Auli Skiing
Auli in
Uttranchal, is a hill resort with a difference. While travellers make
their way to most hill resorts in India in summer; Auli is a resort
where people travel more in winter to experience the pleasure of skiing
and other winter sports here. What makes Auli more irresistible is its
complete isolation. And all one has to do is try their hands (rather
feet) at skiing, besides enjoying the pristine beauty bestowed so
lavishly on this spot.
For the ski enthusiasts, Auli is an active destination. The Garhwal
Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) offers a fortnight-long skiing course for the
amateurs. There is also a week long course for the tourists. The charges
are Rs 3,500 per head; students may avail of a discount. The skiing
equipment is also available at an affordable dent on your purse. But all
the time and money is worth spending for one single downhill journey
that is made on the skis. The 4-km-long ropeway that was set up in 1994
and connects Joshimath and Auli, has increased the attraction of Auli
manifolds. The ropeway has 10 towers and two cabin. Each cabin can
accommodate 25 people.
Equipment
GMVN Provides with modern ski equipment to the participant.
Participants are advised to bring heavy woollen cloths like caps, socks,
gloves, mufflers, pullovers, trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses,
gum/snow boots and a torch for personal use.
Precautions
One thing to keep in mind before you take as tour to Auli, is that to
ensure that you pack up enough warm clothes. Auli is quite cold so
excellent winter wear is a must. You can also keep a first-aid kit since
it's a good idea to always carry one on holidays, regardless of the
destination. Another things to bring along are, a torch/flashlight, good
pair of snow boots and dark glasses to protect the eyes. Also pack a
couple of extra batteries and a few candles, since the region faces a
lot of power cuts.
Getting There
By Road
Local transport buses ply regularly from Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun
and Delhi to Joshimath. Auli is 16 kms from Joshimath. The chair-lift is
the best way to move up the slopes.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Haridwar, which is about 270 Km from Joshimath.
One can get buses and taxis for Joshimath from Haridwar.
By Air
The nearest is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 273 Km from Joshimath, which has
buses and taxis for Joshimath.
