Heli Skiing India
Skiing in the Himalaya Mountains tends to be something you only hear the best mountaineers in the world doing after they’ve summited a dangerous peak.
Where is there heli skiing in India?
You’ll need to head north of New Delhi, past India’s border with Nepal, to the regions of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir where the western flank of the Himalayas rises above the land. Here you’ll find mountains that soar as high as 5,000 meters, which creates incredibly long ski runs.
Due to the elevation change, skiers and snowboarders in the western Himalayas can enjoy varied terrain that includes chutes, bowls, glaciers, and forests all on a single run.
Without the helicopter, all of that altitude means that touring to the top of the Himalayas is a very long day of trekking, and you’ll likely be exhausted well before you get to the top of your objective and descent. That’s why heli skiing in India is the best way to experience all the Himalayas have to offer.
Heli Skiing in India: The Details
If you’re considering heli skiing in India, then you’ll need to start your journey with a flight to the nation’s capital of New Delhi. There you’ll enjoy getting to know Indian culture while taking advantage of the conveniences of a modern global city. Or, if you want to be heli skiing in India Kashmir as soon as possible, then the best choice is to fly into Srinagar which is an hour and a half from the mountains.
While planning your travel to Kashmir, you may see warnings for dangerous activities between the Indian and Pakistani army due to a long-standing conflict along the border there. As a result, you may be worried about traveling to Srinagar, since the Indian military uses it as a hub.
However, the conflict in Kashmir settled in the early 2000s and has been stable ever since. The conflict has cooled enough for a popular ski resort to run in Gulmarg for years and even be named one of the top ski areas in Asia by CNN International.
On arrival to either Kashmir or Himachal Pradesh you’ll meet your guides and be transferred to a lodge where you’ll then depart for your heli skiing India adventure. If the weather doesn’t allow for heli skiing, then there are plenty of other options to explore the Himalayas. You can tour, cat ski, or explore the mountains and the communities that thrive in their shadows.
Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu valley or the Valley of the Gods is particularly interesting to explore since the culture there has long been sheltered from modern society due to its mountain location. Plus, in Kashmir their cattle are not considered sacred like many other places in India, so you can enjoy Indian beef with other authentic cuisine while exploring the area in between heli skiing runs
Two Operators for Heli Skiing in India
- Kashmir Heliski
Established in 2011, the team at Kashmir Heliski has been chartering trips to the steepest peaks in the Himalayas for over a decade. Ride with their expertise and experience some of the tallest slopes in the world. - Himalaya Heliski
Package Options: Classic (not private) & private.
This operator claims to have more than 25 years in service, yet there appears to be a slight disconnect: "Since 1990, Manali has been the operations base for the most spectacular and exciting heli-skiing operation in the world." The date of 1990 suggests more than 34 years - odd.
World Class Travel Idea
No matter which India operator you decide to ski with, India provides a beautiful terrain to explore outside of the slopes! In addition to heli-skiing adventures, winter visitors to Manali can immerse themselves in the region's rich cultural heritage by exploring ancient temples like the Hadimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple. They can also indulge in the serenity of nature through tranquil snowshoeing treks amidst the breathtaking landscapes.
BRADY
8/8/23
Brady is an avid skiing & backcountry enthusiast, aging "big wave" surfer and is totally addicted to heliskiing!
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