Backcountry Skiing in India: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

India is a huge country, so flying into the correct airport is an important start to your trip. Most backcountry skiing expeditions are located in the country’s north, along the border of China, so arriving at the international airport in New Delhi (DEL) is most convenient.

From there you might transfer to a more regional airport. The most common one for Jammu and Kashmir is the Srinagar airport (SXR). For eastern parts of the Himalayas, you might head to Leh (IXL) or Kalimpong (IXB).

Regardless of where you go in the mountain range, there is so much to see. From the beautiful and massive Himalayan mountains to the diverse architecture of the little towns and unique culture of the local people, you could spend a lifetime exploring and still not see all the Indian Himalayas have to offer.

Stunning scenery

Enjoy amazing views from the foothills of the Indian Himalayas – or higher – out over the verdant valleys and into the Indian plains. Jammu and Kashmir is an especially scenic state, with fantastic views at every turn.

Come for the culture

India is a very culturally diverse country. Wherever you head, take the opportunity to see some of the local architecture, listen to some regional folk music, visit a Hindu temple and, of course, try some of the great food items.

Perfect powder

Wherever you end up skiing in the Indian Himalayas, you are likely to face long tracts of undisturbed powder. As relatively few skiers come to the range compared with its European and North American counterparts, you may not have to share these spectacular slopes with anyone.

During the winter, temperatures drop to around freezing in the foothills of the Himalayas and well below farther up into the mountains. While there is limited precipitation at this time of year, there is still generally plenty of snow cover for skiing.

This depends on how much time you have and what you would like to do. Most backcountry skiing trips here last for about 10 days to 2 weeks, partly because of how remote much of the terrain is. Overall, two weeks should be plenty of time.

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If you're looking for untouched powder, challenging terrain, and off-piste adventure, India offers several world-class backcountry skiing destinations:

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: The undisputed king of backcountry skiing in India. With easy access to high-altitude off-piste terrain via the Gulmarg Gondola—one of the highest in the world—Gulmarg is a dream for advanced skiers and riders seeking deep powder and big mountain lines.

Pahalgam & Aru Valley, Jammu and Kashmir: Ideal for ski touring and less-crowded lines, the Aru Valley offers stunning alpine scenery and deep snow, perfect for those seeking quieter backcountry terrain.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh (Rohtang Pass & beyond): Known for its accessible alpine routes and backcountry ski tours, Manali is a great base for multi-day ski touring adventures in the Kullu Valley.

Munsiyari, Uttarakhand: A remote Himalayan village offering pristine snowfields and high-altitude ski touring opportunities far from the crowds.

Dayara Bugyal, Uttarakhand: Expansive alpine meadows at high elevation make Dayara a scenic and rewarding location for beginner to intermediate backcountry skiers.

Yumthang Valley, North Sikkim: Remote and atmospheric, this high-altitude region offers a unique backcountry skiing experience surrounded by dramatic Himalayan peaks.

While India is more known for its off-piste potential, there are a few ski resorts and structured areas that cater to downhill resort skiing:

Auli, Uttarakhand: Often called India’s “skiing capital,” Auli has a small but well-managed resort setup with groomed runs, ski lifts, and stunning views of Nanda Devi. It’s a good choice for beginners, families, and skiers seeking a more controlled experience.

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir: Although famous for its backcountry terrain, Gulmarg also has groomed runs and ski lifts, making it suitable for intermediate and advanced resort skiers as well.

Solang Valley, Manali: This is a popular destination for snow sports, offering beginner-friendly slopes and short ski lift rides, especially good for those new to skiing.

Kufri & Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh: These are smaller resort areas ideal for beginners and families looking for a fun and scenic ski getaway with gentle slopes.

Backcountry skiing in India typically involves off-piste, ungroomed terrain and often requires hiking or skinning to access remote snowfields. It's ideal for experienced skiers looking for adventure in the Himalayas.

Resort skiing in India takes place on groomed slopes with lift access and ski patrol services, better suited for beginners, casual skiers, or those looking for structured lessons and comfort.

Skiing in India can be budget-friendly or relatively costly, depending on the destination, length of stay, and the services provided. A single day of skiing with equipment rental and basic instruction typically costs between ₹2,000 and ₹15,000. For multi-day packages that include lodging, prices can range from ₹5,000 to over ₹70,000. Lower end price fits group lessons in Auli, Kufri, or Solang for beginners. Higher end applies to backcountry ski touring in Gulmarg or multi-day private trips.