Skiing in Himachal
Your first ski turns, from Solang to Narkanda
Three snow slopes, one winter trip. A short lesson for first-timers or a proper government course — we add the hotel, cab and snow gear.
- Season Jan–Mar (best Feb)
- Solang ~2,500 m
- Narkanda ~2,700 m
- Kufri near Shimla
- Beginners welcome
- Price Get Quote
Skiing in Himachal at a glance
Himachal’s main ski slopes are Solang Nala near Manali, the Dhumri slopes at Narkanda (near HPTDC Hotel Hatu, 63 km from Shimla) and Kufri near Shimla. The season runs roughly January to March, depending on snowfall. First-timers can take a short lesson with an instructor and hired gear; for real skills, ABVIMAS Manali runs 7- to 14-day courses at Solang and Narkanda.
Three slopes and one proper course
Pick the slope that fits your route — Manali or Shimla side. Photos show skiing in general, not always the exact slope.
Most popularSolang Nala, Manali
QuietestNarkanda — Dhumri slopes
Near ShimlaKufri, near Shimla
Learn properlyABVIMAS ski courses
Your ski day, step by step
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Send your plan
Dates, group size, ages — and a one-day lesson or a full course.
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We pick the surest slope
We check the snow report and road orders for Solang, Narkanda or Kufri for your dates.
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Course? Apply early
We tell you the ABVIMAS batch dates to apply for; the institute handles admission itself.
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Gear at the slope
Your cab reaches the slope by mid-morning; skis, boots and poles are fitted there, snow suits arranged on request.
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First turns
An instructor teaches stance, stopping (snowplough) and short runs on the nursery slope.
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Back before dark
Afternoon free for snow play or the ropeway; back at the hotel before roads ice up.
Three slopes, one winter
Solang is 13–14 km from Manali. Kufri is 16–20 km and Narkanda 63 km from Shimla. Ski from January to March — February is usually best.
One-hour lesson or a 7- to 14-day ABVIMAS course? Tell us your dates and we plan it with your hotel and cab.
Ski season month by month
| Month | Solang (Manali) | Narkanda | Kufri |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | First snow likely late Dec; lessons if cover is enough | Heavy snow Dec–Feb | Snow possible, not sure |
| Jan | Lessons + ABVIMAS elementary batches from mid-Jan | Lessons, gear hire | Best chance of snow |
| Feb | Best month; most course batches | Best month; courses late Feb | Snow possible |
| Mar | Courses till end of March; old snow | Early-March courses | Snow usually gone |
| Apr – Nov | No skiing (ABVIMAS grass-skiing course only) | No skiing | No skiing |
Snowfall changes every winter — see our Himachal snowfall guide for winter 2026-27 and the best time to visit Shimla.
What we check before your ski day
Suzu Travels is an HP Tourism registered travel agent (Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022). On the slopes, we stick to these:
- Registered instructors onlySkiing falls under HP’s adventure-sports rules: lessons only from registered operators or instructors, and only on the marked practice slopes.
- Beginners stay on nursery slopesAlways with an instructor; helmets strongly advised for children.
- Avalanche and weatherNever ski off-piste or above the practice area after fresh snow; ABVIMAS courses include avalanche and cold-injury training for this reason.
- Snow roadsAfter heavy snow traffic can be stopped beyond Nehru Kund towards Solang (as in December 2024), and the Narkanda–Hatu roads ice up — 4×4 or chains for the cab.
- Cold and sun at 2,500–2,700 mLayers, waterproof gloves, goggles or sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Children under 10Not taken on ABVIMAS courses; for younger kids we book a short private lesson or snow play instead.
Get a quote in minutes
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Tell us your date
WhatsApp or the quote form — dates, people, ages, lesson or course.
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We check your date
Snow, road orders and a slot with a registered local instructor.
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You get one quote
Ski day, gear and cab — plus your hotel in Manali, Narkanda or Shimla if you want it.
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Confirm and go
We send the pick-up time the evening before.
What your quote depends on
- One-hour lesson, full-day lesson or a multi-day course
- Slope and date (Christmas–New Year and February weekends are peak)
- Number of skiers, ages and whether children need their own instructor
- Gear hire (skis, boots, poles) and snow suit/boot sizes
- Cab type (4×4 or chains on snow days) and pick-up point — Manali or Shimla
- Hotel nights near the slope and meal plan
- Add-ons: ropeway, snow tubing, Atal Tunnel–Sissu or a Kufri day
Your first ski turns, planned with your trip
Send your dates and we fit a lesson or an ABVIMAS course in with your hotel and cab, with skis, boots and poles on hire at the slope.
Get your Himachal skiing quote
Tell us your travel dates and group size. We reply with today’s rate for your date — and add your hotel and cab.
Pair skiing with a winter package
Skiing fits three easy winter plans: a Shimla–Narkanda–Manali circuit with a ski day at Narkanda or Solang, a Manali 3 nights / 4 days snow trip with a ski lesson, or Shimla 2 nights with a Kufri snow day. See our Shimla Manali tour package or the Himachal tour package from Delhi, book a Manali taxi or a Shimla taxi for Kufri and Narkanda, and check snow activities in Manali for tubing and snow points. Going to Rohtang too? Read Rohtang permit and road status. Or ask for a custom plan.
Skiing in Himachal — questions
Where can I ski in Himachal Pradesh?
At Solang Nala near Manali, the Dhumri slopes at Narkanda, and Kufri near Shimla. HP Tourism also lists Rohtang and Hanuman Tibba, which are for experienced skiers only.
When is the skiing season in Himachal?
From about January to March, and February is usually best. It depends on each winter’s snowfall, so we check the snow report before confirming.
Can a complete beginner ski in Manali?
Yes. At Solang you can take a short lesson with an instructor on gentle nursery slopes, with skis and boots on hire. You learn to stand, stop and make short runs.
Are there proper ski courses in Himachal?
Yes. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, runs a 7-day elementary course (age 10+) and 14-day basic, intermediate and advanced courses at Solang and Narkanda, January to March. Confirm this winter’s batch dates on the institute’s website before you plan.
Solang, Narkanda or Kufri — which is best?
Solang has the most snow and the most going on. Narkanda is quieter and holds snow longer than Shimla. Kufri is the easiest from Shimla but its snow is the least sure.
How much does skiing cost in Manali?
It depends on lesson length, the date, gear hire and group size, so we don’t publish a fixed rate. Send your date on WhatsApp and we reply with today’s rate within minutes, alone or with hotel and cab — Get Quote.
Do I need my own ski gear?
No. Skis, boots and poles are hired at the slope, and snow suits and boots can be arranged on request. Bring warm layers, gloves and sunglasses.
Is there snow for skiing in December?
Sometimes from late December, but not every year. January and February are the safer months to book.
