With their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills of Uttar Pradesh, offer a plethora of ski locales. For the avid skier, cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow. Due to their awesome height and spread, Garhwal and Kumaon, like other areas in the Himalayas, offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing, round the year. Winter skiing in Garhwal is, now, professionally conducted at the Auli slopes. The usual season is late December to early March, depending on the snow conditions.

Skiing at Pithoragarh in the Kumaon hills
The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh, is often called 'Miniature Kashmir'. Nestling amongst the spectacular Kumaon Himalayas, at a height of 5412 ft., in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, Pithoragarh was an important centre, of the Chand kings of Kumaon. Apart from the excellent skiing slopes, Pithoragarh and its environs, are known for their profuse natural beauty, and fine temples.

Other ski locales
In Garhwal
Dayara Bugyal & Kush Kalyan in district Uttarkashi.
Panwali & Matya in district Tehri Garhwal
Mundali in district Dehradun
Bedni Budyal in Chamoli

In Kumaon
Khalia Top in Munsiyari in Pithoragarh
Chiplakot Valley in Pithoragarh

With the first fall of snow the highlands are transformed into a glittering winter wonderland, the country's premier arena for action-packed skiing. Gulmarg has slopes varying between 8,700 and 10,500 feet with the highest ski runs in India. Meant only for beginners, Gulmarg ski-lifts and chair-lifts provide basic utilitarian facilities with a simple link-up. Those who enjoy the exhilaration of height will therefore have to make their own way up. The very best thing about Gulmarg is its high quality Ski-equipments which can be hired from these shops, imported from Australia and France. Facilities are also being provided for skiing at Pahalgam and work on an institute of mountaineering and winter sports is already underway. At Gulmarg too the ski-slopes are being extended for more ambitious skiiers. Heli-skiing too is being introduced.  

For further information please contact:
Director Tourism (Kashmir),
Tourist Reception Center,
Srinagar.
Tel:452690/91.Tel/Fax:479548