Auli

It is India’s promising ski-spot and is considered the best skiing slope in Asia. Both sides of the slope are covered with oak and coniferous trees that break the speed of the wind and this makes it ideal for skiing. In the summers, when there is no snow, Auli temples with abundance of fresh air and tranquil environs. It is not only an ideal health resort, but also a perfect vacation spot. One of the well established Sports Circuit of the state of Uttar Pradesh. With their wide-open spaces above the snowfields of Garhwal and Kumaon, the place offers an exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers. The cross-country runs of 10-20 km with added advantage of fresh powder snow from crisscrossing streams, tearing down the snowlines of the European Alps.

Auli is nestled in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli District of western Uttar Pradesh, near the world famous religious shrine of Badrinath. It offers a panoramic view of Mt. Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, Dunagriri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat And Ghori Parbat. The rugged and snowy terrain is so challenging that it used to be a training ground for India's para-military forces in the 1970's. Realising the potential of Auli as a ski-resort, the Government of U.P. had it surveyed by French and Australian experts, who favourably compared the slopes of Auli to the best in the world.

Apart from skiing festivals that are held here since 1986, national championships under the aegis of Winter Games Federation of India have been held at Auli, with technical and other backup assistance provided by various governments and adventure-related agencies. Its pristine natural beauty and the alpine atmosphere lure many a tourist. Auli sure has something to offer to all, whether to seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, or conquering the challenging heights of the glorious peaks. People come here simply to savour the tranquil nature in its most pristine self or may be to throw snowballs at each other.

The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), a U.P. Government Undertaking, provides many facilities at Auli for the convenience of tourists: (A). A state-of-art ski lift, which has been imported from France. (B). The slopes of Auli also have the luxury of an 800-m long chair lift, linking the lower slopes with upper slopes. (C). Two snow-beaters are imported from Germany. (D). The dressed and improved ski slopes, make the slopes of Auli ideal for hosting skiing festivals and competitions. (E). A 3.9 km. long ropeway links Joshimath with the upper slopes of Auli, tracking a distance of 4.15 kms. and is the longest ropeway in Asia in zig-back system. It has ten towers of self-supporting steel structures with saddles and shoes. Remote controlled hydraulic and pneumatic braking systems make it the safest ropeway. Besides, most sophisticated electronic circuitry with telemetry, and storm-warning devices are used to minimize human error.

Auli is not only the battle- ground for experienced skiers, but is also a training ground for those aspiring to ski with dexterity, with the help of expert guidance. Training courses are conducted in modules of 7 and 14 days giving training to the enrolled persons, in modern skiing techniques by qualified instructors from skiing and tourist resorts. The 7-days courses are non-certificate courses with a total of 25 seats. These courses are conducted in January, February and March. The 14- days module is a certificate course, each one having 15 seats.

The most popular way to drop in at Auli is by the famed cable car service. Auli is only a 13 kms. drive from Joshimath.

Auli is nestled in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas

Adequate medical facilities are available at Auli and Joshimath. Medical assistance can be obtained from Army and Civil hospitals, including, emergency rescue by helicopters. There is no time to plan to visit Auli. Any time is the right time to be at Auli.