Auli Ice Skiing, Uttarakhand

Auli Ice Skiing

Delhito Rishikesh: In order to travel fromDelhito Rishikesh, there are many options available with the tourists for example, bus, cars/taxi, train or by air. The airport nearest to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant airport, which is around 20km from the spiritual city.

Rishikesh to Joshimath: The route from Rishikesh to Joshimath is around 280 km by road and can be covered by car. It is expected to take around seven hours to cover this distance.

About Joshimath: This is a small town located in Chamoli District. The visitors who come to Joshimath, normally come here enroute to popular destinations like Auli (famous for ice skiing), Hemkund Sahib andValleyofFlowers.

Joshimath to Auli: Auli is just 10 km away from Joshimath. The map from Joshimath to Auli is shown below. It is recommended to take professional taxi from Joshimath to Auli, since the roads are covered with snow. There is a cable car also available from Joshimath to Auli, providing splendid views of Hathi Parvat,ManaRangesand alsoMountKamet.

Auli as a Ice Skiing destination: From January to April, the Auli slopes are covered with a thick 3 meter carpet of snow. The stretch of 3-kms with a drop in elevation of 500m is considered as excellent skiing ground. 500 m long ski-lift carries skiiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Auli is also famous for calm and very friendly local people. For tourists who don't have skiing experience, can contact the office there or small groups who have personal equipments and trainers to teach basic skiing techniques.

Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam, in short called GMVN, a government run agency, provides modern ski equipments for the tourists. Tourists are however advised to bring heavy woolen clothings like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum / snow boots and a torch for personal use.

GMVN conducts 7 and 14 days skiing courses at Auli and special provisions for day tourists are also available. Ski training is given by qualified ski instructors. A training certificate is provided at the end of the course.

It is recommended to spend atleast three to four days, if the tourists want to enjoy the ice skiing, with initial time spent on learning and getting hands on to ice skiing.

Some Suggestions for tourists:

1) Choose to wear proper fitting ski boots that will help you keep warm.

2) Don't wear very thick socks or more than one pair, as this will hamper your blood circulation and your feet might become cold again.

3) Wear ski pants instead of jeans or sweatpants.

4) Wear waterproof jackets and gloves.