Auli (2,519–3,049 m), Uttarakhand's premier ski resort in Chamoli district, offers reliable snow from December to February with the Nanda Devi backdrop. Skiing and snowboarding are available on 3 km of slopes. Post-snow, April through June transform Auli into a trekking paradise with meadows and Himalayan wildflowers.
January & February & May & December
Complete Calendar
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Status | Weather | Crowds | Price | Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Open | –5°C–5°C · Peak snow · Excellent skiing | High — peak ski season | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best skiing month — deep snow (4–6 ft), Nanda Devi views, all slopes active. National Winter Games sometimes held here. |
| February | Open | –3°C–7°C · Good snow · Slightly warming | High | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent skiing — snow still deep, slightly warmer than January, perfect conditions for beginners and experts alike. |
| March | Open | 0°C–12°C · Snow melting · Last ski opportunities | Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐ | End of ski season. Snow still present in upper sections but melting on lower slopes. Last chance for skiing. |
| April | Open | 5°C–16°C · Green meadows emerging · Clear Himalayan views | Low | Low pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent for trekking — snow-free trails, wildflowers starting, spectacular Nanda Devi and Trishul views, very few tourists. |
| May | Open | 10°C–20°C · Peak spring · Bugyals in full bloom | Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Best trekking month — Auli bugyals (meadows) carpeted with wildflowers, Nanda Devi crystal clear, pleasant temperatures. |
| June | Open | 13°C–22°C · Pre-monsoon · Still good for trekking | Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good trekking — warm but not hot, Himalayan views excellent before monsoon clouds arrive. Avoid after June 20. |
| July | Limited | 12°C–18°C · Monsoon · Wet meadows · Limited access | Very low | Low pricing | ⭐ | Not recommended. Monsoon brings slippery trails, foggy views, and no skiing. Cable car may be suspended in heavy rain. |
| August | Limited | 12°C–18°C · Heavy rain · Foggy | Very low | Low pricing | ⭐ | Avoid. Monsoon at its peak. No skiing, no clear views. Some wildflowers but access is difficult. |
| September | Limited | 10°C–18°C · Post-monsoon · Views returning | Low | Low pricing | ⭐⭐ | Improving through month. Second half of September sees good trekking weather return with post-monsoon green meadows. |
| October | Open | 4°C–14°C · Clear and cool · Pre-snow clarity | Low-Medium | Standard pricing | ⭐⭐⭐ | Good for trekking with brilliant Himalayan panoramas. No snow yet for skiing but excellent views and quiet trails. |
| November | Limited | –2°C–8°C · First snowfall · Ski prep | Low | Low pricing | ⭐⭐ | First snowfall begins. Ski slopes being prepared. Not enough consistent snow for skiing yet but atmospheric. |
| December | Open | –5°C–3°C · Ski season opens · Good snow | High — ski season begins | Peak pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Ski season opens! Fresh snow, excellent skiing conditions, Christmas-New Year at a ski resort is a unique Indian experience. |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Auli has beginner-friendly slopes and GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates ski training courses of 7, 14, and 21 days. Equipment rental (skis, boots, poles, helmet) is available on site. A 7-day beginner course gives you solid fundamentals.
Auli's altitude (2,519–3,049 m) ensures reliable snowfall in December, January, and February most years. However, snowfall quantity varies — heavy snowfall years (like 2022-23) give 6+ feet on slopes while lean years may have 2–3 feet. The slopes also use artificial snow-making to ensure coverage.
Reach Joshimath (255 km from Rishikesh) by road, then take the Joshimath-Auli ropeway (4 km, 20 minutes) or drive 16 km on a motorable road to Auli. The ropeway is one of Asia's longest and gives spectacular views of the Nanda Devi range.
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