Skiing in Auli usually runs from mid-January to early March, depending on snowfall. As a beginner, you can try it for a day with a local instructor for about ₹1,500–₹3,000 including gear, or join a 7-day course. You don't need your own equipment or any experience; everything can be rented at the slopes.
If you've never skied before, Auli is one of the best places in India to start. The slopes face Nanda Devi, the instructors are used to complete beginners, and you can fit a ski day into a normal 5-day holiday. This guide covers everything a first-timer needs to know: when to go, what it costs, what to wear and what your first day will actually look like.
Why Auli is India's best-known ski destination
Auli sits at about 2,800–3,000 m on the slopes above Joshimath in Chamoli district. A few things make it special for skiing:
- Open, varied slopes with gentle areas for beginners and steeper runs for experienced skiers
- Big views: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Dronagiri and other peaks line the horizon
- Facilities: a ski lift, a chair lift, rental shops and local instructors
- Training heritage: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), the state tourism corporation, has run ski courses here for years, and Auli has hosted national winter games
When is the ski season in Auli?
There's no fixed date. Skiing starts once the slopes have a solid snow base, usually by mid-January, and continues until the snow softens in early March.
- December: snow often starts falling, but it's usually too thin to ski on.
- Mid-January to February: the most reliable time. This is when we recommend booking.
- March: possible in good snow years, but the season can end early.
In low-snow winters, the season is shorter. Read the best time to visit Auli Chopta for a month-by-month view.
Three ways to ski in Auli
| Option | Duration | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Try-out with a local instructor | Half day to 1 day | Tourists on an Auli Chopta trip | About ₹1,500–₹3,000 with gear |
| Private beginner course | 5–7 days | People who want to learn properly | Varies; usually includes stay, meals, gear and instructor |
| GMVN course | 7 days (non-certificate) or 14 days (certificate) | Learners who want a recognised course | Fees set by GMVN each season |
Our advice: if you're on a holiday and just want to experience skiing, a half or full day with a local instructor is perfect. If you catch the bug, come back for a proper course the next winter.
What your first day of skiing looks like
Morning: getting set up. You'll be fitted for ski boots (they feel stiff and heavy at first) and given skis and poles. Your instructor teaches you to walk, turn around and keep your balance on flat snow.
Late morning: learning to stop. On a gentle slope, you'll learn the "snowplough", pointing the tips of your skis together in a V shape (some instructors call it the "pizza"). This is how beginners control speed and stop. Stopping always comes before going fast.
Afternoon: your first runs. Short, slow runs down the beginner slope with your instructor beside you. You'll practise gentle turns and stopping again and again.
By the end of day one, most beginners can make slow, controlled runs. You'll fall a few times; everyone does, and the snow is soft. Expect tired legs the next morning!
GMVN ski courses in Auli
GMVN runs structured ski courses at Auli every winter:
- 7-day non-certificate course: for beginners who want a solid start
- 14-day certificate course: at basic, intermediate and advanced levels
The fee covers boarding, shared dormitory lodging, ski equipment (skis, boots and poles), ski lifts and training. Students under 18 need to show a birth certificate. Batches fill quickly, so book as soon as GMVN announces the season's dates on its website.
How much does skiing in Auli cost?
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Ski rental (skis, boots, poles) | About ₹550–₹1,500 per day, depending on the shop and gear |
| Private instructor | About ₹2,000 per day |
| Beginner day (lesson and gear) | About ₹1,500–₹3,000 |
| Snowboarding instead of skiing | About ₹1,500–₹2,000 extra per day |
| Auli chair lift, when running | About ₹500 return |
Prices change every season, so always agree on the price before you start. For your whole-trip budget, see the Auli Chopta trip cost.
What to wear for skiing
- Waterproof ski trousers and jacket. Rent them in Auli if you don't own any.
- Thermal inner layers, top and bottom.
- Waterproof gloves. Cotton or woollen gloves soak through in minutes.
- A woollen cap and a neck warmer.
- Sunglasses or goggles. The glare off snow is strong.
- Sunscreen (SPF 50) and lip balm. You can burn easily at this altitude.
- Two pairs of woollen socks. Avoid thick cotton socks; they stay wet.
See our full Auli Chopta packing list.
Safety tips for beginners
- Ski only with a qualified instructor on your first day.
- Stay on the marked beginner slopes.
- Learn to stop before you try to go fast.
- Stop when you're tired; most falls happen on the last run of the day.
- Keep a safe distance from other skiers.
- Get travel insurance that covers adventure sports.
Can children ski in Auli?
Yes. Children from about 5 years old can take lessons with an instructor. Kids often pick it up faster than adults because they're closer to the ground and less afraid of falling. Keep their sessions shorter, and make sure they have waterproof gloves and plenty of warm layers.
Getting to the ski slopes
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been closed since January 2023, so the slopes are reached by road, about 14–16 km from Joshimath (latest status). After heavy snow, the upper road can close for a few hours. In peak ski weeks, stay in Auli rather than Joshimath so you're already at the slopes. See where to stay in Chopta and Auli.
Add a ski day to your trip
Our Auli Chopta tour package includes a full day in Auli, and in January and February we can arrange an instructor and gear for you. Call or WhatsApp +91-90459-16770, +91-78307-18687. Planning the whole holiday? Read our Auli Chopta travel guide.
