With their vast open spaces, above the snowline, the Garhwal and Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal and Kullu and Shimal in Himachal 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 Uttarakhand
The large slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. One can feel the adrenaline levels rising as one negotiates the challenges of the steep gradients and traverses unimaginable distances.

Quite truly, the thrill of skiing remains unparalleled as the elements are defeated exhilaration swells up in skiing, the use of only the simplest forms of implements adds to the adventure. With their wide open spaces above the snowline, garhwal and kumaon offer yet another exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers, for the avid skier, cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available, with the added advantage. Of fresh powder snow, away from criss - crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the European alps because of their height and spread, Garwhal and Kumaon, like other sectors of the himalayas, are in a position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing the year.

Skiing at Auli
Auli , 16km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort. The natural advantages of Auli 's slopes, coupled with state - of the -art facilities provided by gmvn have made it comparable to the best in the world. The snow capped slopes of Auli are flanked by stately coniferous and oak forests which cut wind velocity to the minimum .
Auli offers a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7817 mts.), Kamet (7756 mts), Mana Parvat (7273 mts.) and Dunagiri (7066 mts.) Seemingly only a snowballs throw away, Auli offers perfect skiing conditions. Seasonal skiers have clean stretches of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on . These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country, slalom and downhill skiing events. Winter skiing in Garhwal is now being professionally run at the Auli slopes.
A three kilometer long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. The Auli resort has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis. Apart from annual skiing festivals, three official National Championships have also been held here.

Kufri
This ski staion near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes.

Heli-Skiing
For high mountain thrills perhaps nothing can surpass the magic of heli-skiing. Under a deep blue sky, you are carried by a helicopter to a snow-draped peak. And after that there is nothing except steadily distancing whirr of rotor blades, the sky and the snow. It is a thrilling experience as you rapidly zoom down the slopes. The icy winds slaps your face and the swiftly slithering hiss of skies remindes you that you are racing away on your own steam.

The sport is available in the area bound by Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near the resort town of Manali (Kullu). A major feature is the compactness of heli skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14000 feet high slope.