Why Auli is India's Best Ski Destination
Situated at 2,519–3,049 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Auli offers a 3-km ski run with a vertical drop of 500m — the longest in India. What makes it truly special is the backdrop: the 3-km slope faces the Nanda Devi (7,816m) massif and nearby Kamet, Mana, Dronagiri, and Nilkanth peaks. On a clear day, skiing at Auli feels like being inside a 360° panorama of some of the highest peaks in the world.
Developed with technical assistance from France, Auli has a GMVN-managed ski resort, a modern gondola (ropeway), ski lifts, and a trained ski school — making it accessible to complete beginners while still challenging enough for intermediate skiers.
Ski Season at Auli
- Peak Season: January–February — Best snow depth (1–2 metres), reliable conditions, coldest temperatures (-10°C to 5°C). Most popular for skiing. Book accommodation 2–3 months in advance.
- Early Season: December — Snow arrives mid-December. Conditions build progressively. Fewer crowds, lower rates.
- Late Season: March — Spring skiing. Snow softens but sunny days make for pleasant conditions. Good for beginners who want milder weather.
- Off-Season (April–November) — No skiing. The gondola still operates for sightseeing and Auli meadow walks. Beautiful rhododendron season April–May.
Ski Slopes and Difficulty Levels
- Main slope (3 km) — A mix of beginner to intermediate sections. The upper section is steeper (suitable for intermediate skiers); the lower section is gentler (ideal for beginners and ski school).
- Ski lifts — 4 ski lifts (chair lifts and surface tows) cover the main ski area. Gondola from Joshimath provides access to the upper ski fields.
- No dedicated black runs — Auli does not yet have officially groomed expert-level runs. Advanced skiers often venture off-piste on the surrounding slopes (with a guide).
The Gondola (Ropeway) — India's Longest
The Auli–Joshimath gondola at 4 km is one of Asia's longest ropeways. It connects Joshimath (1,875m) to Auli (3,010m) and operates even when roads are snowbound. Fare: approximately ₹1,000 one-way, ₹1,500 return (2026 rates). The gondola offers extraordinary views of Nanda Devi even for non-skiers.
Ski School and Equipment Rental
GMVN runs the official ski school at Auli with instructors certified by the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM):
- Beginner 5-day course: approximately ₹2,500–3,500 per person
- Individual lessons: approximately ₹800–1,200 per hour
- Ski equipment rental: ₹400–600 per day for skis, poles, and boots
- Safety helmet: included in rental or ₹100/day separately
How to Reach Auli
- From Delhi: Train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then 9–10 hour drive to Joshimath (253 km). Or hire a private car all the way (14–15 hours from Delhi).
- From Rishikesh: 7–8 hours drive via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Joshimath. Distance: 253 km.
- From Joshimath to Auli: Gondola (4 km, 25 minutes) or jeep road (13 km, 40 minutes).
Accommodation at Auli
- GMVN Ski Resort Auli — Only on-slope accommodation. Book via gmvnl.com. Rates: ₹3,500–8,000/night. Ski-in/ski-out convenience.
- Joshimath hotels — Lower altitude (1,875m), more options, lower rates (₹800–3,000/night). Commute to Auli via gondola each day.
Combining a ski trip with a Badrinath temple visit? Joshimath is 45 km from Badrinath. Explore our Char Dham Yatra package for the Badrinath segment. Also read our Best Uttarakhand Treks guide for summer alternatives from Auli.