The hills of Uttarakhand have all the factors for adventure filled with excitement and thrills with massive peaks, flowing rivers, snow-capped mountains, a splendid blend of flora and fauna and huge tracts of virgin snow. The region also provides enormous opportunities for adventure sports like skiing and the thrilling water sports, which make uttarakhand a perfect location for adventure seekers. The large slopes of uttarakhand covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months. As the elements are defeated, excitement swells up. In skiing, the use of only the simplest forms of implements adds to the adventure. With there wide-open spaces above the snow line, offer yet another exciting possibility Ski touring amongst the glaciers. For the avid skier, cross-country runs of 10 to 20 kilometres are available, with the added advantage of fresh powder snow, away from crises-crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the European Alps. Because of their height and spread, uttarakhand, like other sectors of the Himalayas, are in a position to offer the thrills of examining long distance skiing round the year.

Important Skiing Slopes , Uttarakhand

1. Auli:
Auli is 3 km ranging between 2519m to 3049m. (Area 5 sq km) Connected by 3.9 km long cable car with Joshimath (1980m) with the upper slopes at Garson (3016m) or 14 km by motorable road.

Auli (2750m) No matter where you are, if you are looking for the best ski slopes, Auli is the best place to come. For those who crave to teach no other place matches Auli, 14 km from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort. The natural advantages of Auli`s slopes, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities provided by GMVN have made it comparable to the best in the world. The snow-capped slopes of Auli are flanked by grand coniferous and oak forests, which cut wind speed to the minimum. Auli offers a 180° panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Doonagiri apparently only snowball`s throwaway. Auli offers perfect skiing conditions. Seasonal skiers have clean stretches of virgin slopes to sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross-country, slalom and downhill skiing events. A three-kilometer long slope ranging from a height of 2,519 metres to 3,049 metres is a major attraction. A 500-meter long ski lift carries skiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis. The ideal time is from January to March, this is when the Nigam conducts one, five, ten, and fifteen days ski courses at Auli. Apart from annual skiing festivals, three official National Championships are also held here.

The everlasting attraction on the Earth is the great Himalayas. In uttarakhand lies the spectacular and mindblowing picturesque treasure. Auli being one of them is the highest winter Sports Resort in the world. It is located among glorious mountains covered with huge expanses of snow on the Garhwal Himalayas. It is no exaggeration to call Auli the Garden of Eden, as the eyes observe the lush and colourful flowers in summer and the expressive snow capped mountains in winter.

In winters, Auli is attractive with it`s enormous area of falling snow covers and the skiing facilities provided by the Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam make Auli and ideal spot for winter sports. In the months of January to March, the Cliff Top Club becomes one huge playground for skiers where the ski lifts make sure no one stops skiing. For here, the twittering birds, buzzing bees and indigo skies blend with the gentle sun, music of the wind and the sounds of silence give your soul everlasting peace that a tired soul always needed.

2. Mundali , Uttarakhand :
36 km unhealed jeep able road from Chakrata. Alternative route: Tiuni to Dharagarh 49 km, from here Mundali is 2.5 km further.

It has an unforgettable view of the snow-capped Himalayas. Mundali is situated in the district of Dehradun, 129 km away from Chakrata. From Chakrata to Mundali a 36 km unmettled jeepable road links via Kandaband, Kathiyan and Dharagarh. Tiuni to Dharagarh is 49 km unmettled. Mundali is 2.5 km trek from Dharagarh and is surrounded by blossoming green forests. This place has vast Ski slopes on which professionals enjoy skiing.

3. Dayara Buygal , Uttarakhand: This place is the best in natural beauty. Bhatwari - Raithal - 10 km (motorable) Raithal - Dayara Bugyal (3048m) - 6 km trek or Bhatwari - Barsu13 km (motorable) Barsu - Dayara Bugyal 6 km trek.

Bugyal in the local language means "high altitude grazing land". Dayara Bugyal is situated at an altitude of 3,048m; this enormous field is the best in natural beauty. During winter, it provides excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq km. The panoramic view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking. There is a small lake in the area, and to camp out by its side is an unforgettable event. From this spot, one can trek down through dense forests to Dodo, which is tall at an altitude of 3,007m. The road to Dayara Bugyal divides off near Bhatwari on Uttarkashi Gangotri road about 23 km from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu (16 km) from where about 6 km trekking has to be done to reach Dayara and other route is from village Raithal, 10 km from Bhatwari, from where one has to trek about 6 km to Dayara Bugyal.

4. Munsiyari , Uttarakhand: Khalia Top and Betulidhar - 7 and 5 km from Munsiyari

5. Other Places: Kush Kalyani and Kedar Kantha in District Uttarkashi; Panwali and Natya in District Tehri Garhwal; Bedni Buygal in Chamoli District and Chiplakot in Pithoragarh District.

Skiing Gears and Tips
The best part of enjoying skiing in Auli is that the skier does not have to carry all the gears with them. The AANANDA HOLIDAYS provides the necessary equipments. However, one needs to carry heavy woollen cloths like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a torch for personal use. First Aid kit should also be handy. For all those who are not experts at skiing can also learn this sport, as the tourism board has provisions of skiing classes.