Complete Guide to Auli Snowfall Time and Season
Auli sits at the foot of Nanda Devi (7,816m), India's second highest peak. Its elevation of 2,519–3,049m means it receives 60–100 cm of snow annually — the most reliable snowfall among all road-accessible destinations in Uttarakhand.
| Month | Snowfall | Snow Depth | Temperature | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | Light snowfall possible | 5–15 cm | -2°C to 8°C | Pre-season; trail walks |
| December | Regular snowfall begins | 20–40 cm | -5°C to 4°C | Early skiing; Christmas snow |
| January | Heavy snowfall (peak) | 60–100 cm | -10°C to 0°C | Peak ski season |
| February | Heavy snowfall continues | 50–90 cm | -8°C to 2°C | Peak ski + powder boarding |
| March | Moderate; melting starts | 20–50 cm (upper slopes) | 0°C to 10°C | Spring skiing on upper Auli |
| April | Snow mostly gone at base | 0–15 cm (summit only) | 5°C to 18°C | Ski season ends; trekking begins |
Best Time to Visit Auli for Snowfall
- January (peak): Maximum snowfall — 60–100 cm base depth; Auli Ski Festival often held in January; book 6–8 weeks ahead
- February: Powder skiing at its best; Nanda Devi views crystal clear on clear days; slightly fewer crowds than January
- December (Christmas–New Year): Fresh snowfall + festive atmosphere; significantly cheaper than January if you book early
- March: End of season but still skiable on upper slopes; lowest prices; can combine with trek to Kuari Pass
How to Reach Auli
- Via Gondola: Joshimath → Auli by Asia's longest gondola (4 km, 25 min); operates year-round; ₹500 per trip
- By Road: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Joshimath (300 km, 9–10 hrs); Auli is 13 km from Joshimath
- By Road to Auli directly: Motor road from Joshimath to Auli (14 km); driveable in winter with snow chains
- By Train: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh by road (no train to Joshimath); overnight bus from Delhi to Joshimath available
Auli Skiing Costs and Packages
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| GMVN ski package (7 days, all inclusive) | ₹10,000–₹18,000/person |
| Gondola ride (Joshimath–Auli) | ₹500 one way / ₹900 return |
| Ski equipment rental (per day) | ₹500–₹800 (skis, boots, poles) |
| Ski lesson (beginner, 2 hrs) | ₹800–₹1,200 |
| Hotel in Auli (GMVN resort) | ₹2,000–₹6,000/night |
| Hotel in Joshimath | ₹700–₹3,500/night |
Travel Tips and FAQs
- GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) runs Auli's ski resort — book official packages at gmvnl.in for best rates
- January school holidays (Jan 2–15) are the busiest period — gondola queues can be 1–2 hrs; arrive early or pre-book
- Carry multiple warm layers — wind chill at Auli summit can make -10°C feel like -20°C
- Altitude: Auli base is 2,519m — spend a night at Joshimath (1,890m) before ascending to avoid altitude sickness
- Photography: Dawn on clear January days reveals all 13 Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi — the best view in India from a ski resort
FAQ: When is the best month to visit Auli for snow? January is the peak snowfall month at Auli — typical base depth of 60–100 cm with fresh snowfall almost every week. February is equally good for powder and slightly less crowded.