Skiing in Uttarakhand

Auli, above Joshimath in the Garhwal Himalayas, is Uttarakhand's premier skiing destination — one of the few places in India with the combination of altitude, slope, and reliable snowfall needed for genuine ski tourism.

Why Auli Works for Skiing

Sitting at around 2,500-3,050 metres, Auli's slopes benefit from a cable car (one of Asia's longest) that also doubles as scenic sightseeing when you're not skiing, plus wide, relatively gentle gradients well suited to beginners alongside steeper sections for more experienced skiers.

Skiing Season

January to March is peak season, when snow cover is most reliable. December can work in a good snow year, but conditions are less predictable. Outside these months, skiing simply isn't viable — check current snow reports before planning a dedicated ski trip.

Gear, Lessons, and Costs

Ski equipment rental and beginner lessons are available on-site through the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) and private operators — you don't need to bring your own gear. Package pricing typically bundles equipment, a basic lesson, and slope access; multi-day packages work out cheaper per day than single sessions.

Getting to Auli

Auli is roughly 280 km from Dehradun, typically a 9-10 hour drive via Rishikesh and Joshimath — a genuine multi-day trip rather than a quick excursion, so plan overnight stays in Joshimath or Auli itself around your skiing.