Skiing in Auli: Slopes, Lessons and 2026 Season Notes

Skiing is a popular winter sport that annually draws millions of people to the mountains. Auli, located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a skiing paradise that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, excellent ski slopes, and world-class facilities. This article will delve into the joys of skiing in Auli and why it should be on every ski enthusiast’s bucket list.

Auli is a popular destination for skiing in India. Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, it is a beautiful hill station that attracts tourists worldwide. Auli is known for its natural beauty, snow-capped mountains, and skiing facilities. The ski slopes in Auli are considered one of the best in Asia, and it is the perfect place to experience skiing for the first time or improve your skills.

Skiing in Auli is an unforgettable experience, thanks to its long snow-covered slopes offering different difficulty levels. The slopes are maintained by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), a government agency that oversees tourism in the region. They ensure the slopes are well-groomed and safety measures are in place for the skiers.

Auli has a range of slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. The beginner’s slope is located near the Auli Skiing Resort and is ideal for those new to skiing. The slope is gentle, and skiers can take their time learning the basics of skiing. The intermediate and advanced slopes are located near the Chairlift and Gondola stations. These slopes are steeper and offer more challenging skiing experiences. Skiers can also take the chairlift or gondola to the top of the mountain and ski down from there.

Apart from skiing, Auli offers other winter sports, such as snowboarding, ice skating, and trekking. The Auli Artificial Lake, located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, is an excellent spot for ice skating. The lake is surrounded by picturesque snow-covered mountains, making it a scenic skating location. Trekking in Auli is also popular, and many trails offer spectacular views of the mountains and valleys.

The Auli Skiing Resort is the ideal place to stay for those looking to enjoy skiing in Auli. The resort is run by GMVN and offers a range of facilities such as ski equipment rental, ski school, and accommodation. The rooms at the resort are comfortable, and the staff is hospitable. The resort also has a restaurant that serves delicious food, including local delicacies.

The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from mid-December to mid-March, when the slopes are covered in snow. The temperatures during this period range from -4°C to 10°C, so visitors must be prepared for the cold weather. The ski season in Auli is busy, and booking accommodation and skiing lessons in advance is advisable.

Apart from skiing, Auli has many tourist attractions that visitors can explore. The Nanda Devi National Park, located nearby, is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to some of India’s most beautiful mountain peaks and wildlife. The park is famous for its rare and endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan musk deer. The park also has many trekking trails offering stunning Himalayas views.

The Joshimath town near Auli is also a popular tourist destination. It is home to many ancient temples, including the Narasimha Temple and the Vasudeva Temple. The town is also the starting point for many treks and pilgrimages to the nearby Badrinath and Kedarnath temples.

Auli Ski Resort:

Auli Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in India. The resort is located at an altitude of 2500-3050 meters above sea level, and the ski slopes cover an area of 10-20 km. The resort has a ski lift that can carry up to 1200 skiers per hour, which makes it easy to access the slopes. The ski slopes in Auli are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. The resort also offers skiing equipment for rent, and professional instructors are available for beginners.

Skiing Season in Auli:

The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from December to February. During this time, the slopes are covered with snow, and the weather is perfect for skiing. The temperature in Auli during winter ranges from -4 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the snowfall is regular.

Skiing Equipment:

Skiing equipment is essential for skiing in Auli. The ski resort offers skiing equipment for rent, and you can also bring your equipment. The essential equipment for skiing includes skis, ski boots, ski poles, ski goggles, and ski helmets. It is essential to wear warm and comfortable clothes while skiing.

Skiing Lessons:

If you are a beginner, taking skiing lessons before hitting the slopes is recommended. Professional instructors are available at the ski resort, and they can teach you the basics of skiing. The skiing lessons usually last for an hour, covering the basics of skiing, such as balancing, turning, and stopping. The cost of skiing lessons in Auli varies depending on the duration and the instructor’s experience.

Skiing Techniques:

Skiing in Auli requires specific techniques to help you enjoy skiing without injury. The basic skiing techniques include balancing, turning, and stopping. You can start with the snowplough technique, which involves keeping your skis in a V shape and pointing them inwards to slow down or stop. The parallel turn technique is another technique that can help you to control your speed and direction. The carving technique involves making turns by rolling your skis from edge to edge. Professional instructors can teach you these techniques in detail.

Skiing Safety Tips:

Skiing in Auli is an adventure, but it is essential to follow the safety guidelines to avoid any injuries. Here are some skiing safety tips that you should keep in mind:

Always wear a ski helmet and goggles to protect your head and eyes.
Wear warm and comfortable clothes to stay safe from the cold.
Do not ski alone. Always ski with a partner or a group.
Follow the instructions of professional instructors.
Do not ski on the closed slopes or out-of-bounds areas.
Always carry a ski map and a first aid kit.
Stay hydrated and take breaks to avoid exhaustion.

Skiing Accommodation:

Various accommodation options are available in Auli, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. The ski resort also offers accommodation options, including deluxe tents and cottages. The accommodation prices in Auli vary depending on the season and the accommodation type. Booking your accommodation in advance, especially during the skiing season, is recommended.

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Skiing in Auli in January 2026: an update

This guide was first drafted a few years ago, and some things around Auli have changed. If you are planning a ski week this winter, read these notes alongside the original text above.

Snow is less predictable than it was. Recent winters in Uttarakhand have been uneven, with some seasons bringing good cover by late December and others leaving the lower slopes thin until a January or February storm. There is an artificial snowmaking system at Auli, fed by the artificial lake mentioned above, but how much of the slope it covers in any given week varies. Before you book, ask your hotel or instructor for a recent photo of the slopes, and watch the India Meteorological Department forecasts for Chamoli district.

Getting up from Joshimath. The town below Auli was officially renamed Jyotirmath in 2023, though most signboards and drivers still say Joshimath. The long cable car from the town to Auli was suspended after the land subsidence crisis of early 2023, and its status has changed more than once since; check locally whether it is running before you plan around it. The road from Joshimath to Auli is the usual way up, and it can close or need chains after heavy snow. The chairlift on the slopes themselves operates separately and seasonally.

Courses and permits. GMVN and other operators have historically run beginner and intermediate ski courses of about a week, and Uttarakhand has hosted national-level winter games at Auli in some years. Course dates, fees and equipment quality change each season, so confirm them directly with the operator rather than relying on older blog posts, including this one.

The Joshimath question. Subsidence in Joshimath remains a serious local issue. Be a considerate visitor: stay on main routes, follow any local advisories about affected areas and do not treat damaged homes as a sightseeing stop.

Altitude and cold. The slopes sit well above 2,500 metres. Spend your first afternoon walking rather than skiing, drink plenty of water and keep layers dry. Mornings in January are often well below freezing.

Beyond the slopes. If you only want a day or two on skis, see our pieces Auli for people who do not ski all day and One meadow you walk to, about the winter walk to Gorson Bugyal.