Skiing in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is ideal destination for Adventure seekers. The loftiness and stretches of Uttarakhand Himalayas offers extensive distance skiing to experts and erudition skiers. Adventure seekers around India prefer Auli, Munsyari, Mundali and Dayara Bugyal as their Skiing location especially from Nov to March but these snows capped Himalayas give the impression to amuse tourists and skiers during the year.

The wide-open places over the snow line amid the glaciers in Uttarakhand Himalayas boost opportunity of attracting more Skiers to these destinations. For the passionate skier, cross-country runs of 10 to 20 km are accessible, with the extra benefit of fresh fine particles of snow, away from crises-crossing rivulets of skiers that overhaul the slopes of the European Alps.Due to their loftiness and stretch, Uttarakhand, like other region of the Himalayas, are in a situation to offer the adventure of examining extensive distance skiing round the year.

About Skiing

The height and spread of Uttarakhand Himalayas offer long distance skiing to professional and learning skiers. Adventure lovers around India choose Auli, Mundali, Munsyari and Dayara Bugyal as their Skiing destinations specially from November to March but these snow capped Himalayas seem to entertain tourists and skiers throughout the year. The wide-open spaces over the snow line among the glaciers in Uttarakhand Himalayas increase possibility of attracting more Skiers to these places.

Skiing is an adventure sport where skis attached to boots with a binding are used to travel over snow. Some simple tricks or tools add excitement to the adventure in Skiing.

Besides Skiing, various water sports including White Water Rafting and Trekking through the hill stations and different villages are the activities in Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand that tourists around Uttarakhand and whole of India perform. Being major pilgrimage site, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand is most visited by Hindu devotees throughout the year, April to October in special.

Types of Skiing

Alpine Downhill: Non-competitive recreational skiing that takes place in ski resort with specified ski runs is termed as Alpine Downhill.
Alpine Freestyle: Skiing in which you must use aerial acrobatics and balance is termed as Alpine Freestyle.
Nordic: Competitive skiing with no special ski area, Nordic is the oldest form of skiing. Professional skiers compete in Nordic Jumping where they need to slide down a ramp and go further before landing. Another name for Nordic is cross-country.
Military: Skiing used by military as the means of transportation is termed as Military Skiing.
Kite: In Kite Skiing, the skier is pulled by a hang glider or kite.
Para: Para skiing is term for skiing done by jumping from a plane or high altitude mountain.

Skiing in Auli

It wouldn’t be wrong to call Auli the Ski capital of India. Located at 2,500 to 3,050 meters, in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, the Auli Ski Resort is close to the famous religious shrine of Badrinath. The month of December heralds the beginning of the skiing season, which bears witness to the commencement of several ski festivals, along with the National Skiing Championships. The snowy excitement goes on all the way till March. Run and maintained by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, the resort provides skiers with necessary equipment and all state-of-the-art facilities. Facilities of chair lift and a ski lift are available for skiers with the objective of conserving their time and labour.

The ski lift has been imported from France and is the longest one in the country. The ski slopes descend from 3,049 meters to 2,915 meters. Accommodation at the resort is warm, cozy and decent. With a 110-bed capacity, delicious food, adequate heating arrangements, hot water, medical facilities and congenial hospitality, there is no dearth of facilities at this very budget-friendly resort. If it’s an excursion you’re interested in, a 16-kilometre drive to Joshimath will give you the benefit of exploring ancient temples dating back to 8 B.C. Auli is quite remote when it comes to accessibility, with the nearest railway station being Haridwar, 299 kilometers away and the closest airport, Jolly Grant at Dehradun, 273 kilometres away.

Snow-covered slopes aren’t just to be admired, but to be enjoyed. Skiing has gained popularity as an alternative sport in the winter months. At an elevation of 2,915 - 3,049 meters with five kilometers expanse of snow, Auli is offers perfect grounds for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. Coniferous and oak forests line the slopes. The peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri can be seen from the location. Its importance as a venue of adventure sports lies in its natural advantages enhanced by state-of-the-art facilities. The adventurous skier can go for cross country runs covering 10 - 20 kilometers. For the less adventurous, ski touring the glaciers is another enjoyable option.

Besides Auli, other ski spots include Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari and Mundali. Mundali is situated in Dehradun, 129 kilometres from the main Dehradun town. Mundali’s enormous skiing rings offer incredible sights of the Himalayan slopes.

MAJOR SKIING SLOPES IN UTTARAKHAND / UTTARANCHAL

AULI
Auli is siuated just 16 Kms from Joshimath & is snuggled in the leg of the snow-capped mountain of Garhwal Himalayas, next to the world famous spiritual temple of Shri Badrinath Ji. It is located at an height of 2500 – 3050 m above sea level & is an idyllic destination for Skiing for activity, roofed with evergreen conifers and oak jungle. Realizing the impending of Auli as a ski resort, the Govt. of Uttar Pradesh had it analysis by French and Australian professional, who favorably evaluated the slants of Auli to the finest in the world.

Season: End December to March.
Equipment: GMVN provides modern ski equipments. Participants are advised to bring heavy woolen clothings like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum / snow boots and a torch for personal use.
Package Tours: GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors.

DAYRA BUGYAL
Dayara Bugyal is located at an height of 3048 m & situated near Uttarkashi. Bugyal in the local tongue meaning "high altitude grazing land", this massive field is the best in natural splendor. In winters, it offers superb ski slopes more than an area of 28 sq. kms. The panoramic sight of the Himalayas is wonderful form Dayara Bugyal. There is a little lake in the region, and to camp out by its side is a memorable experience. From here, one can trek down through thick jungle of Dodo.

MUNDALI
Mundali is a vacationer spot close to Chakrata famed for magnificent Himalayan views and skiing in winters. It offers an eye calming view of the snow caked Himalayas. It is situated 36 kms far from Chakrata, Mundali is surrounded by lush green jungle and its alpine fields provide skiing at a height of 2776 mtrs. Travelers can holiday to Mundali in summers for memorable Himalayan scrutiny. During winters, skiiers love to ski in crushed snow in hills of Mundali. It offers huge ski slopes for trained skiers. Skiing is accessible from November to April.

Munsiyari
Munsiyari is located at a distance of just 66 km from Jauljibi & 127 km from Pithoragarh. It is located at an height of 2135 m. It serves up as the centre as well as the gateway of the Johar area. Munsyari operate as the base for treks to Namik, Milam and Ralam Glaciers. Khalia peak and Betulidhar are two lofty elevation places, perfect for skiing.

OTHER AREAS
Besides Auli, numerous places in Garhwal and Kumaon are full of potential for skiing where an individual or a group can enjoy this winter sport on their own. In Garhwal, Kush Kalyan and Kedar Kantha in Distt. Uttarkashi; Panwali and Matya in Distt. Tehri Garhwal and Bedni Bugyal in Chamoli and Munsyari, Chiplakot Valley in Distt. Pithoragarh in Kumaon are well known potential skiing resorts where professionals can do skiing.

Cautions For Skiing
Skiing requires careful guidance for the beginners and caution by by professionals in any part of the world therefore ,local rules ,regulations and guidelines regarding safety during Skiing must be followed to ensure safety, and when you are assured that you are mentally and physically prepared for this adventure sports, then only you should go for Skiing.