‘More snow in my fridge’: Tourist flags ‘fake snow’ skiing in Manali, viral video triggers debate

Manali has always held a special place in winter travel plans. Every season, social media fills up with snowfall updates, skiing videos, and holiday reels from the hill town. For many travellers, the idea of Manali is closely tied to snow covered views and winter activities. This year, however, one viral video has changed the tone of that conversation and brought attention to what a tourist claims is a very different ground reality.

The video, shared on Instagram, shows tourists skiing on a very small patch of snow, while the area around it looks dry, rocky, and almost completely snowless. The clip has quickly gone viral and has triggered debate around snow activities, tourist expectations, and what visitors are actually being offered.

Tourist calls out activity, labels it a ‘scam’

The video was posted by Atul Chauhan, who captioned it “Scam”. In the clip, Chauhan films tourists attempting to ski on a narrow strip of snow. What stands out is the clear contrast between the snow patch and the surrounding land, which appears bare and rocky.

As the camera moves, it becomes evident that the snow is limited to just one small area. No natural snowfall can be seen in the wider surroundings captured in the video.

Claim that snow was brought in to create an impression

In the video, Chauhan alleges that the snow used for the activity was not naturally present at the location. He claims it was transported there to give the impression of snowfall and allow operators to conduct activities.

“Finally, main aapko live dikhata hoon ki Manali mein kaise snowfall ho rahi hai. Dekhiye saamne, yeh log barf utha kar truck mein laaye hain, yahan daal rahe hain aur phir logon se activity karwayenge (Finally, let me show you how snowfall is happening in Manali. Look in front of you - these people have brought snow in trucks, are dumping it here, and then making people do activities on it),” Chauhan says in the clip.

The visuals show tourists gathered around the small snow covered patch, some skiing and others taking photos, while the rest of the area remains dry and without snow.

Social media reacts with anger, questions, and jokes

The video has triggered strong reactions online. Many users agreed with Chauhan and accused local operators of misleading tourists who come expecting snowfall and proper snow activities.

“Isse zyada barf to mere fridge me he (I have more snow in my fridge than this),” one user wrote.

Others questioned the tourists themselves and argued that visitors should be more aware before paying for such activities.

“Scam kya bhai, You choose to pay them and do it, bhai, don't you know it's snowfall time or not?” another user commented.

Some reactions were sarcastic and humorous.

“Green screen bhi lagai hai. Baaki ki snow edit mein add krlena (There is also a green screen. The rest of the snow will be added in the edit),” joked a third user.
Disclaimer: This story is based on a viral video shared on social media. The Times of India has not independently verified the authenticity of the video or the claims made in it. The views expressed are those of the individual in the video and do not necessarily reflect the publication’s stance.Thumb image- (Instagram/@atulchauhan1512)