Auli which means the meadow or ‘bugyal’ is a recently popularized winter skiing resort in Himalayan mountain state of Uttarakhand in India. It is also called the land of gods as the Chardham is present here. Auli is nestled in the lap of snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), near the world famous religious shrine of Badrinath. At an altitude of 2500 to 3050 meters 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 adventurous, fun and frolic, find yourself in Auli, in the vicinity of the mountain peaks Nanda Devi and Mana Parbat. And natural splendour let your eyes feast on the breathtaking view of snow-capped peaks all around you. The very less explored scenic beauty truly reminds us the heaven on earth.

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 breathtaking 9000 ft slopes above the sea level bordered with oak and deodar trees minimize the speed of the wind which helps the skiers to enjoy their joyride smoothly. November is the ideal time to visit. A special skiing training is conducted by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) for both learners and experts.

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. All 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.

Auli is also famous for its trekking activities that take place every year from January to March. Some of the treks that are preferred by trekkers include Gorson – Tali and Khuari Pass Khulara. The other famous points at Auli are situated nearby like Vishy, Prayag and Badrinath, one of the four dhaams according to Hindu religion.
The thrill of skiing over snow covered terrain remains unparalleled. Auli is not only the battle-ground for experienced skiers, who come here armed with their skiing equipment, it is also a training ground for those aspiring to ski skillfully with the help of expert guidance.

The weather in Auli is unpredictable but if luck persists one can enjoy snow fall and skiing becomes really exciting in such weather. Winter games in February and March are popular. Tourists interested in skiing and trekking visit Auli in this season. Temperature never exceeds thirty degrees and in winters the temperature ranges from below freezing point to twenty degrees. In summer the temperature ranges from fifteen to thirty degrees. The weather in pleasant and scorch less throughout the year.

The weather here makes the staying an unforgettable experience. So if you visit Auli once, you are likely to come back here once again.

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 16 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.

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.