Photo spot in Auli
Auli Ski Slopes
Auli, Uttarakhand
The gentle, well-groomed slopes that make Auli India's premier ski destination — powder in winter, with the GMVN slopes and towering Nanda Devi and Trishul on the skyline.
Best time
Morning, when the slope is freshly groomed and Nanda Devi is clear; late afternoon for long shadows on the snow.
Best angle
Stand at the foot of the main run and take a wide photo up the slope, with skiers small on the snow and the peaks along the top of the frame.
Entry fee
Slope/lift fee
Opening hours
Daylight (ski season)
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Auli Ski Slopes
Morning, when the slope is freshly groomed and Nanda Devi is clear; late afternoon for long shadows on the snow. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Auli Ski Slopes
Stand at the foot of the main run and take a wide photo up the slope, with skiers small on the snow and the peaks along the top of the frame. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the ski slope
With Nanda Devi behind
Outfit guide
What to wear at Auli Ski Slopes
For photos at Auli Ski Slopes, red, black and white work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Auli Ski Slopes.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Auli.
Eat nearby
Food near Auli Ski Slopes
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for kafuli nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Book GMVN ski courses weeks ahead, as places in January and February go fast.
Check recent snow reports before booking, since winters vary widely.
Start on the drag-lift area if you are a beginner and leave the upper slope for later.
Rent skis and boots from established shops and test the fit before you pay.
Wear goggles or dark glasses all day, even when it is cloudy.
Get on the slope early; snow is firmer and the peaks clearer before noon.
Keep to the groomed runs and away from the forest edges.
India's other ski field
The Auli slopes run down an open hillside at roughly 2,500 to 3,000 m, with oak and conifer forest on either side and the Garhwal peaks straight ahead. The main run was certified by the International Ski Federation, and the slope hosted the 2011 South Asian Winter Games and a national skiing championship in February 2026. It is smaller than Gulmarg, gentler, and better suited to beginners.
When there is snow
Snow usually arrives in late December or January, and January and February give the most reliable skiing. By March the lower slopes thin out. Winters vary a lot, and some recent seasons have been lean, so check recent reports before you travel for skiing.
Learning to ski
GMVN usually runs ski courses of about one and two weeks through the winter, with equipment and instructors included; book early on its website. Private instructors and local operators offer shorter lessons. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police also train on these slopes, and you may see their teams practising.
Lifts
A chairlift of about 800 m links the lower area to the upper slope, and a short drag lift serves the beginners' area. The long Joshimath–Auli ropeway, once used by skiers too, has been shut since January 2023. The chairlift stops for wind and maintenance; ask at the counter.
Not skiing
Most visitors do not ski at all. They walk on the snow, try sledging and snowshoes, take the chairlift for the view, or watch the lessons. In summer the same slope is a green meadow with grazing cattle and wide views of Nanda Devi.
Safety
Stay on the marked slopes. The forest edges and the ground beyond hold deep snow and hidden drops. Wear goggles or dark glasses, as snow glare burns eyes fast. Rent gear from established shops, and check boots and bindings before you set off.
Questions
Auli Ski Slopes — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Auli Ski Slopes?
Morning, when the slope is freshly groomed and Nanda Devi is clear; late afternoon for long shadows on the snow. Stand at the foot of the main run and take a wide photo up the slope, with skiers small on the snow and the peaks along the top of the frame.
Is there an entry fee at Auli Ski Slopes?
Entry to Auli Ski Slopes is by slope/lift fee.
What are the opening hours of Auli Ski Slopes?
Auli Ski Slopes is open daylight (ski season).
What should I wear at Auli Ski Slopes?
Red, black and white photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Auli Ski Slopes get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the slope is freshly groomed and Nanda Devi is clear; late afternoon for long shadows on the snow.
What food should I try near Auli Ski Slopes?
Try kafuli, available at nearby restaurants.
Is Auli good for beginners?
Yes. The slopes are gentle compared with Gulmarg, and GMVN courses and local instructors cater mainly to beginners.
How long are the GMVN ski courses?
Usually about one week or two weeks, run through the winter with equipment included. Check the GMVN website for this season's dates.
Can non-skiers enjoy the slopes?
Yes. Walking on the snow, sledging, snowshoeing and the chairlift ride are all popular, and the views are the same for everyone.
Does the ropeway serve the ski slopes?
No, not since January 2023. Skiers use the chairlift and the drag lift on the slopes, and reach Auli by road.