Snow in Auli: Uttarakhand's ski slopes.
Auli’s open slopes above Joshimath face Nanda Devi and the Garhwal peaks, and in a normal winter they are deep in snow from late December to March. Here is how the season runs, a live forecast, and what to know before you go.
- ~2,800 m Auli slopes
- Jan–Mar ski season
- 16 km road from Joshimath
- Live 7-day snow forecast
Updated November 2026 · HP Tourism registered travel agent · Reg. No. DTO-MND-11-243/2022 · certificates
Auli usually gets its first proper snow in late December, and January to March is the dependable snow and ski season. The slopes sit at roughly 2,500–3,000 m above Joshimath, so a cold spell turns them white quickly. Last winter, Auli had heavy snowfall on 23 January 2026 — enough to close the Joshimath–Auli road for a time. The Joshimath–Auli cable car has been shut since January 2023, so you reach Auli by the 16 km road from Joshimath. Check the live forecast below a week before you travel.
- Best months for snowJanuary and February; late December and March in a good winter.
- Ski seasonUsually January to March, once the base is deep enough.
- Getting upBy road, 16 km from Joshimath; the cable car is closed since Jan 2023.
- After heavy snowThe Joshimath–Auli road can close until it is cleared — keep a buffer day.
- Nearest airportDehradun (Jolly Grant), then a long mountain drive.
When does it snow in Auli?
Auli is a set of wide, open meadows on the slopes above Joshimath in Chamoli district, facing Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and the peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya. Its height and its long, open slopes are why it became India’s best-known ski area outside Kashmir.
The first snow usually reaches the higher slopes in November or December, with a proper snow cover building by late December in a normal year. January and February are the most reliable months, and March often still has good snow up high.
Last winter, a strong western disturbance brought heavy snowfall to Auli on 23 January 2026, together with Badrinath, Kedarnath, Mussoorie and Munsiyari. The Joshimath–Auli road, which leads to the National Skiing Centre, was closed for a time because of the accumulated snow — a good reminder to keep a spare day in your plan.
Auli snowfall by month
A simple guide from recent winters and the usual pattern. Use the live forecast for your actual dates.
| Month | Snow on the slopes | Skiing | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Light snow possible up high | No | Clear, cold days; Badrinath closes for winter |
| December | Snow usually arrives late in the month | Rarely | Christmas–New Year visitors; cold nights |
| January | Most reliable month | Yes, once the base builds | Coldest; the road can shut after heavy snow |
| February | Deep snow most years | Peak season | Best month for ski courses |
| March | Snow lies on, thaws lower down | Spring skiing | Longer days; slush on the road |
Going in December? See our Auli in December guide and Auli weather by month.
Will it snow in Auli this week?
Snow expected in the next 7 days at Auli — with Gulmarg, Solang, Sissu, Narkanda and Kufri for comparison. Bars show forecast snow per day; a gold outline means snow is in this week’s forecast.
Snow in the next 7 days
Checking the forecast…
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Forecast data: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0), refreshed through the day — last update —. Snow in cm is estimated from forecast precipitation (1 mm ≈ 1 cm) when it falls as snow; treat it as a guide, not a promise.
Auli in the snow
The snowy slopes, the ropeway and the peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya — real photographs, each credited to its photographer.
Best snow spots in and around Auli
From the main slopes to the meadows above them.
Auli ski slopes
The open slopes of the National Skiing Centre — snow play, beginner lessons and longer runs in a good winter.
The chairlift
An 800 m chairlift on the slopes usually reopens before Christmas after maintenance — confirm on the day.
Gorson Bugyal
A high meadow ringed by oak and pine with wide snow-peak views; deep snow in mid-winter.
Auli artificial lake
Built to feed snow-making on the ski slopes; frozen or snow-covered in mid-winter.
Joshimath
The base town for hotels, food and supplies; colder and quieter in winter.
Elsewhere for snow
If Auli’s forecast is dry, compare every point on our live snow tracker.
Reaching Auli in snow season
Road: most travellers drive from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh to Joshimath along the Alaknanda valley — a long mountain day — then up the 16 km road to Auli. After heavy snow, the Joshimath–Auli road can close until it is cleared.
Cable car: the Joshimath–Auli cable car has been closed since January 2023 and remained closed in 2026, so plan on the road. The smaller chairlift on the slopes is separate.
Skiing: lessons and equipment hire are available at Auli in season; book ahead for January–February weekends and the holiday weeks.
Clothes: proper winter gear — thermals, a down jacket, waterproof gloves, a cap and snow boots. Nights at Auli fall well below freezing in January.
Plan your Auli snow trip
We plan Uttarakhand winter trips as custom packages — car from Delhi, Dehradun or Haridwar, hotels in Joshimath or Auli, and a driver who knows the winter road.
Want to see snow in Auli?
Tell us your dates and group. We watch the forecast and the Joshimath road, book hotels in Joshimath or Auli, and send one written quote with meals and a private cab. Suzu Travels is an HP Tourism registered travel agent based in Bilaspur, Himachal, planning trips across North India.
Questions travellers ask
Which month is best for snowfall in Auli?
January and February are the most reliable months for snow, and the best for skiing. Late December often has snow too, and March can still be good up high.
When did Auli last get heavy snow?
Auli had heavy snowfall on 23 January 2026, which closed the Joshimath–Auli road for a time because of the accumulated snow.
Is the Auli ropeway open?
The Joshimath–Auli cable car has been closed since January 2023 and remained closed in 2026, so you drive the 16 km road from Joshimath. The 800 m chairlift on the slopes is separate and usually reopens before Christmas.
When is the skiing season in Auli?
Usually January to March, once the snow base is deep enough. Lessons and equipment hire are available at Auli in season.
How do I reach Auli in winter?
Drive to Joshimath from Delhi, Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh, then take the 16 km road up to Auli. Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport.
How can I know if it will snow in Auli on my dates?
Check the live 7-day forecast on this page a week before you travel. Forecasts beyond about a week are not reliable for snow.
Sources
- The Week (PTI): Uttarakhand sees first snowfall of 2026; Joshimath–Auli road closed — 24 Jan 2026
- MET Norway Locationforecast (CC BY 4.0) — live forecast data
Photo credits
Auli under snow — Photo: Amit Shaw, CC0 · The Auli ropeway — Photo: KRISHNA1106, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Snow on the Auli slopes — Photo: ArmouredCyborg, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Himalayan peaks from Auli — Photo: Iamkher, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Auli temple from the ropeway — Photo: Siddhant Garg, CC0 · The mountains around Auli — Photo: Navi8apr, CC BY-SA 4.0 · The ropeway at Joshimath — Photo: christian0702, CC BY 2.0
