Manali, famous for the lavish display of natural scenery, is situated at the northern end of Kullu Valley by the Beas river. Perched at an altitude of 2050 meters above sea level, this beautiful hill station is an ideal spot for adventure sport lovers. It offers skiing / snow boarding opportunities not only for professionals but also for beginners. Manali is surrounded by beautiful deodar cedar forests and huge peaks soaring to more than six thousand metres.

The best skiing slopes located near Manali are Solang Nullah (Solang Valley), Kothi, Patalsu, Marhi, Gulaba, Dhundi and Rohtang. These peaks offer some of the best powder covered slopes in the world. Generally Manali region is blessed with excellent weather, but the conditions are subject to sudden changes. In Patalsu and Rohtang slopes, summer skiing is also possible.

Manali is also a hot spot for Heli Skiing organised by Himachal Heli Skiing (HHS) since 1989. Hanuman Tibba, Deo Tibba, Chanderkhani Pass and Rohtang Pass near Manali are known for their high peaks, thus forming a perfect destination for Heli-skiers with experience. Powerful helicopters including Bell 407, AS 315B Lama and AS 350B3 Squirrel carry the skiers to the top of a 14000 feet high snow draped slope within ten minutes. They are accompanied by internationally-certified heli-ski guides who are experts in snow safety, rescue techniques and mountain travel. After the ascend by helicopter Skiers and Snowboarders can have a thrilling ride down to the deep valleys through changing terrain, steep slopes and through trees in a wide variety of conditions. Mostly Skiing is done in high valley floors over 2000 mts through Cedar forests and long rolling ridges over four thousand metres high, in clearings between birch and oak forests. The terrain offers skiing facilities sometimes as high as 5000 mts with vertical averaging between nine hundred metres and twelve hundred metres.

Solang Valley

Solang valley, located about 13kms northwest of Manali at an altitude of around 8000 feet, is one of the most spectacular ski slopes in the western Himalayas. Popularly known as 'snow point', the valley has an extensive view of glaciers and snow capped mountains and peaks. For the beginners, Solang is an ideal skiing spot with introductory slopes and ski lifts. Its ski slopes, a paradise for skiers offers unexpected excitement with smooth-curved ridges and gentle gradients. Cross- country skiing is also practiced here. There are options for a Moderate skier/ snowboarder to be driven up the slopes on four wheel drive jeeps accompanied by guides. The best season for skiing here is from January to March. There are skiing/ snowboard packages available on daily or weekly basis.

The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali is one of the premier institutions for skiing in the Himalayas. DMAS offers 7 days Snow Skiing course under the guidance of highly professional skiing Instructors. The institute has sufficient lodging and boarding arrangements and equipment can be hired for trekking purposes. The Mountaineering Institute has installed a 300m ski lift to enhance the ski training activities.

Solang is the venue of national level skiing competitions and the major attraction is the Winter Carnival held around the middle of February. The Winter Games are organised by Himachal Pradesh Government through the training institutes in collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association and the Winter Games Federation of India.

Ballooning can also be done in Solang Valley and the best season during summer.

Useful Contacts :

Director,
Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports,
Manali, HP - 175131 ( INDIA )
Phone: 01902-250337, 253789, 252342
Fax: 252137
Email: Contact I, Contact II
website : visit
Incharge,
Winter Sports Skiing Centre,
PO Palchan, Manali, Kullu, HP
Phone: 01902-256011
Himachal Heli Skiing
E-mail : Contact I
Secretary
Winter Games Federation of India
7/19, Ansari Road, Darya Ganj, New DelhiI:110 002
Phone : +91 - 11 - 2325 7985, 23252574
Fax: +91 - 11 - 23252572

Tourist Information Centres :

HPTDC Tourist Information office,
The Mall, Manali -175131
Tel: (01902) 253531, Fax: (01902) 252325
E-mail: Contact I
HPTDC Tourist Information office
Dhalpur, Kullu - 175101
Tel: (01902) 222349
E-Mail: Contact I

How to get there :

Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from Manali and 10 kms from Kullu. From Bhuntar one can hire a taxi or bus. Bhunter is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi and Chandigarh. Jagson & Continental Airlines also operates flights from Delhi to Kullu.

Rail : The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar which is about 135 km from Manali and about 95-km from Kullu. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).

Road : The road to Manali passes through the picturesque valley of Kullu. The motorable road (NH 21) to Manali connect the town with other major tourist places in Himachal as well as the nearby states. There’s a large bus station on the Mall, with daily buses from Kullu, Chandigarh, Shimla (280 km) and other major towns and cities in this part of the country. Both private and state government buses are in service over here. By road the distance from Delhi to Manali is 570 km.

Accommodation :

There are numerous places to stay around Manali. HHS (Himachal Heli skiing ) provides mountain lodging for guests. The hotel has a restaurant and bar, and heated rooms with private baths. Contacts of some of the hotels in Manali are

Solang Valley Resort
Solang Valley, VPO Palchan, Manali,
Distt. Kulu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Phone: +91 (01902) 256132, +91 (01902) 256134
Fax: +91 (01902) 256228
E-mail: Contact I

Hotel Iceland, Sollang Valley
Village Solang, PO Palchan 175103
Tehsil Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Tel: 91-1902-256008
Cell:91- 98160-6508
Email : Contact I, Contact II

Leela Huts (Sunshine Orchards),
Club House Road, Manali. 175131 (H.P.).
Tel: +91-1902-252464, 253286.
Fax: +91-1902-254035.
E-mail: Contact I

Hotel Renuka
The Mall, Manali - 175131 (H.P.) India.
Phone : 01902- 253294

Snow Valley Resorts
Log Hut Area, Manali - 175 131 (HP).
Phone: 01902- 253228, 253027 M.D. (Resi.) : 252579
Fax: 252613
Mobile No. 09816043027, 09417036480
E-mail: Contact I
Visit : visit

Hotel Woodrock
Circuit House Road, Manali, Distt. Kullu
Phone : +91-1902-251218, Fax: +91-1902-251165
Mobile : 098160 40073, 098160 86405
E-mail : Contact I

Lord's Regency
New Manali-175131, Himachal Pradesh
Tel.: 01902-250323, Cell. : 98160-58641/44355
E-mail : Contact I

Banon Resorts, Manali
New Hope Orchards, Manali-175131
Himachal Pradesh, India
Tel: +91-1902-253026, 252490, 253994
Fax:+91-1902-252378
e-mail: Contact I, Contact II