Skiing in Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is always a paradise for tourists in winters. Beside the tourist places it’s the winter sports which also attract the tourists to Himachal Pradesh. Out of all the winter sports snow skiing is most popular. This article is intended to provide you the basic knowledge of Snow skiing in Himachal Pradesh.

Snow skiing is a recreational winter sport in which in which travelling over snow is done with the help of skis. In Himachal mainly two types of snow skiing is performed-

1. Alpine Skiing-

Alpine skiing also known as downhill skiing which is performed in ski resorts with specified ski pistes or ski runs.

2. Nordic Skiing-

Nordic skiing is also known as cross country skiing or cross country racing. Main difference of Nordic skiing with Alpine skiing is that t is not done in ski resorts instead the skier goes outside and skis in local parks or snow streets.

Places for Skiing in Himachal Pradesh-

Skiing in Himachal started in 1930s. At present there are three most famous places here for skiing which includes-

1. Kufri- Kufri is the oldest place for skiing in the Himachal Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of 19 Km. from Shimla on Shimla-Rampur highway.
Height from sea level- 2662 m.
Best place for skiing- The Mahasu ridge.
Snowfall time- December to March.

2. Manali- After Kufri next place comes in the priorty is beautiful hills of Manali. This is an ideal place for beginners as well as experts. The annual winter carnival is held in the month of February in Manali.
Height from sea level- 2133 m.
Best places for skiing- Manali, Solang valley and Guaba slopes.
Snowfall time- December to March.

3. Narkanda- Narkanda is also another place situated in distt. Shimla which is known for Skiing. Skiing is started in 1980s in Narkanda.Narkanda is one of the oldest ski resorts in India and has wonderful hills full of snow making it ideal for skiing.
Height from sea level- 3143 m.
Best place for skiing- Hatu Peak Slope
Snowfall- December to March.

From where to get the necessary information and equipments for Skiing-

All the necessary equipments and information can be gathered from HPTDC at a nominal price. A complete information and training are required to start the skiing. Below is the list of HPTDC from where all inquiries about skiing can be done-

1. Himachal Pradesh Tourist Development Corporation
Ritz Annexe, Shimla 171001
Telephone- 0177 2658880

2. Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation
Block No. 28, SDA complex, Kasumpati, Shimla 171009
Telephone - 0177 2623959, 2625924, 2625511

3. Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports
Aleo, Manali 175 131

In the last I just want to end with this that Himachal is the right place for those who are seeking for a skiing adventure in this winter.