Skiing in Himachal starts, attracting tourists in large number

Skiing season has finally started in Manali after the region received fresh snowfall on Monday, drawing in tourists in huge numbers here. Although snowfall in this region has been delayed by two months, tourists now have a reason to cheer. The ski season in most of the countries is nearing its end, whereas it has just started in and around Manali.

Read More: Himachal and Kashmir receive end-of-season snowfall – a reason for tourists to cheer
The skiing slopes are now covered with 60-90 cm of fresh snow. There are several shops situated between Manali and Solang that rent out skis to tourists. The sudden change in weather has given shopkeepers the required boost to initiate the skiing business again, and put the skiing equipment on display. Tourists also welcomed this move and indulged themselves in learning the basics of this sport.
A ski instructor from the region said, “We had been praying to God and finally it is snowing. Tourist can be seen skiing everywhere on the Manali-Solang roadside, a view of which we had been longing for two months.”

On Tuesday, tourists were allowed to go till Bahang from Manali to enjoy the sport. However, the police did not allow the tourists to proceed further beyond the area that experienced heavy snowfall. Manali DSP Puneet Raghu said that it is very dangerous to go toward Gulaba. He added, “We shall not let tourists take any risk. Some places may witness avalanches. Vehicles will get stuck in deep snow. Lower areas have enough snow where tourists can have fun.”

Reportedly, from January 11 onward, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) conducts skiing courses every year. However, this year it got delayed because there was no snowfall during that period.

The good news now is that the skiing courses will start in Manali from February 15. Enthusiastic learners will be able to learn skiing techniques from trained instructors.
Must Read: 15 snowfall photos that’ll make you head for Himachal Pradesh