The season usually starts at the end of December. You're going to still see snow in in the first week - there's snow high up the mountains here almost all year, but you'll need to check with the resorts to find out if the lifts and other facilities are open for skiers. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam are the people to look up to give you the specific dates for 2009. Let us know how it goes - I've always wanted to ski with that backdrop!