Festival · UTTARAKHAND
January (varies) · Auli
Skiing competitions and snow sports festival at Auli's slopes at 2,500m, featuring national-level ski races, snowboarding, and après-ski cultural programs.
Why it mattersAuli is India's premier ski destination; this carnival promotes winter sports tourism in Uttarakhand.
January is why Auli exists. Deep snow blankets the slopes, the ski season is in full swing, and Nanda Devi (7816m) stands impossibly close across the valley. India's best skiing happens here — not world-class, but genuine, affordable, and framed by the highest peaks in the country.
Live in Auli
A Garhwali family homestay at the Auli base in Joshimath. Home-cooked meals, local stories, and honest advice on ski conditions. The mother makes the best mandua roti and pahadi dal. Cheaper than staying on top.
Homestay in Joshimath with mountain views, free wifi and private parking. Perfect base for Auli skiing and Valley of Flowers trek
Family-run boutique retreat amidst apple orchards with luxury Swiss tents offering 360-degree Nanda Devi views and Garhwali mountain-view restaurant
SignatureGarhwali set meal with seasonal greens
Day visitors can book a meal in advance via the resort's number — they don't actively cater walk-ins but will accommodate if you call from Joshimath before driving up.
Signaturekafuli with mandua ki roti
Order from the local section, not the international one — the kitchen sources organic ingredients from farms below Joshimath specifically for the Garhwali dishes. Skip the Chinese.
Signaturehomely dal-chawal with seasonal sabzi
Eat in the dining hall, not in your room — the kitchen is at the far end of the complex and food cools fast on the walk back. Open to non-residents but they'll ask you to wait until in-house guests are served.
Signaturevegetable pakoras with chai at altitude
Stay-guests get full board built into the tariff; walk-ins should call ahead — they sometimes refuse outside diners during peak ski season because the kitchen is sized for in-house occupancy.
Alpine meadow at 10,000 ft with stunning views of Nanda Devi and Trishul. Easy trek from Auli.
Asia's longest cable car at 4 km connecting Joshimath to Auli. Spectacular views of Nanda Devi.
India's premier ski destination with slopes between 8,200-10,000 ft. Nanda Devi backdrop.
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