Skiing is one of those few activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages! You must have seen kids as young as three or four bombing down the slopes with their parents. Today, skiing seems to have become an addiction; you find almost everything on a skiing vacation in India. Apart from being one of the most sociable holiday options and making you develop a skill which is truly gratifying, the sport also gives your body a great workout. Skiing includes different styles and types. So, you can go as fast as you can to fulfil your speed craving, cruise avoiding falling over at all costs or gently gliding down the slopes soaking up the wonderful Himalayan panorama. And, you’ll truly enjoy sighting tricksters who are constantly whirling, jumping and moving down the slopes backwards.
Gearing Up for the Sport
Your being ski-fit is your passport to this adventure. Being fit will help you getting fewer injuries and you’ll not be left nursing aching muscles. Leg muscles, triceps and the core muscles should be strong to help you maintain balance and have control over your body while you ski. A number of manufacturers and suppliers in India produce high quality skiing gear including ski, ski poles and ski bindings. Skiing sports accessories include helmets, kneepads, ski boots, wrist guards and elbow guards among others.
Famous Skiing Sites in India
Skiing in India can be aptly termed as an adventurer’s long cherished dream. Impressive height and endless spread of snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas invite a good number of avid skiers from across the world. The powdered snow add much more to the joy of skiing in the Himalayas. Ski enthusiasts have a number of exotic locales to choose from. The famous ones are listed below.
Kumaon Hills in Uttaranchal
Garhwal Hills in Uttaranchal
Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir
Manali, Kufri and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh
Southern Regions of Nepal
In Uttaranchal alone, you have a number of skiing sites. Places like Auli, Mundali, Dayara Bugyal and Munsiyari are much popular with ski lovers. For those who are visiting Shimla in winters, Kufri can be a wonderful option to indulge in the sport of skiing. January to March is the perfect time to spend a skiing vacation in India.
Facilities for Skiing in India
Travellers can look forward to spending an exciting skiing vacation in the Himalayas. You just need to make up your mind and the travel agency will arrange for everything from accommodation and transport to providing the equipment. If you are a veteran, you will have enough to experience and remember. For beginners, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam in Uttaranchal offers a number of skiing courses ranging from a weeklong to fortnight-long. The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg also offers training at different levels of skiing. The Western Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports also has many skiing courses to offer.
Tips for Travellers
Skiing in India is truly one of the most incredible experiences on earth. Properly equipped and rightly informed, you can enjoy the game as much as you want. From choosing the right gear and knowing the weather beforehand to learning the basics, you should know it all. Given below are a few tips for skiers of all levels.
> Balance is the key. As the snow is slippery, you need to maintain a stance which is both comfortable and stable on the move.
> Every morning before you start, check the weather forecast to get dressed accordingly so you may keep warm and can see easily.
> Make sure the skis you borrow are proportionate to your height. They should be 20-30 cm shorter than your height as shorter skis are easier to turn.
> You need to take much care while renting boots. Find yourself a pair that is both comfortable and snug.
> Gravity will always take you from the top of the mountain to the bottom so you should be able to steer and stop.
> There is a possibility of accidents, so you need to make sure that you get travel insurance including winter sports cover.
> If you don’t wish to get cold, don’t wear cotton under layer. Make sure you have a thermal layer next to your skin.
> Also ensure that the outside layer, particularly the bottom half, is waterproof.
