Snowfall in Manali

Quick Summary : Manali Snow Activities

Snow and Manali are synonyms for tourists. Table below gives you summary of observations over many years, though impossible to predict Manali weather accurately.

1. Snowfall : Possibility of fresh snowfall at Manali town, Gulaba, Solang or at Rohtang Pass. This does not mean there will be a continous snowfall in marked months!
2. Snow Activities : Marked months are those in which one could possibly indulge in amateur skiing, snowboarding, snow mobile or just to throw snow balls at one another. In short, snow activities uncommon in much of tropical India.
For snowplay one has to head to Solang valley, Gulaba or to Rohtang Pass.
By June, snow begins to thaw even at Rohtang pass, making it difficult to indulge in snow activities.
3. Rohtang Pass: Border Road Organization decides as to when Rohtang Pass will be open for tourists. Marked months are ones in which it is most likely to remain open.

Monthwise details for Snow activities at Manali

Snow in Manali

Snow Play at Manali

• There are many vendors at Snow play areas (Solang valley, Snow point, Rohtang Pass) who provide "snow wear" on hire .These include, pair of snow shoes, gloves and snow suit. Please check them, especially the boots, as a damaged boot can lead to intense pain especially if your feet is exposed to the cold snow. Negotiate charges for snow wear and activities as vendors will try to fleece you. We have provided both Government mandated rate as well as average rate paid by tourists
• Snow mobile and other adventure activities are centred at Solang Valley, 12 kms from Manali.
• Contact Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports,Manali (ABVIMAS) for short term skiing lessons.

Finding Snow at Manali

Snowfall is not an all year phenomenon. Unfortunately, package holiday operators and hotels make false promises and set wrong expectations. To enjoy snow and to experience fresh snowfall, visit Manali in winter. Between July and September, even if you do find snow around Manali, chances are that it will be slippery, dirty, hardened and not good for children to play around.

During summers, the adventurous and young can visit tribal districts of Lahaul-Spiti. They are cut off from rest of the world for nearly six months as they are covered in snow. Manali-Leh road trip is enjoyable especially on your own bike.

Manali Snowfall in 2012

• Manali witnessed heavy snowfall in January 2012 and as well as in February 2012 much more than in previous years. Snow gave an extra nip to valentine day celebrations.
• Dec 2011: Manali celebrated a white Christmas as there was fresh snow fall in December
• Manali witnessed fresh snowfall in April 2011. This is not a very common and do not expect to experience fresh snowfall in April 2012.