Skiing in Himachal Pradesh

The Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh are packed with enormous adventure activities potential. Himachal Pradesh has developed as a main spot of adventure sports in India. Skiing in Himachal Pradesh has acquired a special place in Himachal Pradesh tourism. The hills of Himachal Pradesh have all the ingredients for adventure, packed with excitement and thrills, and lots of unexplored valleys, towering peaks and snow-capped mountains and glaciers. A splendid combination of flora & fauna and vast tracts of virgin snow makes skiing in Himachal Pradesh a memorable and relive experience. The main forms of skiing are Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing. Alpine skiing is conducted on prepared snow tracks, and is mostly downhill journey. Nordic skiing is done on random snow spreads. It requires more skills and experience, as ski-jumping from high altitudes is also required. Ski resorts in Himachal Pradesh offer both types of skiing challenges.

Heli Skiing

Heli Skiing in Himalayas has gained immense popularity recently. Heli skiing is quite a more tough sport than skiing. Skiing is generally done at moderately high mountains, where snow is intact and solid. While heli skiing is done on the peaks, as high as 14000 ft, where snow acquires the powder form and is very soft. In heli skiing, on the hill top the fully geared skier is dropped from helicopter. The challenge begins thereafter. At such heights, only snow and sky is visible, and the only sounds are that of the blades of chopper. The skier runs down the hill at a very high speed. The thrill of skier can only be felt and not understood, while he is zooming down the highest peaks, on the ski boards. The sport is generally available in the areas near Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass, Deo Tibba and Chanderkhani Pass near Manali. A major feature of Manali is the compactness of heli skiing center.

Skiing Regions

• Kufri
  Kufri hill resort is been developed as a centre for skiing and other winter sports. Kufri lays 17 kms from Shimla, and is a major tourist attraction in Himachal Pradesh. Every year a winter sports festival is organized in the month of February. The festival aims at promoting skiing and other adventure sports activities in Himachal Pradesh. Mahasu, situated above Kufri has some tough skiing treks for high scale professionals.
  
  
• Narkanda
  Narkanda, 64 kms from Shimla, also has excellent skiing facilities for skiers. Narkanda is known for its long ski tracks, mostly very difficult for amateurs. Skiing races are organized in Narkanda. Set amidst coniferous forests, Narkanda gets covered with thick, soft snow, which covers the gentle slopes into an excellent playground. The pleasure of skiing makes Narkanda an attractive destination for many during the winters. The slopes at Narkanda at track majorly to the cross country skier.
  
  
• Manali
  Manali not only offers skiing oppurtunities to the professionals, but also has facilities for novices to learn this exciting sport. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers courses and facilities for skiing in Manali and other adjoining areas. Solang, near Manali, is one such place where skiing courses are conducted. In Solang skiing races are also held annually. Manali is also a hot spot for Heli Skiing. Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass and Rohtang Pass near Manali are known for there high peaks, thus forming perfect destination for Heli-skiers.
  

Equipments and Necessary Information

The equipments can be hired from HPTDC offices in the above mentioned towns. The equipments are available on a very less expensive cost. For beginners, courses are conducted under expert guidance. One should be physically fit to take up skiing on snow stretches. Guides and there expert teams are always there to help out a person in danger. Safety is ensured by certified guides, experienced helicopter pilots, easy availability of medical facilities and emergency backup arrangements with the Indian Air Force. One must remember that snow covered areas are very much prone to accidents, so a complete enquiry and Safety should be ensured before taking an expedition.