Glide into your next adventure by experiencing skiing in Auli, Uttarakhand. Situated in the Himalayan range of Chamoli district, Auli is a destination of choice for many winter sports enthusiasts, especially for those who are keen on skiing. The great thing is that the slopes of Auli are pretty inclusive - doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a first timer, there are many snowy slopes which will keep your adrenaline flowing.
The hill station being situated high up at 9200 feet, it also makes for great views while gliding. What is even more reassuring is that the Uttarakhand Government also helps ensure skiing is accessible for everyone and the safety standards are maintained. There are many skiing resorts and even ski schools for beginners in Auli. This just makes the lives of every skiing enthusiast much easier. Let’s look at some essential information for you to better understand skiing in Auli, Uttarakhand.
If you wish to take a flight, the nearest airport to Auli is situated in Dehradun. From Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, you’ll have to get a bus or a cab. Auli is around 185 kms away from the airport.
Once again, Dehradun is definitely the nearest railway station, which is about 151 kms away. From there, another short trip on the mountain roads would await.
There are many buses available to get to Auli. There’s the option of cabs and private vehicles too. However, we would suggest you avoid driving yourself all the way to Auli unless you have a lot of experience with driving on mountain roads and navigating the hairpin bends.
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It goes without saying that the best time to go skiing in Auli will be during the winter months. These would be the months from mid-November to March. More specifically though, January is considered to be the best month because of the magnitude of snowfall Auli receives. By then there’s enough snow cover to make skiing a delightful experience. Do keep in mind that a lot of people visit Auli in these months so it’s better to plan your trip in advance.
Another thing you should know is that skiing is best done before 2 pm in the afternoon, even more so for beginners. From noon onwards, when the sun gets stronger, the snow gets harder. These conditions are not favorable or safe for skiing. We suggest experiencing skiing in the morning between 8:30 am and 1:00 pm.
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There are many skiing schools and private tour operators who offer packages to learn skiing in Auli. You could also book a course with GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), which is an initiative by the Government of Uttarakhand. They are definitely reliable but the course durations can differ. Here are some of the general courses on offer:
Skiing For Beginners – 6-7 days
These courses include lessons with experienced skiing instructors, skiing equipment and safety equipment. (Accommodation and food are also often included in the course).
Price – This could be anywhere between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 depending on your age group, locality, nationality and the institution you’re booking from. It could also be a lot more than that depending on the specific package you book.
Intermediate Level Skiing Course – 14 days
Inclusions in the course would often be the same as the one for beginners. The only difference would be the kind of lessons and techniques you will be learning.
Price – The lowest price would be around ₹30,000 but it could go as high as ₹60,000, depending on the variables we mentioned above.
You can check with the school for a proper certification course. Some institutions don’t provide a certification for the 7 days course, so do confirm before booking. We understand that you might not have the time or the money to go for these courses. But that can also be worked out, you could choose to learn skiing on a day-by-day basis. That way, you won’t have to commit for the duration of your stay and can enjoy some flexibility too.
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Honestly, there are countless players in the market right now. And most will be able to customize everything for you so you needn’t worry. You will easily get your healthy dose of thrill amidst mountains that are insanely chill. They will also tell you about the things that you need to carry and everything that they will provide. You could still check out GMVN, Wild Himalayan or Auli Skiing as they are some of the reputed organizers.
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The roads from Joshimath to Auli are sometimes not accessible during winters, especially when the region experiences significant snowfall. But there’s a cool way you can get over this problem.
Cable Car – You can take a cable car which covers a distance of 4 kms. Note that it starts at 9 am and the last cable car for the day is at 4:20 pm. The price is ₹750 to and fro with a validity of 3 days. The sight of alpine forests, patches of barren muddy lands and snow-covered peaks really makes the ride all the more uplifting.
Ski Chair Airlift – Don’t confuse this with the Cable Car. This is more like sitting on a suspended chair. If you’re not scared of heights, you will love this. If you are scared of heights, this probably might help you get over your fear. The distance of the Ski chair airlift is much shorter than that of the Cable Car, just 800 meters to be precise. It costs ₹300 per head and is also valid for 3 days. This is only accessible for GMVN Ski Resort
Skiing Lift (Standing) – There is also a ski lift which costs up to ₹100 per trip. This is only for those who are skiing down the slope and need to get back on the top. Depending on your course and your package, this might be covered.
Slopes – The slopes are all categorized on their difficulty levels. There are 4 such skiing slopes in Auli.
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Is There Snowfall In Auli?
Yes, it snows in Auli, mainly from the months of December to March. This is when most tourists visit.
What Is The Best Time To Go To Auli?
Auli is a destination that can be visited throughout the year, and the best time to visit depends on what you have in mind. November to March is perfect for those who want to go skiing, while April onwards is ideal for those who want to go sightseeing.
When Can We Find Snow In Auli?
You can see snowfall and slopes covered in snow in Auli from November to March.
Is Snow Available In Auli In May?
No, by the time May comes around, the snow in Auli will have melted. The weather continues to remain pleasant and you can still go sightseeing.
Which Is Better Auli Or Manali?
Auli and Manali are both stunning destinations, each offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. However, Auli is more popular for winter sports like skiing, while Manali doesn’t have skiing to boast.
Is Auli Good For Honeymoon?
If you’re a thrill-seeking couple open to new adventures, then Auli in the winter is perfect for you. Bonding over the falls and fails of skiing and tackling the slopes together is a great way to spend your honeymoon if it appeals to you.
Why Is Auli Famous?
Auli is known for its spectacular slopes covered in snow in the winter months, making it the perfect destination for beginners and expert skiers alike. It is also a great hill station destination to be enjoyed throughout the year.
How Far Is Auli From Manali?
Auli is nearly 330 kms away from Manali. Driving from Auli to Manali will take you 11.5 hours without a break.
Can We Go To Auli By Car?
Yes, Auli is accessible by road and driving is an option. However, navigating the steep curves and bends of the mountains is better left to more experienced drivers, as the risks are high and any small mistake can be a costly or even fatal one.
What Should I Wear To Auli?
What you wear to Auli depends on the season in which you head there. Carry a jacket or two when visiting in the summer months, and stock up on woolies and thermal wear if visiting from November to March.
