Skiing is one sport that has gained immense popularity all over the world and in the past decade have become quiet attention grabbing sport because of the Himalayas.. The vast open spaces above the snowline have flung open to the skiing enthusiasts. A plethora of ski locales in Jammu and Kashmir, the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh and the North eastern states of India have become the favourite ski hideouts of adventure lovers.

The awesome height and spread of the snow clad mountains, with the added advantage of powdered snow are tempting enough to magnetize the adventurous spirits of the avid skier, providing all the thrill and excitement attached to the game. Realizing the immense prospect for tourism, India has developed some of the most modern and also the resonable ski resorts in the whole world.

Skiing in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir:
In winter, Gulmarg acquires a new persona - that of the country's premier skiing resorts. Skiing, to many who watch it on TV, seems like a very elitist sport, requiring a high level of training and expensive equipment. They are surprised, when they visit Gulmarg for a day's expedition to see the snow, that others with the same level of physical fitness and training are skiing down slopes.

Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner's skiing resort. One doesn't requite a heavy woolen wardrobe - slacks or a Salwar Kameez will do fine. In Gulmarg one will also be able to drift to one of the many Ski shops and hire skis, sticks and goggles. Just find yourself a ski instructor and set off down a slope.

Neither does one need to exert oneself climbing up slopes. The gentlest slope of 200m is linked with a ski lift, which helps one to go up. When one graduates to intermediate level - which will happen after the first few days of practice, there are other slopes, longer and steeper, which are connected by chair lift. The longest ski run in Gulmarg is provided by the Gondola cable car, which allows a ski run of 2,213m.

Skiing in Auli, Garhwal:
Snow capped slopes of Auli are flanked by all, dense deodar forest which cuts wind velocity to the minimum 16-kms from Joshimath on the Badrinath route, Auli offers a 180 panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7,817m) Kamet (7,756m) Mana Parvat (7,273) and Dunagiri (7,066m) seemingly only a snow ball thrown away. Seasonal skiers have a clean stretch of 10.20-kms of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country and downhill skiing events.

Skiing in Dayara Bugyal, Garhwal:
During winter Dayara Bugyal provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. kms. Dayara bugyal affords a panoramic view of the breathtakingly beautiful Himalayas. There is a small lake in the area that provides an excellent camping site.