Heli Skiing in India

Heli Skiing in India is picking up as a new adventure sport.

The difference between normal skiing and heli skiing is that a helicopter will drop the skiiers on a top of a hill and from there the skiiers have to come down the hill simply criss-crossing the whole route. Heli Skiing is a very very risky sport and it gives a chance for those who wish to risk a lot in their life. The route the heli skiiers would have to take is not the normal route but have to travel down through unexplored routes and at times even ridges.
The Himalayan region in India is the best place to give a try to this thrilling and exciting, risk taking sport. The places where Heli Skiing is currently offerred are:

Hanuman Tibba, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Deo Tibba, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Rohtang Pass, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Chandarkhani Pass, Manali, Himachal Pradesh,
Auli, Uttranchal,
Pithoragarh, Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir.

The skiing destinations are located in Himalayas and gives a chance to the skiiers to witness the unexplored glacial regions. In general, the heli skiiers are allowed to ski down only in groups of 3 with one in-experienced skiier and 2 or 3 experienced skiiers and a guide. The skiiers experience powdery snow as the helicopter drop is at 6500m. The powdery snow is light and skiing down in that is very easier. (This skiing helps a lot for new skiiers

Auli - The skiing Destination of India

Auli is an emerging Skiing destination of India. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state at an altitude of 2500 to 3050 m above the sea level. The small town is becoming a central of attraction of Uttrakhand due to skiing. Auli is on the way to Badrinath. The entire town of Auli is one of the best tourist destinations of India with lots of attractions. Auli have a training centre for Indo-Tibetian border police which is equipped with the best medical facilities and chopper facilities to help the needy tourists.

The Nanda Devi peak is the tallest amongst the snowy peaks visible from the slopes of Auli. The town of Auli is covered by Hathigauri, Neelkanth, Comet and Eravath mountains. It is believed that Hanuman rested in Auli on his way to pick up the Sanjeevani in the Himalayas.

How to reach Auli:

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun which is 273km from Joshimath and 17km from Rishikesh.
By Train: The nearest railway station is at Haridwar. But it is better to reach Dehradun by Shadabti Express

By Road: Auli is of 13km drive from Joshimath. Lots of busses ply between Joshimath and Rishikesh regularly.

Skiing   Just because of the skiing, Auli have started to emerge as a tourist destination. Skii enthusiasts say that Auli is one of the finest skiing resorts. Auli provides the best skiing experience for both novice and experienced skiers. But experienced skiiers will find it a bit difficult to ski in these slopes which descend from 3049 to 2915 m. A 500 m long ski lift and 800 m long chair lift link the upper and lower slopes. There is an excellent opportunity for cross country, salom and down hill skiing.
During the month of Feb Skiing events and competitions are held. The slopes of the Himalayan Hills are considered to be the best in the entire Asia. Though skiing is not a big sport in India, it is definitely catching up. The entire slopes of Auli is highly perfect for skiing which is lined up on both the sides by oak and pine trees giving it the feel. Best season to visit Auli is from November to March.

Asia's longest Cable Car

   Gondala or cable car helps in moving along the slopes of the snow caped mountains. Auli boasts the Asia's longest, 4Km long Gondala. The rope way connects Auli with Joshimath and the entire travel distance is 15-20 minutes. There are totally 10 towers supporting the rope and the cost is Rs. 400 per head. The view is exciting enchanting. To move from the lower slope to upper slope one can use the chair lift which is controlled by hydraulic and pneumatic braking system. The car is attached with a strom warning device. Both the cable car and chair lift gives an unique experience for the tourists.

Artificial Lake:
    Auli have the world's highest artifical lake close to a private hotel named Clifftop Club. The water from this artificial lake is used to create the new ski slopes when there is low snow fall so that the ski season can be extended.

Trekking:
There are lots of trekking routes from Auli. The trekking trail is normally completed in one day. A few of the famous trekking trails are Auli-Gorson; Gorson-Tali; Tali-Kuari Pass; Kuari Pass-Khulara; Khulara-Tapovan

The best season to visit Auli is from End of December to March.

Accessories needed for Tourists:
Woolen Clothings
Cap
Socks
Dark Glasses
Gloves
Mufflers
Pull Overs
Wind proof Jacket
Gum/Snow boots
Torch light.

The temperature is relatively low at -8 degree C during the monsoons.