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Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks, velvet-like snow, and excellent slopes, Auli offers a unique skiing experience. Located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, Auli is also known as the Ski Capital of India. Every year, ski courses and competitions are organised in Auli from January to March.
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) provides all necessary facilities for skiing at their ski resort in Auli. In addition to non-certification ski courses lasting 3 and 7 days, GMVN offers a 14-day certified ski course. You can choose packages with or without accommodation, depending on your needs and plans.
Even without enrolling in a course, you can enjoy skiing at a reasonable cost. GMVN rents out ski equipment, which you can use under the guidance of their appointed experts for a safe and enjoyable skiing exp...
Auli offers slopes over 400 metres long, providing excellent skiing opportunities. The heavy snowfall makes skiing here especially fun. In addition to GMVN, several private resorts also offer ski and snowboarding courses. Ski packages typically start at INR 8,000 to 9,000, which includes 2-3 days of accommodation, meals, and skiing.
The world-class ski facilities in Auli rank it among the best ski destinations in Asia. If you want to enjoy the thrill of gliding and falling on soft snow, you can inquire about skiing here.
In conclusion, Auli offers international-level skiing facilities in India. Skiing in Auli, surrounded by peaks like Nanda Devi (7816 m), Dunagiri (7066 m), Nilgiri (6474 m), and Kamet (7756 m), feels like indulging in sports in a heavenly paradise.
Auli is located just 10 km from Joshimath, the main town on the route to Badrinath, which is easily accessible by road. While Joshimath has experienced instances of landslides and ground subsidence since 2022, the road leading to the town remains safe for travel.
To get from Joshimath to Auli, you can take the ropeway, hire a private taxi, or drive your own vehicle. The road is narrow but motorable, allowing you to reach Auli in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can trek from Joshimath to Auli, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and offers stunning views along the way.
Nearest Airport: To enter the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, you can fly into Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. Leaving the airport around 6 or 7 in the morning will allow you to reach Auli by sunset the same day.
Nearest Railway Station: You can choose either Dehradun or Rishikesh railway station to start your journey toward Joshimath, which is approximately 250 kilometres away. It typically takes an entire day to travel from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Joshimath.
Driving Yourself: Rishikesh is well-connected with other parts of northern India, including Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. From Rishikesh, you can continue via Devprayag and Srinagar, crossing the sacred river confluences of Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, and Nand Prayag along the way.
Road Transport: Shared taxis and buses operated by Uttarakhand SRTC are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Local transport usually takes around 10–12 hours to reach Joshimath.
Note: In the Himalayan regions, areas above 2000 metres experience snowfall from January to March. Black ice on the roads can make driving hazardous, increasing the risk of accidents. It is highly recommended to use private taxis for travel during winter to ensure safety.
Tip: Be sure to inquire about the ropeway bookings as soon as you arrive in Joshimath. The ropeway tickets often sell out quickly, and missing out on them the next day could be disappointing.
Auli: As you journey from Joshimath to Auli, you’ll notice the steep ascent, gaining over 1,000 metres in elevation within just 10 kilometres. From Auli, towering mountain ranges come into view, revealing striking, rocky peaks. Nestled at an altitude of 2,900 metres, Auli is surrounded by dense deodar forests. In winter, fresh snow blankets the area, transforming it into a magical winter wonderland.
Auli to Gorson Bugyal Trek: The 6-kilometre trek from Auli to Gorson Bugyal is a popular attraction. While the trek is relatively easy, navigating through heavy snow can make it feel more challenging. Auli offers an unmatched 270-degree panoramic view of India’s highest mountain ranges. The trek can be completed comfortably in 3–4 hours.
Vridha Badri: One of the oldest temples in Uttarakhand’s Panch Badri circuit, Vriddha Badri is located just 9 kilometres from Joshimath, en route to Chamoli. You can visit this ancient temple either when arriving in Joshimath or while departing.
The temple houses an idol of Lord Vishnu made from Shaligram stone, considered extremely powerful. According to Hindu mythology, this was Lord Vishnu’s original abode during the Treta, Dwapara, and Satya Yugas, before Badrinath was established.
Joshimath Town: Nestled amid rugged mountains, Joshimath is a key stop on the route to Badrinath, offering clear views of Hathi Parvat, Nilgiri, and other prominent peaks. This scenic town has, in recent years, faced incidents of land subsidence. Roads leading to Mana and Niti also branch off from here.
Jyotirmath: In the 8th century, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya established a monastery here, which remains an active centre of spirituality and vitality. Within the monastery complex is the Kalpavriksha, a mulberry tree believed to be over 2,500 years old. To explore the monastery, visitors need to seek permission from the administrative office.
Narasimha Temple: Located in Joshimath, this ancient temple has been renovated while maintaining its original architectural style. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here in his Narasimha avatar. During the winter months, when the Badrinath shrine is closed, the deity is moved to this Narasimha Temple. The temple is a remarkable blend of architectural beauty and spiritual significance, with Lord Narasimha's powerful presence being especially revered.
Vishnuprayag: In the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, five sacred river confluences (Prayags) hold great significance: Vishnuprayag, Nandprayag, Karnprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Vishnuprayag, the first of these, is where the Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda rivers merge. The confluence of the holy Alaknanda, flowing from Mana, and Dhauli Ganga, originating in Niti, is a deeply spiritual and awe-inspiring sight.
Ski Courses for Beginners
GMVN and other ski schools in Auli offer short-term courses for skiing enthusiasts. You can choose from 2-day to 7-day courses, depending on your budget and schedule. The cost for these beginner courses typically starts at ₹8,000 to ₹9,000 per person. For more details on ski and snowboarding courses, visit the GMVN skiing portal.
Ski Courses for Intermediates
If you're already familiar with skiing and can manage independently, GMVN and other ski resorts offer a 14-day course for intermediate skiers. This course allows you to ski on longer, more challenging slopes, with ski lifts available for a small fee to take you back to the top. While long-term courses are a bit pricier than short-term ones, they provide a more in-depth skiing and snowboarding experience.
Ski-Lifts, Equipment & Accommodations
Auli boasts two international-standard ski lifts. Riding these cable cars not only makes reaching the slopes easier but also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The winter snow blankets Auli, offering some of the best panoramic views.
Equipment rentals are available for a more budget-friendly skiing option, and booking a ski package through GMVN or other resorts often gives you the best deals. Budget accommodations can also be found in nearby areas like Joshimath, Pipalkoti, or Chamoli if you're looking for cost-effective stays.
GMVN, Ski & Snowboard Schools, and Ski Resorts
GMVN's ski resorts are the leading operators in Auli. In addition to GMVN, you can find various ski schools, snowboard schools, and ski resorts offering packages for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and other snow sports. Auli sees a high influx of tourists during the winter season, as it is India’s only ski destination of international standards. If you're planning to ski next winter, it's recommended to pre-book your slot online through GMVN or other ski schools to secure your spot.
Tips to consider when planning a winter trip to Auli in Uttarakhand:
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