The chill of the winter is best experienced when combined with the thrill of snow sports. India is home to some of the most exquisite hill stations which receive handsome amounts of snowfall during the months of December and January. The mountainous regions are decorated with plentiful snow during winter thereby offering a scenic view and an everlasting experience.
However, the most liberating experience comes in the form of riveting snow sports which are enjoyed by heaps of tourists from across the globe each year. Skiing, ice skating, ice climbing, sledging, snowboarding, and other snow sports offer limitless fun & entertainment. Here we give you some of the most famous snow sports which add to the magical Indian winter experience at higher grounds!
Snow Skiing
Snow skiing is an uber-smooth experience where you glide through leveled snow almost effortlessly. India is home to some of the most amazing ski destinations. The icy breathtaking views of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Auli, Kufri, Manali, and others offer top-of-the-line skiing experiences. You can go your own way or seek assistance from professional skiers who are readily available at all ski locations. And if you're willing to push the limits then you can always opt for Heli-skiing which is mainly for professionals and is practiced in isolated & vast snowy regions.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding is similar to skiing but with a more freestyle angle hooked to it. A board is attached to your feet and a gentle push down thick sheets of ice sends you down the terrain in a jiffy. You control your direction of movement using your body weight with strategic platforms providing exhilarating jumps and splashy landings. Gulmarg tops the list of snowboard areas in India with the regions of Kufri, Rohtang, Narkanda, & Manali also offering enough snowboarding options.
Snow Sledding
Snow Sledding is all about getting into the shoes of our beloved Santa Claus. Though you won't be aided by a fleet of flashy reindeer! Alas! But that does not diminish the magnitude of the experience at all. You sit atop a wooden sledge and race down the snow-topped hills adjusting to fun-filled twists and turns every now & then. If you wish to experiment, you can always lie down on the sledge and get a comfortably thrilling ride. Snow sledding is a growing trend in India with popular hill-stations like Gulmarg, Rohtang, and Auli providing sledding outlets.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is perhaps the most challenging snow sport which one can volunteer for. It is quite similar to rock climbing with the addition of snow & freezing temperatures. Various locations in India provide near to perfect settings for ice climbing and snow mountaineering. The regions of Himachal, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are filled with ice climbing locations. However prevailing climatic conditions play a big role in ice climbing. Climbers trek their way to giant snow structures and begin the climb which requires a lot of dare. But the idea of scaling a snow-topped mountain or hill is unique in every way and is everything to boast about!
Ice Skating
Roller skating is extremely popular across India with new venues sprouting each year. The sport has an icy angle to it though. Ice skating is much like roller skating with the surface replaced by a sheet of snow and the bitter cold winds accompanying you all the way. You may struggle with the 'balancing act' initially but once you find your ground, the experience is bound to get richer with each run. Ice skating in India is best experienced in Shimla where countless tourists converge in order to embrace the exciting ice skating experience. Other prominent locations for ice skating in India include Ladakh and Kashmir.
Ice Hockey
India's national sport is field hockey and is keenly followed by the people of India. However, ice hockey too is gaining prominence in India with ice hockey turfs coming up at higher elevations. While most of these turfs are available to professionals only, a visit for tourists can always be arranged. Ice hockey is played over flattened ice and is pretty similar to field hockey. Ice hockey enthusiasts from all over the country and across the globe visit the regions of Ladakh, Kashmir, and Shimla in order to experience the sport in India. Several indoor ice hockey rinks are available in the country but the sport is best experienced when played outdoors with little or no restrictions.
So before the winter folds its snowy spread, be sure to experience some of these thrilling & exciting snow sports. Snow sports are perhaps the best way to embrace the snow covered tops in India. You know what they say right? When the snow falls, nature listens!
