Auli, (alt. 2915 mts-3049 mts ) is an important ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Auli is known as 'Bugyal' in the regional language which means meadow. In fact some French and Australian experts said that Auli is comparable to the best ski resorts in the world. Auli is relatively less know ski destination than Shimla, Gulmarg or Manali. It was only in the recent time, after the creation of new state Uttarakhand(formerly Uttaranchal) carved out from Uttar Pradesh, Auli was marketed as Tourist Destination. The state is called "Dev Bhoomi" which means "Land of Gods" as there are important pilgrimage destination in this state mainly the 'CHAR DHAM' (Gangotri-Yamunotri-Kedarnath-Badrinath). Auli lies on the way to Badrinath. Auli is blessed with a breathtaking panoramic view of the lofty peaks of the greatest mountain range in the world, the Himalayas. The slopes here provide enough thrill to professional skier and novoice as well. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVNL) a govt agency which takes care of this resort have imported snow beater to maintain slopes. Auli also boast the Asia longest cable car (Gondola) a 4 km long cable car. It also has a Chair Lift and a Ski-Lift. Apart from Skiing there is an interesting trek route also. There is a training facility of Indo-Tibetan Border Police. A small temple having connection to great epic Ramayana is also present. Best time to visit is last week of Jan to first week of March for skiing. Though weather is highly unpredictable.

Once you reach Auli take your bags and head off to the Cable Car lower station. Book your tickets and wait for a memorable ride of your life aboard the Joshimath-Auli Gorson Ropeway. This ride will take you from Joshimath at 1,100 Mts (3608.90 ft) to Gorson at 3,016 Mts (9894.98 ft) covering the distance of 3.96 km in 15 minutes climbing at a rate of 5 Mts/second. The charges for return ticket is INR 400.00(2008 rates). Once the ride start you will see view changing every meter of climb. Specially the left side view is great as the panorama of Himalayas start to unfold. The snow covered peaks will surpass your best imagination. There are total 10 towers but for staying facilities you will have to alight at tower no 8. This tower is 3 floors high and if your luck is good lift will take you down else you will have to use the stairs. There are only 2 options for staying in Auli, GMVNL facilities or Clifftop Club that is part of a private enterprise called Club Group of Hotels. If you are staying at Clifftop Club then it is at Tower no. 8 and can be reached by taking 180 steps down. If you opt for GMVNL then you will require another surprise ride, The Chair Lift which takes you from the 8th tower to the GMVNL hotel. The Chair lift charges around INR 100.00(2008 Rates) return. The fun is more in chair lift than the cable car as you are on a chair which is suspended from an overhead cable several feet above the ground with only locking bar holding you from falling off. There is rush of blood as the chair leaves the platform and all you are treated is view mighty peaks all around you as you are dropping down with chilled wind splashing your face. Indeed a great experience and bit scary too. Once on the lower platform couple of steps will take you to hotel.

If one is an adventure freak, the best time to visit Auli is during the winter season. The period from late November to late March is generally considered ideal for skiers. As the winters set in, the mountains seem to extend to the firmament with arms of snow. From December to March, the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam conducts 7-day and 15-day courses for both amateurs and advanced learners.

BY AIR - The nearest airport is Dehradun, about 298 km away. Rishikesh, about 235 km away, is the nearest railhead. 

BY ROAD - Regular road services are available from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Hardwar to Joshimath, 16 km away. From Joshimath one can hire jeeps to Auli. One can also trek the five kilometer between Joshimath and Auli. For further information, contact the GMVN office at Rajpur Road, Dehradun or the UP tourism offices located all over the country.

Tourism-of-India.com provides complete information about tourism in Auli. Tourism-of-India.com offers various tour packages to make your visit comfortable. You can pick the one that suits you most.