Auli is a recently developed winter ski resort, now a Club Mahindra
affiliate resort, in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Even in the
summer months is a major tourist attraction for its panoramic views and
its green meadows.
Auli is a serene hill station. It offers good treks to nearby places and is a good ski resort from November - March depending on snowfall. The ropeway from Joshimath to Auli is one of the longest in India covering a distance of 4.15 km. Auli is acclaimed as one of Asia's finest ski resorts, and has been credited with some of the finest powder in the world.
Auli is nestled in the lap of snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, in
the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, near the world famous religious
shrine of Badrinath. At an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 m above sea level,
Auli’s well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests,
which offer a panoramic view of mountains. If you are out for adventure,
fun and frolic this winter, find yourself in Auli, in the vicinity of the
mountain peaks Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat. Feel the rush of air on
your face, blaze a defiant trail as you go skiing on the well-dressed snow
slopes. Or pelt each other with snow-balls on a blanket of snow. And if
you’re a lover of natural splendour let your eyes feast on the
breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks all around you.
PLACE TO VISIT
16 km from Joshimath and accessible by a good motor able road, is the ideal ski resort of Auli with its slopes comparable to the best in the world. The resort is run by GMVN, which, apart from providing accommodation also provides all facilities for skiing. The season extends from January to March, during this time skiing festivals and the National Championships are held. The Auli slopes, descending from 3049 to 2915 m are flanked by stately conifers and oaks, which cut wind velocity to the minimum. Adding to the thrill of skiing is a 180 degree view of Himalayan peaks, which include Nanda Devi (7817 m), Kamet (7756 m), Mana Parvat (7273 m) and Dunagiri (7066 m), seemingly only snowballs throw away.
The conditions for skiing are perfect at Auli. A 500 m long ski-lift and an 800 m long chair-lift link the upper and lower slopes, and snow beaters and snow-packing 
machines maintain the smoothness of the slopes. Skiers can enjoy almost 20 km of virgin slopes, which provide excellent opportunities for cross-country, slalom and down-hill skiing events. Auli has now become a leading tourist spot. While its slopes beckon daring and gallant skiing enthusiasts, its pristine natural beauty and its alpine atmosphere lure many tourists. A haven for those who want to escape the humdrum of everyday life, conquer their fear of heights, savour nature in its purest form or just throw snowballs at each other.
Tourists are advised to bring woollen clothings, cap, socks, dark glasses, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, wind-proof jacket, gum / snow boots and a torch light. These accessories are a must for the tourist keeping in mind the weather conditions at Auli where the temperatures drop to as low as -8° C in winters although it is moderately cold in the summers.
HOW TO REACH
Air - For those travelling by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 273 km from Joshimath, 17 km from Rishikesh
Rail - Coming from any part of India, the nearest rail head is Haridwar 299 km from Auli.
Road - Auli is only 13 km drive from Joshimath. State transport and
Union buses play regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km).
Local Transport Union Buses and State Transport buses operate
between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 km), Haridwar (277 km),
Dehradun (298 km) and Delhi (500 km). From Joshimath onwards, both
bus and taxi services are available for Auli. Deluxe coaches can also be
arranged with prior notice for the group of 15 people or more.
Cable Car - The most popular way to drop in at Auli is by the famed
cable car service which runs for 3 km. Travelling by the rope-way, it is
impossible to resist the captive beauty of the snow covered peaks, the
alpine forest and the bracing climate
WHAT TO DO
Training Courses in Skiing:
Training courses are conducted in modules of 7 and 14 days. Training is imparted to the enrolled persons in modern skiing techniques by qualified instructors from Skiing and Tourist Resorts, Auli and Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg.
Best Option for those who want to learn basic skiing and save money enroll with the GMVNL basic course as the cost of the package is inclusive of Chair-lift(Rs 100 return) + Accommodation [better than the Rs 750 wooden hut] + Food [casual eating will cost Rs 60/pp each time] + Gear.
Images By: Ketan R Mehta/dhavvs
