Winter sports in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is gifted with one of the best natural sites of the world and enjoys the reputation of one of the famous tourist spots of India but very less people know that it is also becoming the hub for various winter sports. This article is intended to provide you the information about all the winter sports held in this beautiful state.
With snow covered peaks, beautiful forests and snow fed rivers, no one can ask better conditions for adventure winter sports in Himachal Pradesh. Ice skating, Snowboarding, skiing and heli skiing are one of the most sought adventure winter sports held in Himachal Pradesh. The best thing is that Himachal provides ample opportunities both for beginners and experts of the winter games.
Here is the detail of all the winter sports organised in Himachal Pradesh-Ice skating-
Ice skating is one of the most popular winter sports in Himachal Pradesh. Ice skating is the best option for those who are planning for something adventurous and new in this summer.
What is Ice skating?
Ice skating is an adventurous winter sport in which a person moves on the snow track with the help of skates. Ice skating requires lots of concentration and practicing. Experience of moving on the snow is really exciting.
In Himachal Ice skating is organised in Shimla every year by The Shimla Ice skating club in the month of December to February.
Shimla enjoys the status of being the only natural ice skating rink of Asia and also considered as the largest ice skating rink of India.
The Shimla Ice skating also provides all the basic equipments required for Ice skating and interested persons can also have membership of the club for a short period or long period according to their wish and will.Skiing-
Himachal Pradesh is a paradise for skiers. In the winters with snow all around it provides the best opportunities for skiing. Himachal is getting global recognition for skiing.
What is skiing?
Snow skiing is also a recreational adventurous winter sport in a person travels over snow with the help of skis. Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing are the two major forms of skiing which are performed here. Skiing is performed in Himachal from December to March every year.
Skiing is performed at various places in the Himachal at various places. Here are the major places for skiing is performed in the Himachal Pradesh-
Kufri is a hill station situated at a distance of 19 km from Shimla and known as one of the oldest places for skiing in the Himachal Pradesh. Mahasu Ridge is the spot where skiing is performed here. At a height of 2662 m from sea level skiing experience becomes really a thrilling experience.
If you are a beginner of skiing and seeking for best place for skiing then Manali is the best place for you. Skiing in Manali is performed at a height of approximately 2133 m from the sea level. Manali, Solang valley and Guaba slopes are the major spots of Manali where one can enjoy skiing in the winter.
Narkanda is also situated in Shimla and one of the most famous places for skiing. It is the highest place where skiing is performed in Himachal Pradesh. Spot where you can enjoy skiing in narkanda is Hatu peak slope. Skiing is done here at the height of 3143 from the sea level.Heli skiing-
Heli skiing is the most challenging winter sport. It requires lots of expertise and physical fitness. This sport is not meant for the beginners. There is a great risk of life associated with heli skiing. Snow covered peaks of Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and Zanslar ranges of Himachal Pradesh makes it the best place for enjoying heli skiing.
What is heli skiing?
There are many high peaks in the Himachal Pradesh which can't be accessed by normal means. Heli skiing is the winter sport in which we reach such spots with the help of helicopter and perform skiing there. Heli skiing is the winter sport which releases lots of adrenaline in the body.
In Himachal Pradesh heli skiing is performed mainly in Manali. Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chaderkahani pass are the regions in Manali where heli skiing is performed every year. Heli skiing in Himachal Pradesh is performed at a height of 6500 m from the sea level.Mountaineering and Ice climbing-
Mountaineering and Ice climbing are the sports which require lots of courage and skills. It's an excellent sport for those who love adventure and thrill in the life. This sport is still in budding condition in the Himachal Pradesh but still provides ample opportunities.
What is mountaineering and ice climbing?
Mountaineering and ice climbing is the sport of winter which involves the climbing of the person over steeps covered with ice. In Himachal mainly alpine ice is available for climbing.
Hanuman Tibba, Manali, Pir Panjal range, Deo Tibba and dhauladhar range are the places where mountaineering is growing as a sport rapidly.Tourist's information centres for winter sports in Himachal Pradesh-
Here is the list of tourist's information centres from where an individual can get all the answers regarding winter sports-
Ritz Annexe, Shimla 171001
Telephone- 0177 2658880
Block No. 28, SDA complex, Kasumpati, Shimla 171009
Telephone - 0177 2623959, 2625924, 2625511
The Mall, Manali- 175131
Telephone No. - 01902- 253531
Fax- 01902-252325
Aleo, Manali 175 131Conclusion-
If this winter you are planning for something new and thrilling experience then I suggest you to visit Himachal Pradesh for winter sports. I am sure you will not be disappointed instead you will gain such memories which will remain with you forever.
