Auli can
be reached by road or ropeway from Joshimath. Locally called trolley,
this 500m long ski-lift system which is the longest cable car in Asia,
connects Joshimath with Gorson, above Auli. A short distance beyond
Gorson lies the hill of Gorson Top, which provides an excellent view
of the giant mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri. From
Gorson, an 800m long chair lift travels to the base lodge that marks
the starting point for all the ski runs. It is Auli's only chair lift
that connects the lower slopes with the upper slopes. From there, the
skiers can ski down to enjoy almost 20 km of virgin slopes of the unexplored
terrain and others can walk down through the snow capped paths. Sliding
down on skis at a speed of 20-40 Kms per hour, provide a thrilling experience.
Skiing and Tourist resort, run by Garhwal Mandal Vikas
Nigam (GMVN), provides accommodation as well as all other facilities
to the tourist. It has two snow-beaters imported from Germany which
beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times.
Auli is the venue of the Indian winter games. This
skier’s paradise is an active destination for the ski enthusiasts. GMVN
offers fortnight-long skiing courses for amateurs. This includes a 7
day non-certificate course and 14 days certificate skiing courses by
qualified instructors from Skiing and Tourist Resorts, Auli and Indian
Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg. These courses are conducted
from the month of January to March. Special provisions for day tourists
are also available.
All the skiing equipment are available with GMVN on
hire including the most modern alpine skis, Nordic skis, gloves and
goggles. As the weather of Auli is really chilled, tourists are advised
to bring woolen clothing, socks, wind-proof jackets etc. Medical facilities,
microwave telephones, wireless sets and walkie-talkies are also available.
Another option for accommodation is the Cliff Top Club Resort.
Auli's slopes are ideal for hosting skiing festivals
and competitions of national and international standards. Winter games
Federation of India organises championships in February or March, which
adds charm to the experience of the adventure seekers. Apart from skiing,
other attractions of Auli includes cable car rides, rope lifts and wonderful
views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7817 m), Mana Parbat (7273
m), Drona Giri, Trishuli, Hathi Ghora etc.