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Auli Snowfall & Ski Season 2026–27औली में बर्फ़बारी और स्की सीज़न 2026–27
When it usually snows, how skiing works on the GMVN slopes, how to get up from Joshimath in winter – and where to stay.
When does it snow in Auli?
Snowfall changes every year – this is the usual pattern. Check the forecast a few days before you go.
Cold and clear with sharp mountain views; snow on the slopes is rare.
First snowfall often comes in the second half. Christmas–New Year is the busiest week.
The coldest month and the most reliable snow. Nights well below freezing.
Good snow cover most years – a main month for ski courses.
Snow thins out through the month; quieter and cheaper.
Green meadows and clear Himalayan views – pleasant, quieter days.
Monsoon – rain and landslide risk on the Rishikesh–Joshimath road.
Clear autumn skies, cold nights – a good time for views.
⛷️ Skiing in Auli
- GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) runs the ski slopes, lessons and equipment hire at Auli in the season, December to March.
- Beginners can take a lesson and hire skis by the day; longer courses depend on the snow and fill up in January–February.
- GMVN asks for a 50% advance for courses, which is not refundable – if a course is cancelled for lack of snow, 10% of the advance is kept.
- Children up to 18 get student rates with a date-of-birth certificate and a school or college certificate.
GMVN rates (as listed)
| Ski hire – adult (Alpine / Nordic) | ₹800 a day |
| Ski hire – students up to 18 | ₹600 a pair |
| Ski lesson (child / adult) | ₹400 |
| Snowboard lesson | ₹600 a day |
| Snowboard hire | ₹1,200 a day |
| Ski goggles | ₹300 a day |
🚗 Getting up to Auli in winter
- Rishikesh / Haridwar to Joshimath is a full day by road along the Alaknanda – start early and avoid driving after dark in winter.
- Joshimath to Auli is 14–16 km by road, 40–60 minutes. The ropeway has been closed since January 2023.
- After fresh snow the Joshimath–Auli road can close for a few hours or need snow chains. Local taxis carry chains.
- Keep one spare day in your plan – snow or a landslide can hold the road.
🎒 What to pack
- Thermals, a down jacket, woollen cap and gloves (waterproof gloves if you will ski)
- Waterproof shoes with grip – the snow packs into ice on paths
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – snow glare is strong at 2,800 m
- Cash – ATMs are in Joshimath, not on the slopes
- Basic medicines; drink water and go slow on the first day at altitude
Where to stay for the snow
Auli puts you on the slopes; Joshimath, 14–16 km below, has more choice, shops and food. Pick a room with heating – nights drop well below freezing.
Questions people ask
When does it snow in Auli?
Usually from late December to February, with the best snow cover in January and February. Snowfall changes every year – check the forecast a few days before you go.
When is the ski season in Auli?
GMVN runs the ski season from December to March, when there is enough snow on the slopes.
Can beginners ski in Auli?
Yes – GMVN offers ski lessons and day hire of skis and snowboards on the slopes in season. A lesson is listed at ₹400 and adult ski hire at ₹800 a day (GMVN, 2026).
Is the Joshimath–Auli ropeway working?
It has been closed since January 2023. Auli is reached by road from Joshimath, 14–16 km (40–60 minutes). Check the latest status locally before you travel.
Should I stay in Auli or Joshimath in winter?
Stay in Auli to wake up on the snow – rooms are few and nights very cold, so pick a stay with room heating. Joshimath has more choice, shops and food, 14–16 km below.
Is the road to Auli open after snowfall?
It can close for a few hours after fresh snow or need snow chains. Start early, use a local taxi and keep a spare day.
Plan the rest of your Auli trip
Stays, routes and itineraries.