Auli

A twelve-hour-long drive from Delhi, Auli is the closer and more affordable alternative to skiing in Gulmarg. Plan your trip between December and March, to catch the snow, and get in some ski time. For beginners looking to get a crash course, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) offers several programmes, and also rents out all the necessary gear and equipment. There’s a 500-metre-mong ski-lift between the upper and lower slopes, and a superb, 20-km-long slope which is a treat for veterans. The days are usually nice and sunny, but the evenings get chilly, so pack heavy, and don’t forget to slather on a strong sunblock.