Once the favourite of a privileged few, Skiing in India has emerged as the high-adrenalin pastime well within the range of the common man now. There is unsullied and powdery snow for the purist; punishing runs for the accomplished and ego-conscious and easy slopes and understanding instructors for wobbly beginners and confident intermediates. When you are at any skiing resort, each day brings a fresh challenge to conquer and relish. You have to master the twists and turns and jumps of skiing, completing a longer ski run and achieving faster speed. The slopes are warmed by excited cries and laughter of entrants every winter in Indian Himalayas. Almost all high-altitude adventure sports in India are a contribution of the Europeans and Skiing is no exception. Summers in North India have always been unpleasant, but Europeans were mostly from cold countries. To take shelter from scorching heat, they went to the Himalayas, which are not very far from major centers in north India. Some of the best skiing destinations in India are mentioned below, which developed later on from these hill stations of British Raj.
Skiing in Gulmarg
The ultimate beginner's skiing resort Gulmarg is located in the exotic state of Jammu & Kashmir. You just find yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope. Longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213 m.

Skiing in Auli
Snow capped slopes of Auli is located in a northern hilly state of Uttranchal. Dense Deodar forest in Auli cuts wind velocity to the minimum 16 km from Joshimath on the Badrinath route. The hill resort of Auli also offers a 180º panoramic view of Himalayan peaks for example Nanda Devi (7,817 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Mana Parvat (7,273 m) and Dunagiri (7,066 m) seemingly only a snow ball thrown away. Slopes at Auli offer an excellent opportunity for cross country and downhill skiing events.
Skiing in Munsiyari
Munsyari in Uttranchal is 66 km from Jauljibi and 127 km from Pithoragarh via Thal. Working as a center as well as the gateway of Johar region, Munsyari is the base of treks to Milam, Namik and Ralam glaciers. Two high altitude places - Khalia Top and Betulidhar - offer excellent conditions for skiing.

Skiing in Manali
Manali, besides Kufri and Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh are the ultimate destinations for avid skiers. Manali region in the state also offers scope for winter as well as summer skiing. Narkanda has excellent natural slopes and has limited skiing possibilities in summer months. Kufri, which has always been a favourite among ski lovers, visit Shimla in winters. So get prepared for skiing and zooming through the snow.

Tips for Skiing
Keep one thing in mind while choosing the clothing for skiing- its flexibility.
Ensure that the fabrics of cloths keep the body's temperature in control vis-a-vis outer climate.
Stretch fabrics are more relaxed and versatile, which is basically required while skiing down a snowy mountain and doing extreme skiing.
Proper fitting styles and waterproof wear are better for skiers for a wider range of motion.
Go through this checklist while selecting a ski jacket : breathable fabrics, waterproof, with taped seams, venting zippers and insulating stretch components.
Some other skiing gear items include ski goggles, ski helmets, ski socks and skies.
You should wear goggles for sure while skiing because the glare off the snow under bright daylight exposes skiers to harsh UV rays.
If your goggles have tinted lenses with UV protection, these would enhance your visibility.
Skiing on the slopes becomes more difficult under extreme weather conditions if you do not have quality ski goggles.
A sturdy helmet is always advised to protect while skiing or snowboarding.
Protect yourself from snow blindness, frostbiting and sun burn during the tour.