• ABOUT THE SPOT

Snowboarding in Auli Ski Resort, Joshimath, Uttarakhand India

Skill level:
Beginners and advanced
Top elevation:
10003ft/3049m
Vertical drop:
1735ft/529m
Best season:
Late December to March
Joshimath is a mountainous town, located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is known for its natural beauty and religious importance, as it is a pilgrimage center and home to one of the four major cardinal monasteries in the area.

Surrounded by the extraordinary Himalayas, the town is a gateway to several mountain and hiking expeditions and attracts visitors from all over the world and all year round. Auli ski resort is a deep meadow, located in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas and considered to be among the best ski resorts in the world.

The resort’s base elevation is at 8267 ft/2520 m, while the top elevation reaches up a height of 10003 ft/3049 m. It has a vertical drop of 1735 ft/529 m and is connected to Joshimath town with a cable car that runs for 1.8 mi/3 km. Favored with good quality snow and flanked by ancient oak trees that reduce the wind velocity to the minimum, Auli offers snow enthusiasts amazing wild slopes and breathtaking views of the mountains.

There are more than 12.4 mi/20 km of skiable terrain on the virgin slopes of the mountain, ideal for downhill, slalom and cross country snowboarding, as well as 7.4 mi/12 km of wooded piste. The average snowfall is around 9.8 ft/3 m and provides perfect conditions for snowboarding of all skill levels.

Despite the fact that there are no terrain parks, half pipes, snow making and X-Country facilities in Auli, the natural scenery and the alpine beauty will certainly excite even the most demanding visitor. The resort provides snow packing machines, chair lifts and a surface lift, as well as snowboard rentals, restaurants, accommodation and instructors. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop as low as 19.4 °F/-7 °C on January and February, so be prepared in regards of snow gear and clothing.