7 Famous Winter Sports You Can Enjoy In India

While some individuals in India prefer to stay indoors during the cold winter season and snowfall, others embrace their adventurous spirit by engaging in winter sports, particularly in the Northern Himalayan regions of Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand.

For those who thrive on exploring new frontiers, the winter season in India presents countless opportunities. The formidable, snow-covered Himalayan ranges in India provide perfect settings for a variety of winter activities that can be enjoyed during this season. Remember to pack warm woolens in addition to your activity gear.

# Skiing

Undoubtedly, skiing stands out as one of the most widely embraced winter sports in India, attracting a substantial number of skiing enthusiasts from across the globe each year. The renowned skiing destinations in India during winter include Gulmarg, Dayara Bugyal, Auli, Manali, Pahalgam, Sikkim, Shimla, Uttarakhand, Mundali, Munsiyari, and Narkanda.

Among these, Gulmarg and Auli hold particular popularity among skiers. Whether you are an experienced professional or a novice, there are skilled trainers and instructors available to guide you in mastering skiing techniques on slopes ranging from gentle to challenging. Additionally, equipment is readily available for rent on an hourly basis. Bindings connect skis to the top and heels, facilitating various forms of skiing such as Freestyle skiing, Alpine skiing, and Military skiing.

# Snowboarding

A relatively recent addition to winter sports in India, snowboarding is gradually garnering significant interest among adventure enthusiasts. In this exhilarating activity, a fiberglass board is affixed to the rider's feet using a specially designed mounted shoe, allowing them to zip down the mountain. The most popular style of snowboarding is freeriding, where participants glide down various snow-covered landscapes.

Moreover, freestyle snowboarding represents another variant, involving the performance of tricks on artificially created terrain. Alpine and Boardercross are two additional styles. Although the activity may appear straightforward, it demands considerable practice and skill, with a crucial emphasis on body balance and precise timing. Snowboarding in Auli, Manali (Solang Valley), and Gulmarg offers a thrilling and adventurous experience.

# Ice Skating

Ice skating, among the favored winter sports in India, is overseen by the Ice Skating Association of India. Shimla stands out as an excellent destination for those keen on trying their hand at ice skating. The city hosts an annual Ice Skating Carnival every January, organized by the Ice Skating Club of Shimla, featuring activities like figure skating and ice hockey. Other renowned ice skating destinations in India include Kufri, Auli, Narkanda, Manali, and Gulmarg.

# Trekking

Winter trekking stands as one of the premier activities in India, offering numerous trails for enthusiasts. If you aspire to navigate snowy paths and summit peaks during this season, you must possess high fitness levels, resilience against piercing cold, and a strong will. Although winter treks in India are generally shorter in distance and at lower altitudes, they are by no means easy. Most of these treks pose significant challenges due to the extremely cold weather.

Nonetheless, the awe-inspiring panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and the serene wilderness make the effort worthwhile. Some of the highly sought-after winter treks in India include the Kanchenjunga trek, Nanda Devi trek, Winter Kuari Pass Trek, Kedarkantha Winter Trek (Uttarakhand), Chadar Frozen River trek, Chopta Chandrasilla trek, Dodital – Darwa Pass Winter Trek, Parashar Lake, and Hampta Pass trek.

# Snow Sledding

Referred to as dog-sledding, this renowned winter activity in India entails sitting on a wooden sled and gliding down a snowy trail, encountering twists, turns, and bumps along the way. Some individuals opt to lie down on their stomachs to facilitate the process before sliding down.

Rohtang, Nathatop, Auli, and Gulmarg are among the well-known destinations for snow sledding in India. This activity holds particular appeal for newlyweds who choose snow-covered hills as a romantic winter honeymoon destination in India.

# Ice Climbing

Arguably the most demanding and adventurous winter pursuit, ice climbing in India requires considerable courage as participants ascend ice walls in subzero temperatures. For thrill-seekers, the challenges posed by this activity are deemed worthwhile. Despite its visual similarity to rock climbing, the skill level required for ice climbing is notably high, and the difficulty of ascending slippery ice walls is challenging to articulate adequately.

Climbers undergo thorough training and must accumulate sufficient experience before embarking on an actual expedition. Essential equipment for ice climbing includes boots, crampons, waterproof attire, ice screws, mittens, goggles, ice axe, hammer attachments, and wrist loops. Maneuvering oneself with three limbs is essential, with one arm used to ascend. Opportunities for ice climbing are available in the regions of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh.

# Ice hockey

In recent times, ice hockey has been gaining significant popularity among winter sports enthusiasts. Various ice hockey rinks are emerging at higher altitudes in India. While most of these rinks are primarily accessible to professional ice hockey players, tourists have the opportunity to visit these locations and try their hand at this engaging activity. Similar to field hockey, ice hockey is played on a flattened ice surface. Shimla, Ladakh, and Kashmir stand out as the top destinations in India for ice hockey enthusiasts, with several indoor ice hockey rinks located across the country.

In addition to ice hockey, other winter sports activities in India include ice fishing, snow cycling, snow football, and snowballing. Therefore, when the winter season blankets the landscape with its white snow, ensure you are prepared to embrace the thrill and excitement of these snow sports in India.