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Skiing in Uttaranchal

The large slopes of Garhwal and Kumaon covered with seasonal snow become an ideal place for skiing in the winter months . One can feel the adrenaline levels rising as one negotiates the challenges of the steep gradients and traverses unimaginable distances . Quite truly , the thrill of skiing remains unparalleled as the elements are defeated exhilaration swells up in skiing , the use of only the simplest forms of implements adds to the adventure.

With their wide open spaces above the snowline, garhwal and kumaon offer yet another exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers, for the avid skier , cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available , with the added advantage. Of fresh powder snow , away from criss - crossing streams of skiers that overtake the slopes of the european alps . because of their height and spread , Garwhal and Kumaon, like other sectors of the himalayas , are in a position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing the year .

Skiing at Auli:



Auli , 16km from joshimath is an ideal winter resort. The natural advantages of auli 's slopes, coupled with state - of the -art facilities provided by gmvn have made it comparable to the best in the world. The snow capped slopes of auli are flanked by stately coniferous and oak forests which cut wind velocity to the minimum .

Auli offers a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7817 mts.), Kamet (7756 mts), Mana Parvat (7273 mts.) and Dunagiri (7066 mts.) Seemingly only a snowballs throw away, Auli offers perfect skiing conditions. Seasonal skiiers have clean streches of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on . These slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country, slalom and downhill skiing events. Winter skiing in Garhwal is now being professionally run at the Auli slopes.

A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. The Auli resort has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis. Apart from annual skiing festivals, three official National Championships have also been held here.

General Information
Altitude : 2915 mts. to 3049 mts. expandable to Gorson 3400 mts.
Area: 5 Sq. kms.
Temperature: Summer-Ranges between 13° C and 29° C Winter- Ranges between 9° C and 2° C
Rainfall: 180 cms.
Average yearly Clothing Summer-Light woollen Winter- Heavy woollen

Facilities Available:
Simple hotel accommodation and tourist Rest House available at Joshimath and Auli.
· A 3.9 kms. long cable car linking joshimath ( 1906.3 mts.) with the upper slopes at Gorson ( 3016.3 mts.)
· 16 kms. motorable road from Joshimath to Auli.
· A 500 mts. long ski-lift and 800 mts. long chair-lift linking the lower slopes with upper slopes.
· Two snow beaters imported from Germany.
· Ski equipments available on hire.
· Assistance of ski instructors and skiiers from Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam ( GMVN).
· Efficient communication available in Auli.
· Easy accessibility of medical assistance from Army and civil hospitals including emergency rescue.

Season :
End of December to March.

Equipment : provides modern ski equipment . Participants are advised to bring heavy woollen clothing like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a troch for personal use.

Travel Information:.
Road : local trnsport union and state transport buses operate regularly between joshimth to rishikesh (253kms) , haridwar (277kms. ) dehradun (298kms) and delhi (500kms)
Rail : the nearest railhead is haridwar (299 kms)which is 24 kma.frim rishikesh. Connecting trains howrah-dehradun, delhi-dehradun and Mumbai -dehradun Air: jolly grant airport ( Dehradun ) is 270 kms. from joshimath and 17 kms. from rishikesh.

MUNDALI:

Mundali is situated in district Dehradun 129 kms. from Dehradun via Chakrata. From Chakrata to Mundali is 36 kms. unmetalled jeepable road. The other routes via chakrata,, kandaband, kathiyan & dhragarh . tiuni to dharagarh 49 kms. motorable unmetalled road is available. Mundali is 2.5 kms. away from dharagarh and is surrounded by lush green forest. Mundali offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the snow capped himalayas. This place has vast ski slopes on which professionals can enjoy skiing.

DAYARA BUGYAL:

Bugyal in the local language means "high altitude meadow". The road to dayara bugyal branches off near bhatwari a place on uttarkashi- gangotri road about 28kms. from uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of barsu from where one has to trek a distance of about 8kms. to reach dayara and other route is via village raithal, 10kms. from bhatwari, from where one has to trek about 6kms. to dayara bugyal . situated at an elevation of about 3048kms. this vast meadow is second to none in natural beauty.

During winter it provides excellent skii slopes over an area of 28 sq.kms. The panoramic view of the himalayas from here is breathtaking. There is a small lake in the area, and to camp by its side is a memorabnle event. From this spot one can trek down through dnse foress to dodi- tal which is about 32kms. away, presently accommodation is acailale at bhatwari and some villager's huts may also be used by professionals for skiing.

MUNSYARI:
The easternmost hill district of Uttaranchal bordering nepal in the east and tibet in the north, pithoragarh is often called "miniature kashmir" nestling amidst spectacular kumaon himalyaas at a height of 1645 mts. is a small valley barely 5kms. long and 2 kms. wide. The town was an important landmark of the chand kings of kumaon. The ancient trade route to eastern nepal passed through this area. Beauty and fine temples that are important points of pilgrimages.

Located at an altitude of 2135 mts. Munsyari is sitated at a distance of 66kms. from Jaulijibi and 127 kms., from Pithoragarh via thal. Munsyari is the centre as well as the gateway of the johar region. Munsyari is the base for treks to milam, namik and ralam glaciers. There is a tourist rest house and a small town. Khalia top and betulidhar are two high altitude places, ideal for skiing.

OTHER AREAS:
Besides auli, numeros places in Garhwal & Kumaon are full of potential for skiing where and individual or a group can enjoy this winter sport on their own. In garhwal, kush kalyan & kedar kantha in distt. Utarkashi; panwali &matya in distt.

Tehri garhwal and bedni bugyal in chamoli and chiplakot valley in distt. Pithoragarh in kumaon are well known potential skiing resorts where professionals can do skiing.



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