Skiing in Auli

Fast Facts
Location : 12 kms from Joshimath, Uttaranchal state
Mountain Belts : Himalayas
Altitude : 2519 to 3049 m
Best As : Skiing Resort
Best Time to Visit : January to March
Climate : Summers Maximum - 13 °C and Minimum 9 °C
Winters Below 0 °C Minimum -8 °C

Introducing - Auli
Auli is a popular tourist place that lies in the famous Himalayan belt. The snow capped slopes here makes it a favorite hunt for winter sports enthusiasts. Located amidst some lofty mountain peaks everything is in blue and white. The crystal clear sheet of snow reflects the whole of the sky giving it an additional tinge of icy ambience. The slopes are fantastic and ideal for skiing. It is truly a game for all skiers. That is how most of the adventure aspirants reach the place. With facilities all geared up the place is one resort that gives a real chill.

Skiing in Auli
The three kms long slope at Auli is one of the best skiing spots in the whole of the country. Located at an altitude of about 3000 metres the place is devoid of loathing human construction. What lays there is just the sheet of snow and sparsely distributed deodar trees. No wonder you find a lot of skiers in their nerve racking jumps. The Skiing Centre at Auli was set up in the year 1984. Though late but the place finally received patronage from the state agency and things have been happening since then. Today, the place is considered as the third best skiing spot in the country.

At Auli skiing is more fun than a serious sports exercise. The facilities available makes your time and trip a very entertaining one. The ropeway from Joshimath, chair lifts, skiing lifts, snow beaters, skiing gear hiring agencies, huts and restaurants make it all incredible, a great experience at Auli. The skiing season starts from the month of January and continues till March, during which a number of events take place. The skiing competitions and festivals generate a good rush of sports activists, tourists, adventure lovers who participate with all the zeal. National Championships organized by Winter Sports Federation of India is one major skiing event conducted at Auli.

Snow Boarding in Auli
In addition to Snow-Skiing, Auli is also famous all over the world for Snow Boarding, which attracts large number of tourists every year. With its varied altitude ranging between 2500-3050 metres, above sea level, Auli offers exciting snow boarding opportunities both for beginners and experienced adventure seekers.

Snow Boaring in Auli provides you a good chance to explore the spectacular areas of the Garhwal Himalayas. Besides, you also get a chance to conquer the popular mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dronagiri. Every year between the months of January and March, the Auli slopes usually remain covered with thick carpet of snow, which is the ideal time for enjoying this sport. Both Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and private operators give snowboarding equipments on hire.

Training Courses for Amateurs and Beginners
Every year small camps are conducted by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, the state corporation that looks after the skiing centre, to train the beginners and amateurs. The training is covered in two modules - seven days and fourteen days. The institution provides the necessary equipment. The participants are, however, advised to bring their own couture.

Reaching Auli
By Air : The nearest airport to Auli is the one located at Dehradun, called Jolly Grant. The airport is about 275 kms from Joshimath.

By Train : Railhead is a little far from the place and about 300 kms from Auli. It is located at Haridwar.

By Road : Long distance buses ply between Joshimath and Rishikesh, the distance being 254 kms. From Joshimath it is a mere 12 kms drive to Auli.