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India is a country known for its diverse landscapes, and hosts several places for snowboarding. Its Himalayan region offers some spectacular destinations for the sport. The top destinations for snowboarding in India allow an amazing experience. With vast snow-covered terrain and a mix of challenging and beginner-friendly slopes, the country is becoming a destination worth snowboarding. If you’re a beginner or are an experienced rider, India has some excellent skiing spots.
Top 10 Destinations For Snowboarding In India
Want a winterland experience? Here are the top destinations which allow the best snowboarding in India for the adventure enthusiast inside you:
1. Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Miya.m / Wikimedia Commons
Rohtang Pass is a great spot for snowboarding in India, especially between November and May, when it gets plenty of fresh snow. The slopes of this pass, starting from the height of 13,050 feet, cater to both beginners and experienced snowboarders. This makes Rohtang Pass a popular choice for snowboarders. If you’re looking for an extra thrilling experience, you can try heli-snowboarding. This allows you to ride the untouched snow at higher altitudes.
Entry Fees: Free; however, vehicle permits are required
Skiing Coordinator: Local adventure operators in Manali offer guided snowboarding experiences
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
2. Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Skmishraindia / Wikimedia Commons
Narkanda, sitting at a height of 8,100 feet, is one of India’s oldest snowboarding spots. With dense pine forests and snow-covered slopes, it is a great place to enjoy winter sports in a peaceful setting. Hatu Peak, the highest point in Narkanda, provides a great mix of slopes for snowboarders of all levels. You shouldn’t miss gliding down the open runs of this peak while enjoying the fresh mountain air. This place offers more than snowboarding. Trekking and camping are popular activities here, making Narkanda a well-rounded winter destination.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals are available at local shops
Skiing Coordinator: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) offers skiing courses and guidance
Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla
3. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
Photo: SudiptoDutta / Wikimedia Commons
Munsiyari, at 7,200 feet in Uttarakhand, is a lesser-known destination for snowboarding in India. With beautiful and expansive views of the Panchachuli Peaks, this remote town offers a quiet and open space for winter sports. The slopes are ideal for those exploring beyond the usual snowboarding spots in India. A key experience here is making your way through fresh snow, surrounded by the region’s diverse wildlife. Beyond the snow, visitors can engage with the local Kumaoni culture and glimpse everyday mountain life.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals are available locally
Skiing Coordinator: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) provides skiing facilities and training
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
4. Mundali, Uttarakhand
Photo: KAUSTUBH PORLIKAR1998 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated at a height of 9,000 feet, Mundali offers a quiet winter escape with fresh, powdery slopes, great for snowboarding. The snow conditions are just right from December to March, making it a great place for snowboarding. From the crowded tourist areas, Mundali provides an isolated setting to focus on the sport while enjoying the surroundings. For those who enjoy the outdoors, overnight camping adds to your experience by letting you spend more time in nature.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals are available through local vendors
Skiing Coordinator: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) oversees skiing activities and training programmes
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
5. Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir
Photo: Shailendrachauhan95 / Wikimedia Commons
Patnitop is at a height of 6,640 feet in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. This place is a great destination for snowboarding in India. With its gentle slopes and consistent snowfall, it’s an ideal place to practise and improve your snowboarding skills. The surrounding pine forests create a calm and quiet atmosphere, making the experience even more enjoyable. Beyond snowboarding, visitors can also try paragliding, getting a wide view of the landscape from above. For those looking for something different, night snowboarding offers a unique experience, under a sky full of stars.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals are available on-site
Skiing Coordinator: Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department facilitates skiing activities and training
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport, Jammu
6. Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Kufri, a hill station near Shimla at 8,600 feet, is a well-known spot for winter sports. Its slopes are suitable for both beginners and experienced snowboarders. A must-try experience is riding down the slopes of Mahasu Peak, the highest point in Kufri. The town’s easy access and regular snowfall make it a popular choice for snowboarding in India. Beyond winter sports, visitors can also check out Kufri Fun World amusement park for more activities.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals are available at local centres
Skiing Coordinator: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) offers skiing courses and equipment
Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport, Shimla
7. Auli, Uttarakhand
With views of Nanda Devi and well-maintained slopes, Auli is a popular snowboarding destination at 9,500 feet. The slopes are designed for snowboarders and skiers of all skill levels, and cable cars and chair lifts make access easier. Being surrounded by the vast Garhwal Himalayas, the area gets plenty of snowfall in winter, creating ideal sports conditions. Auli is often compared to international ski resorts for its well-kept terrain and events like the National Skiing Championship.
Entry Fees: Free; charges apply for cable car rides and equipment rentals
Skiing Coordinator: Several operators offer skiing courses and packages in Auli
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
8. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Photo: Christian ter Maat / Unsplash
Gulmarg, in Jammu and Kashmir, is a dream destination for snowboarders, due to its high-altitude and incredible snowfall. The deep snow is perfect for backcountry adventures, making it a favourite among skiers and snowboarders. When it’s time to unwind, you can find everything here, from budget lodges to luxurious resorts. Beyond the slopes, you can visit places like St. Mary’s Church, a historic site with unique architecture, or Alpather Lake, which remains frozen during the winter months.
Entry Fees: ₹1,400 for Gulmarg Gondola ride to the second phase (Apharwat Peak) for a round trip
Skiing Coordinator: The Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM) in Gulmarg offers structured skiing courses for all skill levels
Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar
9. Sethan, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Catherine Lunaa / Wikimedia Commons
Sethan, a small village near Manali, is growing as a backcountry Indian snowboarding destination. Its long slopes offer clear views of the Dhauladhar range. This is a great choice for beginners and intermediate snowboarders looking to avoid the large crowds of the bigger ski resorts. The village is home to a small Buddhist community, adding a cultural aspect to your visit to Sethan.
Entry Fees: Free; charges apply for equipment rentals and instructor fees
Skiing Coordinator: Local adventure companies in Manali offer snowboarding and skiing packages in Sethan
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport , Kullu
10. Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Anuragomer / Wikimedia Commons
Solang Valley, near Manali in Himachal Pradesh, is popular for snowboarding and winter sports. At 8,400 feet, Solang Valley offers many activities like paragliding, zorbing, snowboarding, and skiing. The valley hosts yearly winter festivals and sports competitions, adding to its appeal for adventure enthusiasts. The easy accessibility of Solang Valley from Manali makes it a convenient choice for a short snowboarding trip within India.
Entry Fees: Free; equipment rentals and adventure activities are chargeable
Skiing Coordinator: Multiple adventure sports operators in Solang Valley who provide different snowboarding packages and training
Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport, Kullu
Snowboarding in India offers a mix of challenging and easy slopes, making it a great choice for both experienced snowboarders and beginners. Rohtang has steep descents that test your skills, while Kufri provides gentler runs for those still learning. Whether you prefer a relaxed ride or a fast-paced adventure, there are plenty of snowboarding places to explore in India. Plan your trip with TripXL and get ready to ride through the snow with the Himalayas all around you.
Cover Photo: Patrick Hodskins / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
