Auli: Skiing, Cable Car & Complete Visit Guide

India's Premier Ski Destination

Auli is a small alpine meadow-turned-ski-resort perched above Joshimath in Chamoli district, and by most accounts India's best developed skiing destination — open, gently sloped terrain that suits beginners far better than the steeper, more forested runs found elsewhere in the Himalaya.

But Auli isn't just a winter-sports footnote. The Auli-Joshimath ropeway, built to ferry skiers up the mountain, is a scenic gondola ride in its own right and remains one of the longest cable car rides in Asia at the time it was constructed. From the top station, Auli's slopes open onto uninterrupted views of Nanda Devi, India's second-highest peak, alongside a wall of other Garhwal Himalaya summits — views that are just as striking in September as they are under a foot of January snow.

That makes Auli a genuinely year-round destination: a ski trip from January to March, or a quieter meadow-and-view escape the rest of the year, minus the crowds and without needing snow gear at all.

Best Time to Visit Auli

What "best time" means at Auli depends entirely on whether you're coming for snow or scenery — the two windows barely overlap.

Our pick: January to March for skiing with real snow underfoot; September to November if you'd rather skip the snow gear and enjoy Auli's meadows and Nanda Devi views at their clearest.

How to Reach Auli

• By air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport, roughly 280 km away — about 9-10 hours by road via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
• By rail: Rishikesh and Haridwar are the nearest railheads with regular long-distance connections, both a similar distance and drive time as Dehradun.
• By road: Drive to Joshimath via Rishikesh–Devprayag–Rudraprayag–Chamoli — a long mountain drive best split over two days with an overnight stop. From Joshimath, take the ropeway directly up to Auli, or drive the shorter motorable road that also connects the two.
• Auli-Joshimath ropeway: The most scenic way up — a roughly 4 km cable car ride that operates year-round (weather permitting), not just in ski season.

Things to Do & See in Auli

Skiing on Auli's Slopes

Auli's main run stretches roughly 3 km down open, moderately graded terrain — ideal for beginners and intermediates, with ski schools offering short courses, equipment rental, and instructors for first-timers. More experienced skiers can head toward the steeper sections near Gorson Bugyal and Kwanri, and the Auli slopes have also hosted national skiing championships.

The Auli-Joshimath Ropeway

Built originally to move skiers and equipment up the mountain, this cable car has become an attraction in its own right — a roughly 4 km, 20-25 minute ride with sweeping views over the Alaknanda valley below. It's one of the longest cable car rides in Asia and runs regardless of season, making it the easiest way to experience Auli without a road trip.

Auli Lake

A man-made reservoir built to supply Auli's snow-making machines, Auli Lake sits within easy walking distance of the main slope area. In winter it often freezes over; in summer it reflects the surrounding pine and deodar forest, making it a pleasant short walk regardless of season.

Gorson Bugyal

A wide alpine meadow (bugyal) roughly an hour's walk above Auli's main slope, Gorson Bugyal opens onto an even broader Himalayan panorama, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Mana peak. It's an easy, non-technical trek that rewards the effort with one of the best viewpoints in the area, and can be combined with a further push toward Kwanri Bugyal for those with more time.

Where to Stay in Auli

Accommodation directly at Auli is limited and mostly resort-style, built around the ski season; a wider and cheaper range of stays is available a short drive below in Joshimath, which most budget travellers use as a base.

Suggested Visit Plan (2-3 Days)

* Travellers visiting outside ski season sometimes combine Auli with Chopta a couple of days' drive south, for a broader meadows-and-Himalaya circuit.

Where to Eat

• Hotel/resort dining at Auli: Most food options directly at Auli are attached to the slope-top resorts, offering simple North Indian and Continental menus.
• Dhabas in Joshimath: Simple, hearty North Indian and local Garhwali meals — dal, rice, seasonal vegetables, and rotis — at budget prices.
• Pack snacks for the slopes: Options thin out on the mountain itself outside the main resort buildings, so carry water and snacks if you're spending a full day skiing or trekking.

Budget Breakdown

* Figures are per person, per day (except the ropeway, a round-trip figure). Full-day or multi-day ski packages cost more than the half-day figure shown here.

Essential Tips for Visiting Auli

• Book ski gear and lessons ahead in peak season: January-February weekends see the busiest slopes and longest waits for equipment.
• Carry warm layers regardless of season: At 2,500m+, mornings and evenings are cold even outside winter — pack a proper jacket even for a summer visit.
• Check road and ropeway status before travelling: Heavy winter snowfall can occasionally close the ropeway or the Joshimath-Auli road; call ahead in December-February.
• Acclimatise a day in Joshimath first: Especially if you've travelled straight up from lower elevations, a short rest before heading to Auli's slopes helps avoid altitude discomfort.
• Combine with Badrinath or Chopta: Auli sits on or near routes to both, making it easy to fold into a longer Garhwal Himalaya itinerary rather than visiting on its own.

Frequently Asked Questions