Realising the immense prospect for adventure tourism, India has developed ski resorts that boast of highly modern facilities at very reasonable rates.

SKIING SITES IN THE HIMALAYAS
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir: In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona that of the country's premier skiing resort. Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. Here you will also be able to drift to one of the many ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles. Just find yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope.

The ski areas are linked with ski lifts. In fact, Gulmarg is one of the highest liftserved ski resorts in the world. Ski instructors are also available.

The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.

The skiing season in Gulmarg usually commences before Christmas (around middle of December) and continues till middle of April.

Manali, Kufri and Narkanda: The Manali region in Himachal Pradesh also offers scope for winters as well as summer skiing. It has excellent natural slopes and in the summer months has limited skiing possibilities at Narkanda.

Kufri has always been a favourite among ski lovers who visit Shimla in winters.

Auli, Garhwal: Auli is the Mecca of skiing in India. It is the site where enthusiasts throng in large numbers. Flanked by dense deodar forests, the snow-capped slopes of Auli offer a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

Seasonal skiers have a clean stretch of 10.20-kms of slopes to sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross-country and downhill skiing events.

Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal: During winter, Dayara Bugyal provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. kms. Dayara Bugyal offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas. There is a lake in the area that provides an excellent camping site.

Munsiyari, Kumaon: Munsyari is situated at a distance of 66 km from Jauljibi and 127 kms from Pithoragarh via Thal. Munsyari is the center as well as the gateway of the Johar region. Munsyari is the base of treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers. Khalia Top and Betulidhar are two high altitude places that offer excellent conditions for skiing.

Mundali, Garhwal: Mundali offers an unforgettable view of the Himalayas. This place has vast ski slopes on which professionals can enjoy skiing.

Heli Skiing: For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of Heliskiing. Under a deep blue sky, the skiers are carried by helicopter to a snowdraped peak. The skiers then ski down through the unknown route on the slopes. Skiers also choose their own slopes or terrain thus they need not waste time and energy in climbing up the slopes.

The sport is available in the area abound by the Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali. A major feature is the compactness of the heli-skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14,000-feet high slope.

Gulmarg was the first Asian destination to start Heli-skiing. A helicopter takes the skier's up to the Apherwat peak from where one can choose one's own descent route. Also available in Gulmarg during winter are toboggans, sledges and snow cycles.

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