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Skiing in Auli 2026
Skiing in Auli:- You’ll wake up to a world blanketed in white with the mighty Nanda Devi peak standing tall and watchful as you take hot chai. That’s Auli for you. If you’ve been scrolling through Instagram in search of the perfect winter wonderland that isn’t located halfway across the world in Switzerland, stop right there: You found it.
Auli is not just a hill station; it’s the country’s premier ski destination and also famous for Skiing in Auli. In the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, this village stands at a breathtaking height of 2,500-3,050 meters. Whether you’re a complete novice who’s never seen snow before or a seasoned pro in search of untracked powder, skiing in Auli is an experience that stays with you.
In this guide FOR Skiing in Auli, I’m going to take you through everything — and I mean everything — that you need to know for your 2026 adventure. Offered with no fluff, only real advice on how to arrive, what it costs and how not to fall on your face (too often).
(Source: Uttarakhand Tourism Official Website – https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in)
Why Ski in Auli?
So, why opt for Auli over, Gulmarg or Manali? Honestly, it’s the vibe. Auli seems more accessible while still being very pristine. The slopes are cleaner here for Skiing in Auli, and infrastructure has undergone massive improvements in recent years. This is a world-class ski destination that the government has been pouring money into, and in 2026, it very much reflects that.
The slopes here are wide and rolling, making them ideal for beginners for doing Skiing in Auli. Day one, you are not thrown on to a terrifying vertical drop. And the 360-degree view of the Himalayas — Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri included — is bananas. You are literally skiing in the shadow of giants. It’s the sort of Uttarakhand skiing experience that you’ll forget your leg are paining!
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Auli for Snow & Skiing: The ideal timing for Auli visit during the snow season is generally mid-January to the end of February. Let me outline some Pros and Cons for each month for your reference: Mid-December to mid-February is ideal for Skiing in Auli. Timing is everything. You don’t want to plan a trip in December and find brown grass, and you don’t want to go in late March when the snow turns into slush.
The Ski Season in Auli Best time for skiing at Auli Mid January to Late February would be the best time.
Late December: You potentially can catch some snow but it’s a risk. Read more: It’s not really for serious skiing, but rather for the Christmas/New Year holiday crowd.
January: The magic month. Typically, the deep snow begins to fall and the mountain gets putting on a nice thick coat of white. It’s cold and I am bone-chillingly cool with it—ideal sports weather.
February: This is the sweet spot. The base is thigh-deep from January’s snow, and hopefully there will be fresh powder falling. That’s usually when the National Skiing Championships take place.
March: The sun is getting stronger. You may be able to ski in early March, but by the middle of the month snow starts to melt rapidly.
Weather reference for Skiing in Auli : India Meteorological Department – https://mausam.imd.gov.in
2026 Update: Winter patterns have changed a little. So now were having even more snow in later Jan this year. And take a look at the forecast in the area around that airport eight days before the day you’re considering buying tickets.
How to Reach Auli
The journey to Skiing in Auli is as much fun. It’s not quite a hop-off-the-plane-and-ski trip, but the journey is beautiful. This is how to get to Auli in 2026.
By Air
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airpor (DED) in Dehradun. Auli is still quite a distance from there, another 280 km of journey.
Cost of flight: The to and fro flights from Delhi to Dehradun is anywhere between ₹4,500 – ₹7,000 depending upon how early you book.
The Transfer: You’ll need a taxi from the airport. A private cab up to Joshimath (the base town for Auli) will cost approximately ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 one way. The drive is 7-9 hours.
Official Airport Information – https://www.aai.aero
By Train
This is the budget-friendly option. Catch a train to Rishikesh or Haridwar.
The Train: The Shatabdi or the new Vande Bharat from Delhi are good choices. They are fast and comfortable.
The Transfer: From Haridwar or Rishikesh, board a bus or shared taxi to Joshimath. Bus tickets are cheap (about ₹500-₹700) but it’s a long and bumpy 9 hour journey.
Train schedules & bookings – https://www.irctc.co.in
By Road
If you are a driving enthusiast, the journey from Delhi to Auli is picturesque and challenging. It’s about 500 km and it’ll take you around 14-15 hours.
Journet to Auli: Delhi -> Haridwar -> Rishikesh -> Devprayag -> Srinagar -> Rudraprayag-> Joshimath.
The Last Stretch: From Joshimath to Auli
When you get to Joshimath, you have two awesome possibilities:
The Cable Car (Gondola): Asia’s largest cable car is also one of the best in world, stretching for nearly four kilometers! The round trip ticket runs about ₹1,000. The view is spectacular.
Official Ropeway Info – https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in
Road: You can drive, if the road isn’t closed by snow. Commonly there are, local 4X4 gypsies are hired (₹1,500 approximately) to get you up if your car can’t and you are here for Skiing in Auli.
Where to Stay in Auli
Auli has less accommodation options in comparison to Manali, so make sure you book early . Here is where to crash during your Auli winter adventure:
Luxury / Ski Resorts
Clifftop Club Auli: This is the famous one. It is on the ski run. You can ski in and ski out. The views can’t be beat, but you’ll pay for them (from ₹12,000 per night).
Mountain Rover: An awesome high-end choice with great comfort and heating (that works)!
Mid-Range
GMVN Auli Ski Resort – This resort is owned by Govt. (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam). It’s good, solid and in the heart of the action. Their rooms differ, and they also feature dorms. They cost between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000.
Blue Poppy Resorts: Adorable huts and great food makes this place famous in your journey for Skiing in Auli.
Budget
Accommodations in Auli proper are expensive. On a budget, sleep in Joshimath. Joshimath has dozens of guesthouses and homestays costing ₹800 – ₹1,500 per night. You simply need to go up to Auli every morning by cable car or a shared cab. It wastes no time, but saves a ton of money.
Reference: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam – GMVN – https://gmvnonline.com
Ski Schools & Training
Okay, so you’re here. Now, how do you actually Skiing in Auli?
Don’t try to teach yourself. You will hurt yourself. Join a ski school in Auli.
Government Courses
GMVN Conducts 7 day and 14 day certificate ski courses.
Cost: INR 20,000-25,000 (inclusive of stay, meals equipment and training).
Vibe: Rigid, disciplined, but super effective. You can book these well in advance on the GMVN website.
Private Instructors
On a short trip (2-3 days), you’d be best off hiring a private instructor. You will find them loitering near the ski rental shops/ GMVN complex.
Price: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 per person per day.
Pros: Personalized attention. You learn at your own pace.
Freelance Groups
There are some adventure companies that organize 4-5 day camps. These are good for people traveling solo — you meet a group for Skiing in Auli.
Cost: ₹10,000-₹15,000 (transport to Auli is generally not included).
Ski Passes & Gear Rentals
You don’t need to buy skis. The rental rules in Auli have changed significantly.
Ski gear (Skis, Boots, Poles): INR 800-1200 per day.
Snow Attire (Jackets, Pants, Gloves): ₹500/- to ₹800/- per day. Tip: Carry your own thermal inner wear and socks. Renting outer layers is fine.
Lift/Chair Car Pass: You need a chair lift pass in order to reach the upper runs. It’s about ₹500 per round trip or a day pass for around ₹1,500 (prices vary by season).
Note: Always visually inspect your gear before use. The boots need to fit snugly. Loose boots = broken ankles.
Sample Itineraries
Here are a few travel guide itineraries for Skiing in Auli, depending on how long you have.
The “Weekend Warrior” (2 Days)
Best for: People who are already in Uttarakhand or those who just want to see the snow.
Day 1: Early morning arrive at Auli fromJoshimath. Rent gear. Take a half-day lesson. Watch the sunset over Nanda Devi in the evening.
DAY 2: Learn to ski with confidence (put into practice what you’ve learned so far). Get off at the top (start point for Gorson Bugyal trek) to click a few photographs. Trek down to Joshimath and return.
The “Learner” (3 Days)
Good for: Beginners who really plan to ski.
Day 1: Arrival and acclimatization. Get to altitude, take a walk.
Day 2: Full day ski lesson. Learn to glide, stop (snowplow) and fall down safely.
Day 3: Morning practice session. Afternoon: Hike to artificial lake in the frozen.
The “Pro Week” (4-5 Days)
Best for: Serious enthusiasts.
Day 1: Arrive and rest.
Day 2: Ski Lesson – Basics.
Day 3: Ski Lesson, begins with turn and speed control.
Day 4: Ski School – Today we went for steeper hills.
Day 5: Gorson Bugyal Trek (3 km snow trek) for an insane view. Depart.
Food & Local Culture
You’re in the mountains, and things may be simple but soul-warming.
What to Eat
Garhwali Food: Sample the Chainsoo (black gram dal) and Kafli (a spinach based dish). You will generally get a combination of North Indian and Chinese at most hotels.
Maggi & Chai: There’s a saying in the mountains – Maggi tastes 10x better here. Small shacks at a ski resort that serve piping hot noodles.
Momos: Obviously.
Cultural Vibe
The locals are incredibly warm. If you’re staying in a homestay in Joshimath, inquire about the huge Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. People are very spiritual here. Be respectful of the local traditions, particularly around temples.
Costs Breakdown
Let’s talk money. What is the average cost of a cheapest Auli ski package?
- Budget Estimate for 3-Day Trip (Per Person From Delhi):
- Transport (Bus /Shared Cab): ₹3000-4000
- Accommodation (Budget/Mid-range): ₹6,000 (₹2k/night)
- Skiing (Instructor + Gear on 2 days): ₹6,000
- Food: ₹3,000
- Cable Car/Lift tickets: ₹2,000
- Misc: ₹2,000
Total Budget: ₹22,000 - ₹25,000 per person.
With flights to Dehradun and luxury resorts, it could be upwards of ₹50,000.
Want to know more about Auli click here.
Safety & Tips
Auli is pristine, but it’s high-altitude. Don’t take it lightly.
Altitude Sickness: You are 3,000 meters. You may notice a headache or feel dizzy. Drink loads of water. Do not Drink alcohol the first night.
Sunburn: The snow reflects 80% of UV rays. Use sunscreen and wear good sunglasses, or you will sunburn your eyeballs (snow blindness is a thing).
Packing List:
- Thermals (Top and bottom).
- Fleece jacket.
- Waterproof / Windproof jacket.
- Waterproof gloves (Woolly gloves become wet and then freeze).
- Woolen socks (Carry 3-4 pairs).
- Nice boots with grip (if you’re not in ski boots).
- Lip balm and moisturizer.
- Cash is King: ATMs at Joshimath function albeit with a chance of running out of cash. ATMs in Auli are non-existent. Carry enough cash.
Health advisory reference – https://www.who.int
Emergency services reference – https://www.ndrf.gov.in
FAQs about Skiing in Auli
Can a female travel alone in Auli?
Yes, absolutely. Uttarakhand is generally very safe. The people there are kind and respectful. Just practice normal travel safety – don’t walk alone in secluded areas late at night, use reliable transport.
How old is too old to ski?
Not strictly. Kids can learn from 4 or 5, and I’ve seen 60-year-olds on the slopes. But you do have to be reasonably fit. Skiing is tiring!
Do I need to reserve ski lessons in advance?
YES — months ahead, For the government (GMVN) courses. For independent guides, you will usually be able to find someone on the day, but making a reservation in advance means you won’t be caught waiting for someone during busy weekends.
What if there is no snow?
This is the biggest risk. Auli does have machines to make artificial snow, or snow cannons, but they only work if the temperature is low enough. Always check the forecast. If there is no snow, you will still be able to hike and take care of its views, just no skiing.
Can I take my car to Auli?
You can comfortably drive to Joshimath. But there’s a dangerous drive winter drive to Auli from Joshimath, albeit you need snow chains and some experience. Park in Joshimath and ride the cable car.
Are there hospitals in Auli?
There is some basic healthcare, but for anything serious, you’ll need to descend to Joshimath. There is a military and government hospital there.
Gulmarg vs Auli – Which is Best?
Gulmarg is all about advanced skiing—steep runs, deep powder, off-piste territory. Auli is far more better for the beginners and intermediate. It’s safer and more groomed.
Is alcohol available in Auli?
It’s limited. Some of the hotels serve it, but there’s no such thing as a “bar” in town. It’s common to buy your own supply in Rishikesh or Dehradun before heading up, but drink responsibly at altitude.
Are mobile networks available in Auli?
Yes, Reliance Jio and Airtel work reasonably fine in the majority of Auli and Joshimath. Your falls can probably be Instagrammed in real-time.
What off-ski shoes do I need to pack?
DEFENDANTS: Do not wear tennis shoes or tennis-type shoes. Your shoes will get soggy, and you’ll slide. Wear waterproof hiking or snow boots that provide traction.
Is the Ropeway open 24?
It usually runs from 9 AM to 5 PM. However, bad weather or high winds can shut it down instantly. Always have a backup plan (taxis).
Can I visit Auli specifically for my honeymoon just to spend time with my partner while not skiing?
100%. For many, it would be to relax and play in the snow at a luxury resort. It’s incredibly romantic.
Auli is a gem. It’s chaotic getting there, freezing once you arrive and physically brutal on the slopes. But as you’re sailing down that white powder with the mighty Himalayas looming in the backdrop, you’ll know it was worth every last rupee and all those hours of travel. That’s the spirit, pack those thermals and book that ticket for your best winter ever!
