Travellers planning Auli usually ask us three things. Will there be snow on our dates? Can we ski with no experience? And how do we get up there? This guide answers all three in plain words, based on how we plan Auli trips from our base in Haridwar.
Auli is a ski slope and meadow above Joshimath (now officially called Jyotirmath) in Chamoli district, at roughly 2,800 metres. In summer it is a green bugyal. From late December, it turns into the best known ski area in India, with Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dronagiri lined up on the horizon.
Auli Winter Trip: Quick Answers
- Best months for snow: mid January to February. March can still be good in a heavy snow year.
- Is Auli open in December? Yes, the road and hotels are open, but snow on the slopes is often thin until late December.
- Can beginners ski? Yes. Short lessons and multi-day courses start from zero.
- Ropeway: the Joshimath to Auli ropeway has been shut since January 2023. You reach Auli by road.
- Ideal trip length: 4 nights and 5 days from Haridwar or Rishikesh.
When Is the Snow Season in Auli?
Snow in Auli depends on western disturbances, so no two winters are the same. A good rule is to think of the season in four phases.
| Period | What to expect on the slopes | Good for |
| Early to mid December | Cold, clear and dry. Snow patches, but often not enough to ski. | Mountain views, fewer people, lower hotel rates |
| Late December to early January | First proper snowfalls usually arrive. Cover builds week by week. | Snow play, Christmas and New Year trips |
| Mid January to February | Deepest and most dependable snow base of the year. | Skiing lessons, ski courses, snow photography |
| March | Snow starts to soften and thin from the lower slopes. | Late season skiing in good years, sunny days |
If skiing is the main reason for your trip, book between the third week of January and the end of February. If you only want to see and touch snow, late December onwards usually works. Either way, keep an eye on the forecast in the week before you leave.
Skiing in Auli: How It Works for Beginners
Most people who ski in Auli have never worn skis before. That is completely normal here. You do not need your own gear or any past experience.
Your Three Options
- A taster session: a half day or full day with a local instructor on the gentle beginner area. You learn to stand, balance, glide and stop. This suits families and anyone short on time.
- A short private course: three to five days of daily lessons. By the end, most people can manage easy runs on their own.
- A GMVN course: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam runs longer structured courses of 7 and 14 days, with fees and batch dates announced each season. These fill quickly, so apply early if you want one.
What a First Day on Skis Looks Like
Your instructor will fit boots and skis at a rental counter, then spend the first hour on balance and the snowplough stop, where you push your ski tips together to slow down. After lunch, you try short gentle runs. Expect a few falls, which are part of learning.
Rough Costs to Budget For
Rental of skis, boots and poles usually costs somewhere between ₹550 and ₹1,500 a day. A private instructor costs around ₹2,000 a day. Rates change every season, so confirm on arrival. Ski suits and gloves can also be hired at the slopes if you do not have proper waterproof clothing.
How to Reach Auli in Winter
The Joshimath to Auli ropeway, once one of the longest in Asia, has stayed closed since the land subsidence in Joshimath in January 2023. There is no confirmed reopening date. Plan your trip around road travel.
- Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath: about 280 to 300 km on the Badrinath highway, via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. Plan for 9 to 11 hours of driving with stops.
- Joshimath to Auli: a winding road of about 16 km that takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
- Nearest railway station: Haridwar, which also has the best train connections from Delhi.
Two winter road tips from our drivers. First, leave Haridwar early so you cross the hill stretches in daylight. Second, after heavy snowfall the upper road to Auli can close for a few hours while it is cleared. Keep a little buffer in your plan and do not book a tight return train on the same evening.
A Simple 5-Day Auli Winter Plan from Haridwar
- Day 1: Haridwar to Joshimath by road. Check in and rest.
- Day 2: Drive up to Auli. Spend the day getting used to the altitude with snow play and an easy walk.
- Day 3: Skiing lesson or taster session. Evening at the hotel.
- Day 4: Second ski session, or a short snow walk towards Gorson Bugyal if conditions allow.
- Day 5: Drive back to Haridwar.
This is the shape of our Auli Snow Adventure package. If you want ski gear and an instructor included, the Auli Skiing Adventure covers lessons and equipment rental. Both run for 4 nights and 5 days.
What to Pack for Auli in Winter
Auli is much colder than Mussoorie or Nainital. Pack as if you are going somewhere properly cold, because you are.
- Two sets of thermal inners: one to wear and one to change into.
- A down or padded jacket: with a hood if possible.
- Waterproof gloves: woollen gloves get wet within minutes in snow.
- Snow boots or waterproof trekking shoes: with good grip for icy paths.
- Woollen socks, cap and a neck warmer.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: snow glare at this height is harsh on the eyes.
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
- Basic medicines: including anything for headaches or cold, and any regular medicines you take.
Is Auli Safe for Families and First Timers?
Yes, with sensible planning. Auli is a well visited resort area, and beginner slopes are gentle. A few things make the trip smoother:
- Take altitude slowly. Do not ski on the day you arrive. Drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exercise for the first few hours.
- Dress children in layers. They lose heat faster than adults and may not tell you when they are cold.
- Check with your doctor first if anyone in the group has heart, blood pressure or breathing concerns.
- Use a local driver. Our drivers are from the hill districts and know these roads in winter. We do not suggest self driving to Auli if you are not used to snow on mountain roads.
For more ideas on travelling with children, see our Uttarakhand family trip guide. If you are comparing Auli with trekking or rafting, our adventure tours guide for beginners explains each option.
Things to Do in Auli Beyond Skiing
- Sunrise over Nanda Devi: India’s second highest peak catches the first light, and clear winter mornings give the sharpest views.
- Gorson Bugyal: a meadow above the main slopes, reached by a short walk through oak and conifer forest. In deep snow, go only with a guide.
- Narsingh Temple, Joshimath: the winter seat of Lord Badrinath, where the deity is worshipped after the Badrinath temple closes for the season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auli in Winter
Which month has the most snow in Auli?
For snow, plan Auli between mid January and February. The snow base is deepest then, which is ideal for skiing. Late December usually brings the first good snowfall, while March can still have snow in a heavy year.
Is Auli open in December?
Yes, Auli is open in December. Hotels and the road from Joshimath operate, but snow on the ski slopes is often thin in early December. For skiing, plan for January or February instead.
Is the Auli ropeway working?
No. The Joshimath to Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023 because of land subsidence in Joshimath. Travellers reach Auli by a 16 km road from Joshimath, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Can a beginner ski in Auli?
Yes. Auli has gentle beginner slopes and local instructors who teach from scratch. You can try a half day session, take a few days of private lessons, or join a 7 or 14 day GMVN course.
How many days are enough for Auli?
Four nights and five days from Haridwar or Rishikesh is enough for most travellers. This allows two days of travel, one day to adjust to the altitude and one or two days of skiing or snow activities.
How cold is Auli in January?
Auli is very cold in January, with night temperatures well below freezing. Daytime can feel mild in direct sun, but it drops quickly in the late afternoon, so proper winter clothing is essential.
Plan Your Auli Winter Trip with a Local Team
We are a Haridwar based team, and the people who plan your Auli trip have driven the Badrinath highway in winter themselves. Share your travel dates, how many people are coming and whether you want to ski or simply enjoy the snow. We will send a day by day itinerary and an exact quote, usually within 2 hours, and no advance is needed to receive it.
Call or WhatsApp us, or send us your details via our contact page. Weekends with snowfall in January and February tend to get booked up quickly, so it is best to get in touch soon.