Skiing - Camping - Ice Skating

SKIING

Kufri, near Shimla is one of the oldest places in India to be associated with skiing and the slopes are still in use during winter. Above Kufri, the Mahasu ridge also has good slopes. Comprehensive facilities exist at Narkanda, 64 km from Shimla. There is a range of slopes, including a beginner’s run, an advanced slope and a slalom run. Himachal Tourism offers ski courses, instruction and has equipment on hire at Narkanda.

At Manali (Kullu), the Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports offers a variety of courses and facilities for skiing are possible in the Solang area near Manali. There are also some companies in the private sector that offer ski courses and allied facilities.

CAMPING

Camping is perhaps the best way to enjoy the natural outdoors of Himachal and being part of the life of its people. You can carry your own gear along or opt for any one of the several camps pitched in various parts of the state. These camps offer accommodation, catering and a variety of activities like hiking, fishing, nature-tours and rafting. Most of these offer quality facilities and services.Himachal Tourism operates camps at Sarchu in Lahaul besides built accommodation. Tents are available at Sangla and Kalpa in Kinnaur and at Kaza in Spiti.

The Youth Hostel Association of India runs camps at Dalhousie (Chamba) and at Kullu-Manali. Camps run by the private sector are at Baspa (Sangla) valley and Kalpa in Kinnaur, at Tabo in Spiti, at Al Hilal (Taragarh) and Dharamsala in Kangra, at Shoja near Kullu and Mashobra and Baldian near Shimla. Adventure camps are also expected to be set-up in the Pabbar valley in the Jubbal - Hatkoti - Rohru area in Shimla district.

ICE-SKATING

The Shimla ice-skating rink has the largest open-air area with naturally frozen ice in this part of the world. Ice-skating normally begins in early December and carries on till February. Clear skies and low temperatures provide uninterrupted sessions. There are two sessions every day, in the morning and in the evening.Membership is available for the season as well as for shorter terms and even for single sessions. Skates are available at the rink. Fancy dress carnivals, 'gymkhanas' ice-hockey and dances enliven every season.

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