Skiing was once a rich man?s sport. Princes and millionaires met and whizzed down the slopes at Gstaad with daredevil abandon and those who couldn?t afford it just watched with admiring wonder. Today, that has changed beyond recognition. The ski slopes have been invaded by an affluent middle-class that can easily afford a week on the Swiss or Austrian Alps.

India has never been a skiing destination. But that may change in the coming years. While it may not rank among the best ski getaways in the world just yet, the country is more than holding its own as a skiing destination, what with the vast open spaces above the snowline being thrown open to skiing enthusiasts. In the last decade, a string of ski locales in Jammu & Kashmir, the hills of Kumaon and Himachal Pradesh have become favourite ski hideouts of adventure-lovers. We?ve looked at some top destinations.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

A huge cup-shaped lush green meadow, Gulmarg looks like something out of a fantasy, and not surprisingly, has been a favourite with scores of filmmakers. The valley of Gulmarg stands at 2,730m, 56km south-west of Srinagar. The name means Meadow of Flowers and in spring, the rolling greens are dotted with colourful bluebells, daisies, forget-me-nots and buttercups. Surrounding them are snow-capped mountains, and on a clear day, one can see all the way to Nanga Parbat in one direction and Srinagar in another.

Come December, and the verdant green slopes of Gulmarg are blanketed with snow, forming some of the finest natural slopes for ski runs of all levels. It is during this time that Gulmarg acquires a new persona ? the country?s premier skiing resort. Gulmarg is the ultimate beginner?s resort. One doesn?t require a heavy woollen wardrobe ? slacks or salwar-kameez will do fine. Just find yourself a ski instructor and set off ? of course, after you hire the necessary gear from one of the ski shops nearby.

Kufri, Himachal Pradesh

Once a part of the kingdom of Nepal, Kufri, a tiny hill station, 19km from Shimla, remained hidden away from the rest of the world until the British discovered it in 1819. They made Shimla their summer capital in 1864 and it remained so until 1939. As Shimla gained importance, so did Kufri. It began to be recognised as a popular getaway in its own right as well as a skiing destination.

Today, Kufri is famous for great hiking, skiing and most of all, its beautiful locales. Adventure-seeking travellers turn up in droves here during winter to enjoy skiing along its slopes. The skiing season lasts from November to February and the tourist inflow is at its peak during this time. When not skiing, tourists can check out the Himalayan Nature Park and the Indira Tourist Park as well as enjoy pony or yak rides.

Auli, Uttaranchal

India?s premier ski zone, Auli, lies high up in the mountains of Uttaranchal. About 2,500-3,050m above sea level, it is surrounded by forests of oak and deodar, against a backdrop of towering snow-capped mountains ? Nandadevi, Neelkanth and Kamet. The view is spectacular, and a number of tourists come here just to feast their eyes on the natural beauty.

During summer, the slopes of Auli are covered with grass and wildflowers, but once the snow starts falling, the scene changes. The main snow slopes of Auli stretch for about 5km, and include 500m-long ski-lifts and 800m-long chair-lifts. Snow-beaters and snow-packing machines are continually used to keep the slopes dressed. The GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) handles all skiing activities, so it is better to contact them for reservations. Week-long and fortnight-long skiing courses are also conducted by the GMVN at Auli for ski novices.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Best-known for heli-skiing, Manali is a favourite winter destination for sports enthusiasts. The surrounding area, including Deo Tibba, Hanuman Tibba, Rohtang Pass and Chanderkhani Pass, is where heli-skiing takes place. Skiers are taken by helicopter to a height of about 14,000ft, where they then get off and ski downhill. It?s exhilarating ? and expensive ? and is fast becoming a popular alternative to just going for treks.

Further out, about 10km from Manali, good ski slopes are found at Solang, which also hosts an annual skiing tournament. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports in Manali is one of the premier institutions for skiing in the Himalayas. It offers ski courses and provides assistance and advice on where and how to go skiing.

Narkanda, Himachal Pradesh

Situated just 64km from Shimla is one of India?s oldest ski resorts, Narkanda. It lies at an altitude of 8,100ft, and is an important horticultural centre. Fruit orchards on the surrounding hills produce luscious apples and cherries, making Narkanda one of Himachal?s most beautiful settlements, no matter what the time of the year.

Narkanda is still relatively unspoilt and uncrowded, so you won?t find yourself suffocated by hordes of fellow skiers. Hattu Peak, 6km from Narkanda, towers above it and has popular ski slopes. The Directorate of Mountaineering and Allied Sports at Manali also plays a part in skiing at Narkanda: it organises skiing courses from January. Himachal Tourism also hires out equipment, conducts training courses and provides everything from accommodation to transport.

Pithoragarh, Kumaon

Bordered by Nepal and Tibet, Pithoragarh is often called a miniature Kashmir. Nestling amongst the spectacular Kumaon Himalayas, at a height of 5412ft, in a small valley, barely 5km long and 2km wide, Pithoragarh was an important centre of the Chand kings of Kumaon. Apart from the excellent skiing slopes, Pithoragarh and its surrounding areas are famed for their profuse natural beauty and fine temples.

Kush Kalyan and Belak Khal range, Uttaranchal

About 44km from Uttarkashi on the Gangotri road, the meadow of Kush-Kalyan is situated at a height of 3141m. The trek is steep, through dense forests and the meadow extends eastwards for about 20km up to Sahastra Tal and 30km west to Belak Khal. Further west, it extends up to Chaurangi Khal. Trekking along this range is an enjoyable experience and in winter, some great ski slopes can be found here.

Dayara Bugyal, Uttarkashi

Bugyal, in the local language, means high-altitude meadow. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari, on the Uttarkashi-Gangotri road about 28km from Uttarkashi. Vehicles can go up to the village of Barsu, from where one has to trek 8km to reach Dayara. The other route is via Raithal from where one has to trek 6km to Dayara Bugyal. Situated at a height of 3048m, this vast meadow is a visual treat for its stunning natural beauty. During winter, it boasts of some excellent ski slopes over an area of 28 sq. km. The view of the Himalayas from here is breathtaking.

Mundali, Dehradun

Mundali, situated 129km from Dehradun, offers an unforgettable view of the snow-capped Himalayas and has vast ski slopes on which professionals can enjoy skiing. As accommodation is only available at the Forest Rest House, one has to book their lodging through the Forest Department.

Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Lahaul and Spiti are two remote Himalayan valleys lying on the Indo-Tibetan border. These valleys are unsurpassed when it comes to their rugged beauty and the splendour of their snowy peaks.

Skiing in Lahaul in April is an experience for snow-skiers and there is plenty on offer at Babog, Patsieo and Keylong. Expert skiers can ski from Keylong to Manali and there are different slopes available like Sumnam, one of India?s largest ski slopes. There are about 20 local houses, which house tourists and also provide food. Kardang ski slope also offers facilities for skiing. At the Triloknath ski slope, the gentle slopes are good for beginners. Here, the snow conditions are best in March and April.

Tips for Skiers

What to wear:

• The best way to keep warm while skiing is to dress in layers. You?ll be most comfortable in three warm layers, rather than in one huge woollen sweater. Fabrics like fleece are warm and light-weight and well worth the expense

• Woollen caps ? Absolutely necessary since you lose a lot of body warmth through your head nDon?t forget warm socks ? several pairs (thin and thick) that can be layered and worn

• Gloves/mittens

• Scarf/muffler

• Pullovers/sweaters/sweatshirts

• Windproof jacket

• Dark glasses and sun block ? the glare of the snow is very strong and the UV rays can burn your skin even though you may never see the sun

• Snow boots or trekking boots

Run for it

Meyhar Bhasin, model

Skiing has always fascinated me and I have been on quite a few holidays to destinations where it?s possible to go skiing. But I must admit that I have never been adventurous enough to attempt the sport myself ? I just enjoy watching people trying to learn. I have been to Manali in Himachal Pradesh and Kulu as well, where I?ve enjoyed seeing people try their hand at the sport and laughed when they took their spills. What scares me about skiing is not being able to find my balance and landing with a thud on my posterior. I?d love to visit Gulmarg in Kashmir where I hear it?s great fun to go skiing ? and maybe there, I too, will don my ski attire.

Anushka Manchanda, veejay

I went for skiing near the Rohtang Pass when I was doing the show for Channel [V] called [V] On The Run and it was a wonderful experience. As a first-timer, I had to face a lot of problems but on the whole, it was a very nice experience. But a word of caution: if you are not a trained skier and are not careful, skiing can damage your knees.