Skiing in India: Auli vs Gulmarg – Which Winter Ski Resort Should You Pick?
When people think of skiing, they often imagine the Alps or the Rockies. Yet, skiing in India is fast emerging as one of Asia’s most exciting winter adventures. The country’s northern mountains, with their deep snow cover, wide slopes, and alpine scenery, are home to some of the most underrated ski destinations in the world. Among them, Auli in Uttarakhand and Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir stand out as two of the most sought-after winter destinations.
Choosing between skiing in Auli and skiing in Gulmarg can be tricky, as both have their unique charm, snow conditions, and local experiences. Auli sits quietly in the Garhwal Himalayas, known for its smooth slopes and beginner-friendly terrain, while Gulmarg, with its towering peaks and powder snow, attracts thrill-seekers from across the world.
This guide takes a deep look into both, comparing everything from the best time to visit Auli and Gulmarg, snow quality, weather, accessibility, and stay options, to help travellers decide which is the best place for skiing in India this winter.
In this Blog
Skiing in Auli – India’s Scenic Alpine Playground
About Auli Ski Resort
The Auli Ski Resort is perched at an altitude of around 2,500 to 3,000 metres in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. What makes Auli special is that it combines professional skiing facilities with the calm charm of a Himalayan hill station. Unlike most ski destinations that feel commercial, Auli retains a homely mountain-town feel.
The Auli ski resort was originally developed by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) to promote winter tourism and has since evolved into a world-class ski destination. With ski slopes maintained by trained instructors and a dedicated chairlift system, Auli caters to both amateurs and seasoned skiers.
Snow in Auli and Weather in Auli
The weather in Auli during winter stays between -2°C to 10°C, making it ideal for snow activities. Snow in Auli generally begins around late December and lasts until early March, turning the meadows into a white carpet.
Auli’s snow is known for its consistency; it’s fine, dense, and smooth, making it perfect for ski runs. What adds to its appeal is the clear visibility; the skies are often bright, and on clear days, skiers can see the Nanda Devi peak standing tall on the horizon.
The best time to visit Auli for skiing is from mid-January to early March, when the snow depth is at its best, and the resort buzzes with ski festivals and training camps.
Skiing Experience in Auli
Skiing in Auli is known for its gentle slopes, making it an excellent destination for beginners and intermediate-level skiers. The slopes range from 2000 to 3000 metres, with a vertical drop that’s comfortable for controlled descents.
Auli is also home to Asia’s longest cable car – the Auli Ropeway – which connects the town of Joshimath to the ski resort. The 4-kilometre ride gives panoramic views of snowfields, forests, and Himalayan peaks, making the approach itself a part of the experience.
For those learning to ski, GMVN and private operators conduct certified training courses ranging from 7 to 14 days. The trainers here are well-versed in local snow conditions and focus on safe, structured learning.
Where to Stay – Villa in Auli and Other Options
Travellers can choose from a range of accommodation options, including cosy mountain lodges and private stays. For those seeking comfort and privacy, a villa in Auli near the slopes provides warmth, scenic views, and convenience.
Some of the most popular stays include government-run resorts managed by GMVN and boutique properties that overlook the ski slopes. These often come with traditional meals and locally sourced produce, giving visitors a taste of Garhwali hospitality.
Skiing in Gulmarg – India’s Powder Snow Paradise
About Gulmarg Ski Hill Resort
The Gulmarg Ski Hill Resort in Jammu & Kashmir sits at an altitude of 2,650 metres and is surrounded by towering peaks from the Pir Panjal range. Often compared to the best ski resorts in Europe, skiing in Gulmarg is an entirely different experience. It combines challenging terrains, deep powder snow, and dramatic scenery.
Gulmarg’s skiing history goes back to the British era, but it was only in the 1990s that it became globally recognised for heli-skiing and off-piste adventures. Today, it draws both professionals and adventure tourists from across the world.
Snow in Gulmarg and Weather in Gulmarg
Snow in Gulmarg is famous for its depth and powder-like texture, soft and dry, ideal for both beginners and professionals. The weather in Gulmarg during winter ranges between -8°C to 6°C, ensuring thick snow cover from December to early April.
The snow season starts slightly earlier than Auli, usually by mid-December, and often lasts until the end of March, giving travellers a longer skiing window. The best time to visit Gulmarg for skiing is between January and February, when the snow depth is ideal for freeriding and off-piste skiing.
Skiing Experience in Gulmarg
Skiing in Gulmarg is all about variety and scale. The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the world’s highest cable cars, takes visitors up to nearly 4,000 metres on Mount Apharwat. The views from here stretch far across snow-clad valleys, and the descent gives skiers an experience unmatched in South Asia.
The Gulmarg ski hill resort offers terrain suitable for everyone, from gentle beginner slopes near the base to thrilling off-piste runs for advanced skiers. The snow depth, gradient, and vertical drops make Gulmarg ideal for professional training and international competitions.
Another unique experience is heli-skiing, where a helicopter drops skiers at untouched snowfields high in the mountains. This adventure, though not for beginners, adds an exclusive edge to skiing in Gulmarg.
Where to Stay – Villa in Gulmarg and Other Options
Accommodation around Gulmarg ranges from colonial-era heritage hotels to modern mountain lodges. For travellers seeking privacy and comfort, a villa in Gulmarg near the slopes allows easy ski access and cosy winter evenings by the fireplace.
Some properties are built using traditional Kashmiri woodwork, offering a warm ambience against the snow outside. Local hospitality plays a big role here, from hot noon chai (salted tea) to local dishes like Rogan Josh, the food and culture enhance the skiing experience.
Auli vs Gulmarg – Comparing India’s Best Ski Resorts
1. Snow Quality and Terrain
When comparing snow in Auli and snow in Gulmarg, both have excellent conditions, but the texture and depth differ. Auli’s snow is more compact and stable, making it easier for beginners to practise balance and control. Gulmarg’s powder snow, on the other hand, is softer and deeper, perfect for advanced skiing and freeriding.
In terms of terrain, Auli’s slopes are smooth, gradual, and well-groomed, while Gulmarg’s runs are more extensive, with off-piste routes that challenge even professionals.
2. Skiing Facilities and Infrastructure
The Auli ski resort is more structured for beginners and families, with designated learning slopes, ski lifts, and certified trainers. The Gulmarg ski hill resort is geared towards adventure enthusiasts, with the Gulmarg Gondola giving access to high-altitude slopes and a variety of terrain options.
Both have government and private operators offering ski rentals, lessons, and guided tours. However, Auli’s smaller size gives it a more personal touch, while Gulmarg’s large-scale infrastructure suits group travel and international visitors.
3. Accessibility and Travel Experience
Auli is accessible via Rishikesh and Joshimath, connected by road from Dehradun or Haridwar. The final stretch from Joshimath to Auli can be covered using the ropeway, which itself is a scenic highlight.
Gulmarg, on the other hand, is around two hours from Srinagar Airport, making it easier to reach by air. Both destinations have well-connected routes, but Gulmarg’s proximity to a major airport gives it a slight advantage for travellers short on time.
4. Best Time to Visit – Seasonal Comparison
The best time to visit Auli for skiing is January to early March, when the snow is thick but stable, and visibility is excellent. The best time to visit Gulmarg stretches from December to March, offering a longer season and deeper snow cover.
For families and beginners, Auli’s late January period is perfect due to its manageable weather. For professionals or adventure seekers, Gulmarg in February provides challenging conditions with maximum snow depth.
5. Accommodation and Experience
Both destinations provide comfortable stays, but their styles differ. A villa in Auli gives the feel of a secluded mountain stay, ideal for those seeking peace and direct access to the slopes. A villa in Gulmarg often comes with luxury amenities and mountain views, catering to travellers looking for both adventure and comfort.
Auli’s hospitality feels local and homely, while Gulmarg’s mix of heritage hotels and modern chalets adds a classic charm.
Which is the Best Ski Resort in India?
Deciding which is the best ski resort in India depends on what kind of skiing experience one wants.
- For first-time skiers and families, skiing in Auli is ideal because of its smooth slopes, reliable weather, and accessible facilities.
- For adventure seekers and professional skiers, skiing in Gulmarg stands out with its vast terrain, powder snow, and high-altitude runs.
Both are equally rewarding, representing different sides of skiing in India: Auli for its precision and warmth, Gulmarg for its thrill and grandeur.
Tips for Planning a Skiing Trip in India
- Book Early: Both resorts see high demand during peak winter, especially around the New Year and February.
- Gear Up: Ski rentals are available locally, but carrying personal essentials like gloves, goggles, and warm layers is recommended.
- Learn the Basics: Enrol in a short course if skiing for the first time; both destinations have professional instructors.
- Check Snow Forecasts: Conditions can vary each week, so keeping track of the weather in Auli or the weather in Gulmarg before travel helps plan better.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: High altitude skiing can be tiring; adequate rest and hydration make a big difference.
Auli or Gulmarg – Your Perfect Winter Choice
Whether it’s the polished slopes of Auli or the thrilling descents of Gulmarg, skiing in India opens a new chapter in winter adventure tourism. Both destinations are distinct yet equally captivating.
Auli ski resort represents organised, family-friendly skiing with a touch of local charm, while the Gulmarg ski hill resort brings raw Himalayan adventure with world-class powder conditions.
For some, the quiet mornings of Auli with views of Nanda Devi may feel like the perfect escape. For others, the adrenaline of skiing down Mount Apharwat’s deep snowfields in Gulmarg may define the ultimate experience.Whichever you choose, skiing in Auli or skiing in Gulmarg, you’re bound to witness why these two destinations make India one of the best places for skiing in Asia. Each slope tells its own story, each snowfall marks a memory, and both together prove that the best skiing in India can easily rival anywhere in the world.
Banner Image Credit: Christian ter Maat via Unsplash
Written by: Ruben Saha
