Winter Sports In Kufri

Exciting sites, impressive locales and placid surroundings - this is what Kufri hill station is all about. Popularly known as Switzerland of the East, the spell binding beauty of Kufri hill station of Shimla will definitely delight you. Check out the Kufri hill resort near Shimla and make sure you stay here for some time to experience pure elation. It is located at a distance of 19 kilometers from Shimla and can be reached very easily from Shimla. The best way to reach Kufri is by road as it is located near the National Highway - 22.

The best thing about Kufri is the skiing and hiking that should be absolutely tried once, if you are visiting. The snow-clad hills of Kufri provide the ideal locale for trying your hand at various snow sports. During winters, Kufri is literally filled with tourists who come here to seek adventure and get some excitement in their lives. For the weak hearted, there is always an option of trekking and hiking on the steep hill slopes. The best season to indulge in these sports is during winters, i.e. from November to February. If you are not into winter sports and other adventurous pursuits, you can visit the hill station during the months of April to June. The weather is pleasant and cool and just perfect for enjoying your much-awaited vacation!

Kufri remained unexplored and hidden from the rest of the world for a long time. It was not until the time the British explored this area that Kufri came into the knowledge of people. As and when Shimla gained importance, Kufri was also identified as an important tourist place near Shimla. Shimla was an important place as the British declared it the summer capital of India till year 1939. Kufri, which was once a part of the Nepal Kingdom, was recognized as a part of Shimla after India gained independence. So visit this magical place and experience the fun and frolic yourself.

Sites nearby

Shimla is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit from Kufri. Shimla is one of the most popular hill resorts in Himachal Pradesh and attracts a number of tourists every year. Shimla offers a wholesome experience to a traveler. Fagu is another wonderful spot near Kufri that one can visit.

Fairs and festivals

Kufri is the venue for annual sports festival that takes place every month in February. The festival is an ideal occasion to tour Kufri as many skiing enthusiasts and adventure lovers throng the hill resort.

Skiing in Auli

Auli, the place blessed by snow is too good to be put in words. The place is known for skiing more than anything else. It comes in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal district and at a height of nearly 3000 metres with a vertical drop of 500 meters. While skiing in Auli might be more a popular reason for coming here, the place is not devoid of other tourist attractions. Auli is the kind of place where pleasure and adventure, wild beauty and slopes of snow field, nature's beauty in its best form comes alive. What makes a trip to Auli so fulfilling and interesting is the fact that the place is flanked by some interesting excursions nearby. One can just stay in Auli, enjoy the skiing and to take a break, just visit any of the nearby paces, like Joshimath, just 16 kilometers. The steep slopes of Auli seem to beckon all the skiing adventure seekers. There are the snow capped Nanda Devi, Kamet and Mana Parbat of the Himalayas, the whistle of the winds and the scintillating skiing. The nature at its beautiful best brings out for the tourists to remember forever. Auli is one of the very few places in India where skiing is a major pastime. For all the ones who dare and long for a tinge of adventure, Auli is the place to be.

Auli Skiing Resort

Skiing is the major tourist attraction. Auli skiing resort was set up here by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam to promote Auli as a skiing destination. With a vertical drop of 500 metres and snow fields inviting skiers from all over the country, Auli has emerged as a major skiing destination. All the facilities for skiing are available here on hire. You just have to be here to enjoy the fun. Not just that, for people interested in skiing but do not know how to begin with, GMVN organizes skiing courses here, ranging from 2 days to 14 days.

Reaching Auli

By Air - The nearest airport from Auli is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 279 kms from here. Flights from Delhi are available.

By Rail - The nearest railway station from Auli is Haridwar which is 273 km from here. Trains are available for major cities.

By Road - The best way to come to Auli is to come to Joshimath via Rishikesh. Joshimath is just 16 km from Auli. Regular taxis ply between Joshiamth and Auli. The road journey is laid with beautiful sights on the way.

Ice Hockey In India

The Ice Hockey Association of India based in Delhi is actually a recognized member of the International Ice Hockey Federation based out of Geneva. IHAI has been taking the game to new levels in India by sending young players to international games and training camps. Canada's national game, Ice Hockey, was first introduced to the mountainous Ladakh region in 1962, by Indian army officers stationed in the region to halt the advance of Chinese invaders during the Sino-Indo Border conflict. For nearly 40 years since then, the locals played scrimmage amongst themselves with few skills, rules, coaches or equipment - players used field-hockey sticks, with skates made from army boots with homemade blades. At a dizzying 11,500 feet, Ice Hockey in the Himalayas presents unique challenge - the rink is almost as high as Mt Robson, the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies. In 2003, this phenomenon caught the interest of the NHL Player’s Association in Canada. Recognizing the historic interest in the game, they generously donated 50 sets of hockey gear to the indigenous players in Leh. Furthermore, to encourage the game, the New Delhi Canadian High Commission Ice Hockey team, the “Sacred Bulls", have been traveling annually to Ladakh, since 2001, to play against a variety of enthusiastic local teams in what is the highest altitude hockey tournament in the world.

Prime Region For Ice Hockey In India
Leh - Ladakh

Snowboarding In India

An simplified version of skateboarding and skiing, snowboarding allows you to experience the delight of swooshing through deep snow on a specially designed board. Most riders become professionals after just a few lessons, especially those who have strong legs and some familiarity with skiing. Snowboarding can be pursued in all those regions where skiing can, except on flat, cross-country trails. If skiing is not as popular in India as it is in other countries, snowboarding is even less known. Still, there are a few spots that offer some basic facilities and training for snowboarding. Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir offers one of the largest and well-equipped winter sports facilities. The snow conditions remain excellent from December to May. Narkanda in Shimla in the state of Himachal Pradesh is another hot spot.

The slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon in Uttaranchal, covered with seasonal snow, are ideal for snowboarding in the winter months. Auli, Mundali, Dayara Bugyal and Munsiyari in Uttaranchal, Kufri and Manali in Himachal Pradesh are emerging in popularity. Snowboarding in India is full of fun and adventure. Himalaya snow ski sites provide a suitable place for you never forgetting snow boarding , the vast flung open to snowboarding enthusiasts.

Snowboarding Gear & Essentials

The snowboard is usually provided by the operator/resort. You will need a pair of well-fitting, sturdy boots and protective clothing. It is advisable to wear three layers of clothing rather than just one bulky jacket/top. Wear a thermal top that fits well, a pair of thermal snowboarding pants, thick socks, a cap and gloves. Accessories include a helmet and goggles.

Do & Don't

• Always follow signs when snowboarding.

• Don’t go snowboarding with broken bindings.

• Don’t jump off the ski lifts when going up a steep hill.

Snow Climbing In India

Snow Climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of ascending inclined ice formations. There is not much of difference in the techniques that are required for snow climbing and rock climbing. However, anchors and holds are not acquirable, so it have to be made by the climber themselves with screws, pistons, snow wedges etc. Secondly, a climber has only three limbs at his disposal instead of four on the rocks because one hand is always engaged by the Ice Axe. The holds are also not very strong and firm as on rocks. The Snow climbing field is also comparatively different due to severe cold, crevasses and high altitude problems. Therefore, it is always advised that only a skillful climber should take up this venture. Snow Climbing, as the term indicates, is the activity of ascending inclined ice formations. Usually, though, snow climbing refers to roped and protected climbing of features such as snowfalls, frozen waterfalls, and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from flows of water. Snow climbing in India is an essential part of all mountaineering expeditions in Himalayas. Due to the technical nature of this adventure sport, snow climbing in India is not taken up separately or in exclusivity, rather its a part of mountaineering expeditions in India.

Snow Climbing Regions And Places In India

Snow climbing is an important part of the mountaineering courses conducted in India by various Mountaineering institutes like Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering at Uttarkashi, HMI at Darjeeling and other institutes established by government of India in the Himalayas to promote mountaineering and other mountain sports.

Desirable regions for snow climbing:

Open peaks in Jammu and Kashmir
Open peaks in Himachal Pradesh
Open peaks in Garhwal
Open peaks in Sikkim
Open peaks in Kumaon

Essentials/ Gears For Snow Climbing

Ice shoes/Boots

Ropes - Two 8.5mm half-double ropes, treated with color is the essential.

Ice tools – Pick Axe, Adze,one hammer model.

Rack

Pack

Crampons

Helmet

Headlamp

Cordelette

One mark of a skillful snow climber is the ability to go downhill efficiently and confidently. Many otherwise competent and aggressive climbers blanch at the prospect of going forward down a steep snow gully. You can minimize those downhill jitters by mastering a few descent techniques.

Snow Walking in India

You may think of it as a complex sports or a 'combo pack' of Hiking and Snow Sport. Snow Walk had been there from ages but more as a irresistible impulse and a way of life for mountain kinfolk who trudged for miles on snow-laden trails for livelihood.In the modern world, Snow Walks have been attracting young adventure seekers and nature lovers from all parts of the world. On one hand Snow Walk is a simple activity of walking on the white snowy mountain slopes and on the other hand it is enveloped with a certain aura, an inexplicable comfy effect. Snow Walk is one such Snow Sport which can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great family unconventional and adventure holiday activity.

Major Regions For Snow Walking In India
In India, try Snow Walking at Auli in Uttaranchal or at Manali in Himachal Pradesh.For those looking for absolute exotica and best of the best, we highly recommend the various Snow Walking circuits close to Whispering Pines Nature Camp, Thangdhar (Dhanaulti; Uttaranchal).Experience the magnificence of the mighty Himalayas as you walk up to Surkanda (10,000 ft.) from here or as you walk down past snow covered Rhododendron and Cedar trees.

Snow Sports in general and Snow Walk in particular has a lot of scope in India. Snow Walk can be enjoyed by individual adventure lovers,adventure loving families, an avid trekker / hiker looking for the true Himalayan experience in winters, everyone. Snow Sports and Snow Walks in Himalayas can be a great pick during those Christmas vacations or maybe for that on New Year juncture.Over this the fun of snow camping in India, as you snuggle up in your dome tent with comfortable sleeping bags, would all add up to a highly memorable holiday experience. Plan one for this winter.

Heli Skiing In India

A tremor-a-minute swashbuckling sport where split-second decisions can literally make or mangle, heli-skiing is probably the most dazzling sport to be introduced during winters in India. As the first Asian country to offer facilities for this sport, heli-skiing made its debut in Kashmir in January 1988.
Set up in collaboration with the famous Swiss-born ski-mountaineer, Sylvan Saudan, this exciting sport requires prior skiing experience as well as a thorough knowledge of the physical features, cornices, crevasses, wind direction and potential avalanche hazard areas. Though expensive and exclusive, this ultimate adventure sport is fast gaining popularity.

Cautions & Essentials about Heli-Skiing

Are you new to heli skiing or the ultimate sports arena of skiing, then before taking up any of the heli skiing voyage , firstly ask your tour operators what kind of facilities do they offer to the skiers. Some key points to keep in mind include how many groups will be carried by one helicopter; the type of accommodation skiers are going to get; the exact height of the start point from where the skiing will begin and the most important one the equipment and services availability.

Safety is always important when you are planning to have skiing expeditions on the glacial regions as there are eventual dangers involved over there. There are always chances to have Avalanche(snow slide) in the snowy areas, that's why make it a point to check upon the snow conditions and weather information from the sports associations and information center of that particular region.

Skiing stability not only changes from mountain range to other mountain range but from slope to slope. That's why its always better to have a guide or ski instructor, who have a good knowledge about that skiing area The guides' decisions are utmost and should be respected always.

The second important safety fact is flying. Helicopter skiing pilots are absolute seasoned professionals who are thorough with the winter flying conditions within the mountains. They are alert to the onset of sudden weather changes and work together with your guide to ensure maximum safety. Always remember that the snowy regions are susceptible to accidents, so always plan your ski trip keeping the precautions in mind.

Prime Regions For Heli Skiing In India

It’s a long journey for a heli skier, but for the pious skier it’s once in a life time experience to get sporty in India’s Kullu Valley, known as the Valley of the Gods. The terrain ranges from north-facing open powder fields to creamy corn slopes to steep couloirs, skiable later in the season when avalanche danger diminishes. Birch tree dodging at lower elevations keeps you nimble. For first timers in India, heli skiing at the distant locations is always an experience to remember. Remote destination lodge such as the ones located in Manali, provide multiple day packages and are cons. Himalayas is full of ultimate skiing destinations and if you are an extreme sports lover and experienced enough to climb the glacial regions, then take up a heli skiing venture among the Indian Himalayas. Consistent heavy snowfalls and variety of mountain ranges, the Himalayas provide the best credit for any skier. In addition to the numerous ski resorts throughout the Himalayan region, you can also find the ultimate skiing experiences of heli skiing over here. In Himachal the heli skiing 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 solidity of the heli-skiing area. A sortie of ten minutes can carry the skiers to the top of a 14,000-feet high slope.

Heli Skiing Places In India

• Hanuman Tibba, Manali, H.P.

• Deo Tibba, Manali, H.P.

• Rohtang Pass, Manali, H.P.

• Chandrakhani Pass, Manali, H.P.

• Auli, Uttaranchal

• Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal

• Gulmarg, J&K
  

Skiing In India

The diverse terrains in India have all factors that add ardor to an adventure. The mighty mountains peaks laden with snow, the glaciers, the unexplored valleys have immense opportunity for the adventurous minds.

Caution, Essentials & Tips for Skiing

But before you take on your next expedition of skiing in any place in India, there are few things you have to keep in mind. Skiing is not just about putting on warm clothes and head towards the snowy slopes with your skies. Himalayas is a region of extremes and for trying out a sport like skiing in this region, always asks for certain things that every skier should take into consideration.

The basic skiing gear that is counted for skiing is the flexibility of the clothing. The fabrics that can keep the body's temperature balanced according to the outside climate. Stretch fabrics have a more relaxed and versatile capacity, which is basically required while skiing down a snowy mountain and doing extreme skiing.

Better fitting styles and waterproof wear are a better option for skiers for the wider range of motion. While selecting a ski jacket go through this checklist: waterproof, breathable fabrics, with taped seams, venting zippers and insulating stretch components for comfort. Other skiing gear items are ski goggles, ski helmets, ski socks and skies.

Goggles are an essential to wear while skiing because the glare off the snow during bright days exposes skiers to harsh UV rays, having tinted lenses with UV protection can enhance your visibility. Extreme weather conditions makes skiing on the slopes even more difficult if you do not have decent ski goggles with you. A comfortable helmet is always a good option and provides a good protection while skiing or snowboarding.

The main skiing regions in India

Gulmarg : Gulmarg, at the altitude of 2730 mts is one of the largest and most excellently equipped winter sports options in India. Kashmir's foremost hill resort, Gulmarg's snow settings remain brilliant from the month of December till April. The place is geared up with all kinds of modern skiing facilities for skiers.

Ski lifts, ropeways, skating and heli-skiing too are encouraged here. Gulmarg also boasts of having The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, where skiing courses are offered.

Grahwal and Kumaon: Garhwal and Kumaon with wide-stretched spaces above the snowline covered with seasonal snow are yet two more electrifying possibilities for the skiers.

Uttaranchal : Auli in Garhwal Himalayas in Uttaranchal is also considered as an added major skiing resort in India. Overlooking the lofty Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parbat and Dunagiri, Auli shows off its excellent snow-white slopes, splendid forests, making it the choicest place for snow skiing in India.

Himalchal Pradesh : Kufri, Narkanda, Manali in Himachal are the ultimate destinations for skiing. Moreover, Manali has exceptional possibility for winter as well as summer skiing. Additionally, Kufri near Shimla and Narkanda has excellent natural slopes making them favourite among ski lovers.

Snow Sports In India

The thick blanket of snow covering mountain's surface always attracts adventure enthusiasts. The northern region in India offer plenty of snow sports activities to them. Some of the famous snow sports played in the country include ice skating, snowboarding, skiing, heli skiing, mountaineering and ice climbing. The hills of India have all the ingredients for adventure packed with excitement and thrills and lots of unexplored valleys, towering peaks and snow-capped mountains and glaciers. India has more than one can imagine Shimla in Himachal Pardesh, Gulmarg near Sirinagar, Ladakh, Manali and Garahwal are few popular hideouts of winter sports bugs. Snow covered soil satisfies their adrenaline rush.

Crazy Winters

Two months from now when you'll be sitting near bonfire preparing large murky pecks, the long wait of sport freaks will come to an end. The frozen regions around the country will witness the gathering of avid ice games troupers. For those of you who find shelter in Goa, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu etc ignoring the numbness of comfortable India's winter must know that, " You could always do something out of nothing", after all sports have always been in blood of Indians.

Being the most visited season in the country it not only captivates tourists and travelers but it also provide an opportunity to the masses of adventure sports lovers to get into act. Manali in Himachal,
Garhwal region in Uttaranchal and Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir are few of many places which will become busy with thrilling expeditions and extreme sports action. From mountaineering & ice climbing to ice skating and heli skiing, a splendid combination of flora & fauna as the vast tracts of virgin snow awaits you.