Snowfall Places in Uttarakhand – Top Five Destinations

1. Auli – The Skiing Paradise

Auli is Uttarakhand’s top snow spot. It shines as the skiing capital of India. Slopes turn white from December to March. January and February are the best months for fresh snow.

This place offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels. You can ride Asia’s longest cable car—the ropeway from Joshimath to Auli. Gorson Bugyal’s trek is a treat. The views of Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks are magical. Children love snowball fights and building snowmen.

I am from Auli myself, so this place is very close to my heart. I also provide skiing-related services here—helping travellers with ski lessons, ski gear, and guidance to enjoy snow adventure safely. If you’re planning to visit, you can check my detailed posts: Auli – A Detailed Travel Guide 2024 and Auli Skiing Package Guide 2024–25. For comparison with other ski towns, I also wrote about Auli vs Gulmarg – Best Ski Destination in India.

How to reach:

• Fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

• Or take train to Rishikesh.

• From Joshimath, drive 16 km or use the ropeway to Auli.

Stay options:

GMVN guest houses, resorts, homestays, and ski lodges around. Book early in peak season.

2. Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills

Mussoorie is famous for its colonial charm and snowfall. Late December to February brings heavy snow. Mall Road, Gun Hill, and Camel’s Back Road look stunning under snow. Shops take on a quiet magic. Cafes feel snug and warm.

You’ll enjoy strolls on snow-laden paths and see views from Gun Hill. Lal Tibba trek is easy and rewarding. Want to know more about its past? My article covers the History of Mussoorie – The Queen of Hills.

How to reach:

• Dehradun airport or railway station is nearest.

• Mussoorie is just 34 km from Dehradun.

• Roads are good and well-connected.

Stay options:

You can choose from hotels, resorts, and cozy homestays. Advance booking is smart during snowfall.

3. Chopta – Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand

Chopta feels like a fairy tale in winter. Pine forests buried in snow turn it into ‘Mini Switzerland’. From December to March, snow depth can reach 4–5 feet.

Trekking to Tungnath (the world’s highest Shiva temple) in snow is thrilling. Trekking further to Chandrashila gives panoramic views of the Himalayas. Bird lovers may spot Monals or Himalayan Griffons. Camping on snowmeadows is another delight. For trekking lovers, here’s my full post: Chopta–Tungnath Trek Guide.

How to reach:

• Reach Rishikesh by train.

• By road, travel to Ukhimath or Rudraprayag, then continue to Chopta.

• Heavy snowfall may require walking the last few km.

Stay options:

You’ll find small guesthouses, lodges, camps, and homestays. If roads close, stay in Ukhimath and go by day trip.

4. Munsiyari – The White Pearl of Kumaon

Munsiyari is quieter and pure in winter. Snow blankets its old villages and winding roads. Late December to February sees fresh snowfall. January usually has the thickest snow cover.

The sunrise views over Panchachuli peaks are breathtaking. A trek to Khaliya Top offers more snow adventure. Beginners can even try skiing in quiet meadows. Local villages, woollens, and fresh air make the experience warm. Stay in hotels or local homestays with direct views of the peaks.

How to reach:

• Take train to Kathgodam.

• From Almora or Pithoragarh, go by road to Munsiyari.

• The journey is long, but the snow scenes make it worth every mile.

5. Dhanaulti – A Quiet Snow Retreat

Dhanaulti is serene and less crowded. Snowfall from December to February turns its forests white. Sometimes snow stays till early March.

Eco Park looks magical under snow. You can try ziplining, rappelling, or snow camping. Stay in cottages with bonfires on cold nights. I have also written about the strange Mystery of Dhanaulti’s Barren Hill—a place where no tree grows.

How to reach:

• From Dehradun, drive to Mussoorie.

• Dhanaulti is just 24 km beyond Mussoorie.

• Roads are fine but snow may slow trip in heavy winter.

Stay options:

Eco-huts, resorts, and wooden cottages work best.

Snowfall Travel Tips for Uttarakhand

• Clothing: Carry layered woollen clothes, thermal wear, waterproof jackets, gloves, mufflers, and snow boots.

• Footwear: Good grip shoes or snow boots are very important. Avoid normal sports shoes in snow.

• Health: Keep medicines for cold, fever, altitude sickness, and first aid kit. Drink warm water to stay hydrated.

• Travel Buffer: Always keep 1–2 extra days in your plan. Snowfall can block roads or delay your return.

• Transport: Prefer a vehicle with good ground clearance. In heavy snow, local jeeps are better than small cars.

• Safety: Check road and weather updates daily. Drive slowly in snow and avoid night travel.

• Gear Rentals: Skiing gear, jackets, and boots are available in Auli and Mussoorie. In Auli, I also provide skiing services with equipment support.

• Electronics: Carry power banks and keep mobiles warm in pockets to save battery in cold.

• Local Food: Try local winter foods like chainsoo, jhangore ki kheer, and hot pahadi soups to stay warm.

FAQs

Q1. Which month is best to see snowfall in Uttarakhand?
The best months are late December to February. January usually has the heaviest snowfall. In high-altitude areas like Auli and Chopta, snow may remain till March.

Q2. Which is the best place in Uttarakhand to enjoy skiing?
Auli is the top skiing destination in Uttarakhand. It has professional ski slopes, ropeway access, and gear rental options. I am from Auli myself, and I also provide skiing-related services like ski lessons and equipment.

Q3. Is Mussoorie good for snowfall trips?
Yes, Mussoorie receives snow mostly in late December and January. Mall Road and Lal Tibba look beautiful under fresh snow. But it gets crowded, so book your stay in advance.

Q4. Where can I enjoy snowfall without too much crowd?
Places like Munsiyari, Chopta, and Dhanaulti are less crowded compared to Mussoorie and Auli. These are best for travellers who love peace and natural snow beauty.

Q5. Can families with kids travel to these snow places?
Yes, families often visit Mussoorie, Auli, and Dhanaulti. But for Chopta and Munsiyari, roads may get blocked in heavy snowfall. Carry warm clothes and travel with extra buffer days.

Q6. How to reach Auli in snowfall season?
You can reach Auli via Joshimath. From there, either take a 16 km road or the Joshimath–Auli ropeway. In heavy snow, ropeway is the safer option.

Q7. Do I need to carry snow boots and jackets?
Yes, snow boots, jackets, gloves, and caps are must. In Auli, I also help travellers with ski gear rentals and proper snow equipment. In other towns, shops provide warm clothes on rent.

Q8. Which is better for skiing – Auli or Gulmarg?
Both are excellent, but different. Auli is smaller and less commercial, while Gulmarg in Kashmir is bigger. If you are choosing, you can read my detailed comparison here: Auli vs Gulmarg – Best Ski Destination in India.

Q9. Can beginners learn skiing in Auli?
Yes, Auli has beginner slopes and trained instructors. Even a one-day session is possible. You can learn basics like balancing, turning, and braking.

Q10. Which is the most scenic snowfall place in Uttarakhand?
All are beautiful, but Chopta for trekking, Munsiyari for peak views, and Auli for skiing are especially famous for breathtaking snowy landscapes.

Final Thoughts

Each place here offers a special winter story:

• Auli gives adventure and skiing thrills (and being my home, I can personally guide you for ski services).

• Mussoorie blends nostalgia with snow-light magic.

• Chopta serves trekking and snowy forests.

• Munsiyari offers silence and peak views under snow.

• Dhanaulti is perfect for quiet, cozy snow moments.

Always carry warm clothes, check road conditions, and leave buffer days for travel. Fresh snowfall can block roads. Your winters in Uttarakhand can be unforgettable.

• Trekking to Satopanth Tal – A Himalayan Spiritual Trek

You can also explore more on Himalayan treks like Darma Valley, Adi Kailash, and others on my website mohitbangari.com, where I share full guides, routes, permit tips and cultural info.

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