shimla.
Who it suits: Families, beginners and those who want a short, budget-friendly snow experience.
5. Narkanda / Theog (Himachal) — Quieter Alpine Runs
Why go: Narkanda offers higher-altitude slopes than Kufri with more room for intermediate runs and fewer crowds; it’s a quieter alternative if you want longer runs without Manali’s bustle.
What you need to know
- Terrain & access: Narkanda has lift-equipped slopes and local ski clubs – good for intermediate training and practice runs. Best visited mid-winter when snow cover is reliable.
How to reach: Road from Shimla; often combined with Shimla packages.
Practical planning: costs, equipment rental & 5-day trip budget
- Skiing trip cost India for 5 days (ballpark figure): Budget travelers (shared dorm/lodges, basic lessons, local transfers) ~ INR 20,000–35,000 per person. Mid-range (3-star hotels, private lessons, rentals) ~ INR 35,000–60,000. Premium packages (gondola access, private guides, heli-skiing days, higher-end hotels) can go into lakhs depending on heli time and exclusivity. (Costs vary a lot by season and operator.)
- Ski equipment rental cost (Auli / Manali): Many shops and the resort show day rates for skis/boots/poles and clothing. Expect basic ski rentals and clothing to be very affordable compared with western resorts; renting per day is the usual approach — check the resort’s rental shop for exact current prices.
Lessons & Formal Courses — Indian Institutes
If you want formal certification or structured training, India’s ski/mountaineering institutes run courses:
- IISM (Indian Institute of Skiing & Mountaineering) in Gulmarg runs scheduled 14-day skiing courses and seasonal courses (fees and dates published on their site for each season).
- Regional institutions like Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (Uttarkashi), Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS, Manali) and other state-run institutes also list winter/skiing courses (good for serious learners and those seeking government-run training).
Kashmir vs Uttarakhand For Beginners — Which Is Better?
- Beginners: Uttarakhand (Auli, Harsil and training institutes) and Himachal’s Solang/Narkanda/Kufri are generally more forgiving for first-timers: gentler slopes, organized ski schools, lower altitudes and easier logistics. Auli in particular is oriented toward learners and structured courses.
- Kashmir (Gulmarg): spectacular alpine terrain but much more alpine/steep; excellent if you want to progress fast and experience powder, but beginners should rely on lessons, guides and stay on lower terrain until comfortable.
Safety, Insurance & Tips
- Avalanche risk & guides: Big-slope resorts (Gulmarg especially) have avalanche and objective hazards off-piste — hire local guides, check daily mountain bulletins and avoid unguided off-piste runs unless experienced.
- Altitude & acclimatisation: Gulmarg Apharwat reaches >4,000 m — take a day to acclimatize, keep hydrated and plan easy activity on arrival.
- Insurance: Use travel/avalanche/medical insurance that covers winter sports; some operators require proof of insurance for heli-skiing.
Skiing vs Snowboarding In India
Both are available at all major resorts. Beginners find skiing easier for very gentle slopes; snowboarding is common on groomed slopes and powder. Rental shops increasingly stock both snowboards and skis.
Is Skiing Safe In Gulmarg?
Yes — when you follow local guidance. Gulmarg has world-class terrain but also steep, avalanche-prone areas; use guides, stay on marked/guided routes if uncertain, and don’t attempt unguided high-altitude descents without experience and appropriate safety kit.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- Book gondola tickets and accommodation early (Jan–Feb is busy).
- Reserve lessons if you are a beginner (Auli has structured courses from local ski schools).
- Rent or pack layered winter clothing; consider renting skis/boots locally to avoid checking gear on flights.
- Carry ID/permits if traveling to Kashmir and insurance documents.
Summing Up
India offers surprisingly world-class skiing experiences — from Gulmarg’s high alpine powder and gondola to Auli’s gentle, lesson-friendly slopes and Manali’s convenience. Pick Gulmarg for powder and advanced skiing (best month for powder is often January) and Auli if you’re learning and want a structured course (multi-day beginner packages are widely available). For families or quick getaways, Kufri and Solang/Manali are convenient and cost-effective. Book early, hire local guides for tricky terrain, and you’ll find Indian slopes both accessible and incredible fun.
