India making headway as ski destination

Accessible from New Delhi by road or flights to nearby Bhuntar Airport, the valley hosted the inaugural Alpine Premier League skiing competition in February, and is likely to be added as a regular feature in the international skiing events calendar.

In addition to skiing, Solang Valley boasts other outdoor activities such as paragliding, mountain biking and snowmobiling. The other popular ski resort in India is Gulmarg in Kashmir, which is accessible from New Delhi and Srinagar.

Bjorn J. Sjursen, managing director, Metro Tours Norway said: “We can motivate a large number of clients to combine a ski holiday with beach or cultural tours of India. It will be exciting to ski in the Himalayas.”

Mandip Singh Soin, vice president, Adventure Tour Operators Association of India said: “We have to upgrade our ski destinations into ski resorts by adding high quality hotel rooms, F&B, good medical care and other facilities that are taken for granted in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and Colorado. We must create a Brand Himalaya.”

(Source: TTG Asia)