Ski & snow in India
Including Auli, Gulmarg, and Kufri. On the map.
The vibe
Skiing takes place on sweeping, timber-free high-altitude bowls serviced by vintage lifts and occasional helicopter drops. Mid-winter brings deep powder to the northern ranges, though variable snowpacks require a cautious approach to backcountry lines. The vibe is a mix of quiet pilgrimage for dedicated powder-chasers and relaxed local families sharing old resort lodges.
You buy basic day tickets at the lift station.
Auli
Uttarakhand
Akila / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Perched in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli offers panoramic views of towering peaks like Nanda Devi and well-groomed slopes serviced by a long chairlift and a scenic cable car. It is a favored destination for both recreational skiers and winter trekkers.
Access. Accessible via Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, followed by a 7 to 8-hour drive to Joshimath, and finally a cable car or road journey up to Auli.
Notes. Peak skiing season runs from January to March. Artificial snow-making facilities supplement natural snowfall when necessary.
Gulmarg
Jammu and Kashmir
Hidden macy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Renowned for having one of the highest lift-served ski areas in the world and legendary powder snow. The iconic Gulmarg Gondola carries skiers and snowboarders high onto Mount Apharwat, offering immense alpine bowls and steep backcountry descents.
Access. Fly into Srinagar International Airport, followed by a scenic 2-hour taxi drive to Gulmarg. Lift passes are purchased at the base station, and local guides are readily available for backcountry excursions.
Notes. Season typically runs from December to mid-March. High altitude requires acclimatization, and strict avalanche safety awareness is essential for off-piste terrain.
Kufri
Himachal Pradesh
Satyamrai7777 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A historic hill station near Shimla offering gentle snow-covered slopes suited for casual winter visitors and beginner skiers. Its proximity to major tourist hubs makes it a bustling spot for seasonal snow activities.
Access. Fly into Chandigarh Airport and drive approximately 4 hours up through Shimla to reach Kufri. Local transport and gear rentals are available on site.
Notes. Snow reliability depends heavily on winter storms, typically peaking between January and February.
Solang Valley
Himachal Pradesh
Astajyoti1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A popular hub for winter sports near Manali, featuring gentle slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates learning to ski and snowboard. The valley transforms into a lively snow playground during the winter months.
Access. Fly to Bhuntar Airport near Kullu, then take a taxi north through Manali to Solang Valley. Equipment rentals and ski instructors are widely available right at the base.
Notes. Season is short, usually from January to February, depending on natural snowfall.