The Boy who came in from the cold

It's now possible to have an international-style skiing holiday right here in the Himachal. Welcome to Solang!

So you’re planning to go skiing on your next vacation? Don’t head to the Alps, or any European ski resort. With the Himalayas much closer, everyone from the novice skier to the advanced enthusiast can become one with the mountains.

Where to go
There are three main skiing destinations in India, all of international quality, and countless other lesser known skiing hideouts. Auli, Gulmarg and Solang come alive each season, carving out their own trails in the snow.

I visited the Solang valley not so long ago, when the winter sports economy there had only just started revving up. Improved infrastructure (they have a new ski lift), increased public-private cooperation and local supposert has been beneficial for skiing tourism here, making the vast and beautiful valley perfect for winter sports.

The high hills surrounding the valley rise invitingly as you make your way towards it. In season, the valley teems with people all engaged in some kind of winter-sporting activity: skiing, snowboarding, riding snow scooters, hiking or even zorbing. Only 14kms away from Manali, it is Himachal Predesh’s chief skiing destination although mass skiing has only recently begun here. Many members of the Olympics’ Indian Winter sports contingent come from the nearby villages and have many medals to their name.

HT Image

How it began
In 1990, Australian skier and mountain climber Roddy McKenzie introduced heli-skiing to the region around Manali. Using helicopters, he would drop skiers on mountain tops in the Solang Himalayas, letting them zip through the snow and the many trees that would dot the slope. Solang had been a renowned world-class centre for decades. paragliding. But since the ski-lift or the gondola, which reduces hiking time and allows skiers to make as many as 10 rounds a day, skiers have finally found a cheaper, less crowded alternative to the Alps.

Get ready
Skiing equipment is available at any of the wooden huts that open during season in the area around the valley, starting from Manali. And I don’t mean wooden skis or anything. I am referring to skis and snowboards imported from the biggest ski nations of the world. These can be rented anywhere along your jeep ride. A couple of layers of woollen clothing does well for the warmth, including socks, gloves and the many ways to cover ones forehead, which are all most important.

However, I must caution you, do not go for the gum boots everyone seems to sell, they can only protect from the rain and water, but the sweat will freeze your toes inside. Go instead for proper boots. The same goes for goggles, helmets and water proof equipment. Rent them or purchase them, but do spend!

Even if your teeth aren't chattering, you’ll want some hot soup and momos being sold on the side. They’ll keep you warm inside, and taste better than the insipid versions available in big cities. You won’t miss your daily cuppa.