SKIING IN AULI

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SKIING
Auli is nestled in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli District of western Uttranchal , near the world famous religious shrine of Badrinath.

At an altitude of 2,500-3,050 metres above sea level, Auli's well-dressed slopes are flanked by coniferous and oak forests and offer a panoramic view of Mt. Nanda Devi, Mana Parbat, Dunagriri, Beethartoli, Nilkanth, Hathi Parbat And Ghori Parbat.

The rugged and snowy terrain of Auli 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. Auli is today a promising ski-spot and an ideal winter resort.

THE PERFECT VENUE FOR WINTER GAMES
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.

Auli has now become a leading tourist spot and while its slopes beckon daring and gallant skiing enthusiasts, its pristine natural beauty and the alpine atmosphere lure many a tourist. Auli has something or the other to offer to all, whether it is to seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, or for conquering the challenging heights of the glorious peaks. People come here simply to savour the tranquil nature in its most pristine self or just to throw snowballs at each other.

SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR SKIING FREAKS
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), a U.P. Government Undertaking, provides the following facilities at Auli for the convenience of tourists:

A. A state-of-art ski lift, which has been imported from France. The ski lift is 500 metres long, which makes it the longest in the country.

B. Secondly, the slopes of Auli also have the luxury of an 800-m long chair lift, linking the lower slopes with upper slopes.

C. There are two snow-beaters imported from Germany.

D. Dressed and improved ski slopes, which 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. It covers a track 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 system make it the safest ropeway. Besides, most sophisticated electronic circuitry with telemetry, and storm-warning devices are used to minimize human error.

TRAINING COURSES IN SKIING
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 with dexterity, with the help of expert guidance.

Training courses are conducted in modules of 7 and 14 days. Training is imparted to the enrolled persons, in modern skiing techniques by qualified instructors from skiing & tourist resorts, Auli; and Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg.
The 7-days courses are non-certificate courses with a total of 25 seats. These courses are conducted in January, February & March.
The 14- days module is a certificate course, each one having 15 seats.

EXCURSIONS

Hemkund Saheb
Considered to be one of the most sacred Sikh pilgrimage centre, Hemkund Saheb also makes an ideal trekking spot. more...

Valley of Flowers
If one is fond of flowers then is a must visit place for him.Witness the endless galore of multihued blooms and you'll just wish to stay in this oblivion flowery world forever. more...

Badrinath
This sacred site is one of the most sacred pilgrimage centre of the state and is also one four holy sites or 'Char Dhams', visited by numerous pilgrims year after year.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Rail: The nearest railheads are Haridwar and Dehradun.
Road: Auli is only a 13 kms. drive from Joshimath. State transport and union buses ply regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 kms.), Haridwar (276 kms.), Dehradun (295 kms.) and Delhi (500 kms.)

Local Transport: From Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli. Deluxe coaches can also be arranged with prior notice for a group of 15 people or more.

Cable Car: The most popular way to drop in at Auli is by the famed cable car service, which runs for 3 kms.

PLACES TO STAY

GMVN unit at Auli, with a 110- bed capacity.
Alpine Cottages and Log Huts - an exciting choice.
There are a few hotels and rest houses at Dehradun, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Gauchar, Karanprayag, Nand-Prayag, Pipalkoti and Joshimath.
Also available are catering services, adequate heating arrangements, round-the-clock hot water supply and of course, warm hospitality- all of which ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Food: Enroute to Auli are gamut of cuisines available in various food-outlets, private restaurants as well as those provided by GMVN.

Travel Kit: Tourists 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 of Auli, where the temperature drops to as low as - 8 C in winters, although it is moderately cold in the summers.

Skiing equipment: The tourists who are interested in skiing may bring the equipment of their choice with them. Ski equipment is also available on hire.

Medical Facilities: Adequate medical facilities are available at Auli and Joshimath and medical assistance can be easily obtained from Army and civil hospitals.

Communication: In Auli, communication is done by microwave telephones, wireless sets and walkie-talkies.

Other Information
Altitude: 2915m to 3049m.
Area: 5 sq. kms.
Temperature:
Summer: Max : 29°C ; Min : 13°C.
Winter: Max : 9°C ; Min : 2°C.
Rainfall: 180cms annually.
Clothing: Summer: Light Woollen.
Winter: Heavy Woollen.