“The mountains are calling and I must go.” – John Muir
- British Columbia of Canada is the queen of heli-skiing. But India with its majestic Himalayan peaks covered with powdered snow does not lag much. You might have gone skiing at different spots of North India, but heli-skiing is on a whole new level!
- Canada started this adventure sport back in the 1960s. Heli-skiing came to India as late as the 1990s but is growing quite popular among the young generations.
- The act of travelling to remotes snow scattered mountains by a helicopter and then proceeding to ski down an untouched slope- Heli skiing is indeed an exciting and thrilling experience.
- Heli-skiing is more favoured by experienced skiers as helicopters reduce the effort of accessing the remote locations which are usually hard to climb and take a lot of time.
- When it comes to Heli-Skiing in India- Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are the two best options. Savour the best white surroundings while you go down the ‘champagne foam’ kind snow!
- January and February are the best preferred months to practice heli-skiing. March is also an option as the snow is nice and powdery and the days are longer for which you will be able to ski much longer! Also, these panoramic views of the lofty crowned peaks are so picturesque that your feed will be filled with likes and comments. Here are some of the best heli-skiing spots in India. Let’s have a look.
The natural conditions and excellent slopes of Gulmarg provide ample scope for some top-notch heli-skiing options in India. Gulmarg which also happens to be the quintessential destination for skiing has the factors best suited for heli-skiing.
Apart from the silvery snowy peaks of Gulmarg, there are also pine tree forests that give it a Swiss Alps kind of vibe. The Mount Apharwat of Gulmarg is a highly rated spot.
The quaint town of Jammu and Kashmir is well known for being an ideal tourist destination. The epic scenic beauty and thick snow make this one of the most favoured spots in India. It can be an absolute delight to heli-ski here as the snow is abundant and the moisture content is low which is great for a nice heli-skiing experience.
Did you know the snow of Kashmir is known as ‘Curry Leaves’? The feathery or grainy texture of the snow here is the reason behind such a name.
Magnificent snow-capped peaks and pine trails make this an ultimate heli-skiing destination. Adventure enthusiasts prefer this holiday destination more than anything. Deo Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass, Hanuman Tibba, and Rohtang Pass prove to be some of the best locations for heli-skiing in Manali.
Not only Indians, people from all over the world compare Manali with the Rockies of Canada. With slopes as high as 6000 m, adventurer souls have the best time of their lives here. The occasional orchards that will fall on your way just add more to the beauty.
This majestic valley of Himachal Pradesh is ideal for both amateurs as well as experienced skiers. Another name of Solang Nala happens to be snow point so you know the valley is extremely picturesque and full of snow.
For experienced skiers- the bends and lifts make it a challenging and enjoyable slope to ski on. Many tournaments and competitions on heli-skiing are held here so even if you are not into skiing, you can just sit and watch the in the awesome ambience.
Munsiyari means ‘A Place with Snow’. You are allowed to have high expectations from this place and it will surely live up to your hype too. With an elevation of 7,200 ft, this is a skiers paradise. Khaliya Top, Betuli Dhar are some of the places that provide amazing heli-skiing experiences.
The slopes are amazing and when the rays of sunlight fall on the silvery peaks- the sight is mesmerizing.
This is one of the least explored adventure sports in India but has immense potential. But some points need to be taken care of before you think about doing this- the climate, your skills, the expedition team, and gears. Check on all these details and you are good to go! What are you waiting for? This is a one of its kind and a must-try for adrenaline junkies.
