A tourist’s Instagram video from Manali has triggered an unusual online debate after he alleged that visitors were being misled into paying for skiing on a tiny, artificially gathered patch of snow, despite the absence of natural snowfall in the area.
The widely shared clip shows tourists attempting to ski on a narrow strip of snow, while the surrounding landscape appears dry, rocky and largely snow-free.
What the tourist claimed
In the video, the tourist, identified on social media as Sidh Shukla, films the scene and claims that local guides had “scammed” visitors by presenting a small patch of snow as a skiing spot.
“I’m in Manali, and look how these people have scammed tourists like us. There’s no snow around us except this one small patch,” he says, while panning the camera to show the barren surroundings.
The visuals highlight how limited the snow-covered area is, raising questions about the authenticity of the skiing experience being offered to tourists.
Social media split over ‘scam’ claim
The video quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions online. Several users agreed with the tourist, accusing local operators of misleading visitors who arrived expecting snow-covered slopes.
Others, however, argued that calling it a scam was unfair. They said Manali does not receive snowfall year-round and blamed tourists for failing to check seasonal weather conditions before planning snow activities.
One user quipped, “I have more snow in my fridge than this,” while another commented, “You chose to do it. Don’t you know whether it’s snowfall season or not?”
Scam or seasonal reality?
The debate has since evolved into a broader discussion about responsible tourism and informed travel planning. Some viewers feel operators should clearly inform tourists about the limited nature of such activities during off-season months. Others believe tourists must take responsibility for understanding local climate patterns.
Manali typically experiences snowfall mainly between December and February, depending on weather conditions. Outside this window, snow-dependent activities are often restricted or artificially arranged in small pockets.
A lesson for travellers
While no official complaint has been reported so far, the viral clip has served as a reminder for travellers to verify seasonal conditions, activity authenticity and operator credibility before paying for adventure experiences.
As with many viral videos, the Manali skiing clip has sparked humour, criticism and reflection — leaving viewers to decide whether it exposes a scam or simply highlights the importance of informed travel choices.