Video Of Tourist Activities On 'Fake Snow' In Manali Goes Viral, Internet Can't Stop Laughing

Every winter, travellers flock to the Himalayan foothills of Manali in Himachal Pradesh, chasing the idyllic promise of snow-covered slopes and classic mountain sports. But a recent viral video has highlighted the gap between expectation and reality that some tourists encountered during a December trip. In footage shared online by a visitor to the region, a supposed snow activity site is shown. What's visible is a narrow strip of snow that seems to be laid out on otherwise dry terrain.

Also Read: 6 Indian Destinations Where You Can Enjoy Winter Sports

According to the person recording, some local guides directed visitors interested in skiing and other winter-related experiences to this small patch of snow. He called it a "scam" as the snow had allegedly been brought in from elsewhere. There seemed to be an absence of natural snowfall in the surrounding landscape. The tourist who is filming the video points out the same discrepancy. The viral video shows rocky, snowless ground, contrasting sharply with the few square metres of white flakes. Travellers are seen attempting ski-like activities on this stretch, renting gear and posing for photos.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Atul Chauhan (@atulchauhan1512)

Many Instagram users found the scene shown in the viral video highly amusing and responded with lots of laughing emojis. Others replied with sarcastic remarks. Some wondered why people are willingly participating in such activities. Read some of the comments below:

"Isse jayda barf to mere fridge me he." ["There is more ice in my fridge than here."]

"Green screen bhi lagai hai bhai... baaki ki snow edit mein add krlena." ["They should also put a green screen and add the remaining snow while editing."]

"Brother, I really feel very ashamed just by looking at it."

"We refused to do any activity when we saw the condition and took a full refund."

"Why didn't you visit during the snow season?"

When To Visit Manali For Real Snowfall And Winter Sports

If your travel plans revolve around seeing natural snowfall or trying winter activities, timing matters. Manali typically receives consistent snowfall between late January and February, especially after active western disturbances. December can be hit-or-miss: while higher reaches may see snow, lower tourist zones often remain dry, particularly in weaker winter seasons. For skiing and snow-based activities, fresh snowfall combined with cold temperatures is essential. These are conditions that are more reliable later in the winter rather than in the early holiday season rush periods.

Also Read: 6 Offbeat Experiences In Manali That'll Show You A New Side Of The Himalayan Town

Travellers keen on snow sports should also be aware that many activities depend heavily on weather patterns in the weeks immediately before the visit, not just the calendar month. Checking local weather updates, snow reports, and official advisories closer to travel dates can help avoid disappointment.

Nearby Alternatives With More Reliable Snow

When Manali experiences limited snowfall, several nearby destinations tend to offer better and more consistent snow conditions:

• Solang Valley (upper reaches): At higher altitudes than Manali town, it often receives snow earlier and retains it longer during winter.
• Kufri (near Shimla): Known for winter sports areas, especially during peak snow weeks.
• Auli, Uttarakhand: Widely regarded as one of India's most reliable skiing destinations, with organised slopes and predictable winter conditions.

Choosing destinations based on altitude, recent snowfall, and activity infrastructure can significantly improve the chances of experiencing genuine Himalayan snow.