Tarun Bisht
Adventure Sports Correspondent
Auli, at 2,519m in Chamoli district, is India's premier ski destination. With 16km of groomed slopes, a gondola cable car, and unobstructed views of Nanda Devi (7,816m) and nine other Himalayan peaks, Auli offers a skiing experience that rivals many European resorts — at a fraction of the price.
Ski Season & Snow Conditions
| Month | Snow Depth | Conditions | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | Light cover | Early season; some slope prep | Very low |
| January | 60–120cm | Excellent; hardpack snow | Low–Medium |
| February | 80–150cm | Peak conditions; powder days | High |
| March | 50–100cm | Softening; sunny days | Medium |
| April | Melting | Season end; icy mornings | Low |
Slopes for Every Level
- Beginner slopes: Around the Auli Resort (GMVN) base area — gentle, wide, and well-maintained.
- Intermediate: The main run from top gondola station (3,050m) to base — 3km, enjoyable and varied.
- Advanced: Steep chutes on the north-facing aspects above the gondola; off-piste routes in Gurso Bugyal.
- Ski instructors: Available from Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) — ₹800–₹1,500 per hour.
Getting to Auli
- Nearest town: Joshimath (14km downhill from Auli)
- From Delhi: Drive via Haridwar → Rishikesh → Joshimath (500km, ~12 hours)
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (279km from Joshimath)
- Cable car: Joshimath–Auli gondola (4km, 20 minutes, ₹1,500 round trip)
- Alternatively: Take the chairlift from Auli base to upper slopes
Ski Equipment Rental
Full ski equipment (skis, boots, poles, helmet) can be rented from GMVN at Auli at ₹800–₹1,200 per day. Ski suits and gloves are also available for rent. Serious skiers may prefer to bring their own equipment as rental stock is limited in size variety.
Pro Tip
The Auli Artificial Lake (the highest man-made lake in Asia) is used to produce artificial snow — ensuring reliable coverage even during lean snowfall years.
Where to Stay
- GMVN Ski Resort, Auli: On the slopes; ski-in/ski-out; ₹3,500–₹6,000/night
- Cliff Top Club, Auli: Luxury cottages with panoramic views; ₹8,000–₹15,000/night
- Budget guesthouses, Joshimath: ₹800–₹2,000/night; take cable car daily
Beyond Skiing
- Gurso Bugyal meadow: Snowshoe or trek to this stunning high-altitude grassland (2km from Auli)
- Joshimath Shankaracharya Math: Ancient temple worth an evening visit
- Chenab Lake: Scenic frozen lake visible from the upper slopes in winter
- Nanda Devi sunrise views: Wake up early for golden-hour views from your hotel window
