Nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli is more than just a postcard-perfect hill station. Snow-clad peaks, sweeping alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air set the scene—but what truly sets Auli apart is its status as India’s only internationally recognized skiing destination. For winter sports lovers and adventure seekers, Auli represents the heart of skiing in the country.
India’s Only International Skiing Slope
Auli proudly hosts the Nanda Devi ski slope, India’s premier ski slope accredited by the Federation of International Skiing (FIS). Built in 2011 for the South Asian Games, this slope placed Uttarakhand on the global winter sports map.
The south-facing Nanda Devi slope stretches 1,350 meters in length and about 40 meters in width, designed to meet international competition standards. Ski lifts and chairlifts ferry athletes smoothly to the starting point, ensuring seamless movement during training and events. To combat unpredictable snowfall, the slope was also equipped with a snow-gun system for artificial snowmaking—though it currently awaits restoration.
Extended Global Recognition
Initially granted international recognition for 10 years, the Nanda Devi slope underwent a fresh inspection in 2019. Following this review, FIS extended its accreditation for another decade, reaffirming Auli’s importance in global skiing circuits. This distinction makes Auli the only location in India with an internationally certified ski slope, a rare achievement in South Asia.
Legacy Slopes Near Tower No. 10
Beyond the Nanda Devi slope, Auli features another competitive skiing slope near Tower No. 10, known as one of the oldest skiing tracks in the region. Developed during the Uttar Pradesh era and later used extensively by Uttarakhand, this slope is around one kilometer long and over 40 meters wide. Over the years, it has hosted numerous National Games and national skiing competitions, continuing to play a crucial role in nurturing Indian skiing talent.
Gaurso Bugyal: The Future of Indian Skiing?
Located about three kilometers from Auli, Gaurso Bugyal offers vast natural slopes ideally suited for skiing and winter sports. When snowfall was insufficient in Auli, National Games have previously been held here. The only challenge remains accessibility, as reaching Gaurso currently requires a trek. To address this, the Tourism Department has proposed extending the ropeway to Gaurso, a move that could unlock its full potential.
Renowned Indian ski coach Ajay Bhatt has emphasized that Gaurso’s natural terrain is perfect for international-level training and competitions. With proper infrastructure, the area could evolve into a world-class winter sports hub.
Why Auli Matters
From hosting international games to training national champions, Auli stands as the backbone of India’s skiing ecosystem. Its combination of certified slopes, legacy tracks, and promising future zones like Gaurso Bugyal makes it unmatched in the country.
Plan Your Auli Skiing Experience with YatraKey
At YatraKey, we specialize in crafting seamless Uttarakhand travel experiences—from Auli skiing tours and winter holidays to customized adventure and pilgrimage packages. With deep local expertise, trusted hotel partnerships, and end-to-end trip planning, our team ensures your journey to Auli is smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Whether you’re a skiing enthusiast, a nature lover, or a first-time visitor, YatraKey helps you explore Auli the right way—beyond just sightseeing, into experiences that last a lifetime.
