Auli Skiing Guide

Why Auli

Auli sits at about 2,800-3,050 m in Chamoli district, on slopes of oak and conifer facing Nanda Devi (7,816 m) — India's highest peak entirely within the country — plus Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.

Its ski slopes are gentle and well-groomed, making it excellent for beginners. It also has one of Asia's longest cable cars, a 4 km ropeway from Joshimath.

Skiing — season, slopes, cost

Season: roughly January to March, when snow is reliable. Late December can work in a good year.

• Slopes suit beginners and intermediates; gradients are forgiving
• Ski equipment hire and instructors are available locally
• GMVN and private operators run courses (1-14 days)
• Artificial snow-making supports thin-snow years
• Chairlift and ski-lift access on the slopes

Beyond skiing

Auli rewards non-skiers too:

• Ropeway from Joshimath — 4 km, one of Asia's longest, spectacular
• Auli Lake — man-made, feeds the snow machines, beautiful setting
• Gurso Bugyal — a meadow trek (3 km) with huge views
• Nanda Devi sunrise — reason enough to come
• Summer (April-June) turns the slopes into green bugyal meadows

How to reach & plan

Route: Rishikesh/Haridwar → Joshimath (~250 km, 9-10 hrs) → Auli (16 km by road, or the 4 km ropeway). Nearest airport Dehradun (~280 km); nearest railhead Rishikesh/Haridwar.

Budget ₹18,000-35,000 per person for 3-4 days. Book ski season well ahead — accommodation is limited. Carry serious winter gear; nights are far below freezing. We arrange transfers, stays, and ski instruction.