Auli Snowfall 2026: When It Snows, Temperature & Winter Trip Guide
Auli is where most people picture snow in Uttarakhand: wide white slopes above a sea of oak and deodar forest, with Nanda Devi, at 7,816 m, filling the horizon. It is the state's only proper ski resort and its most reliable snow destination. Here is everything you need to plan around Auli snowfall: when it snows, how cold it gets, how to get there in winter, and what to do once you arrive.
Auli snow at a glance: Altitude 2,500–3,050 m · First snow usually December · Best snow mid-January to mid-February · January temperature about -7°C to 3°C · 16 km road from Joshimath · Today's Auli weather
When Does It Snow in Auli?
| Month | Snow | Typical temperature | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Rare, light dusting | -2 to 9°C | Views, quiet meadows |
| December | First snow, mostly late in the month | -5 to 5°C | Early snow, New Year |
| January | Heavy, most reliable | -7 to 3°C | Snow play, skiing |
| February | Deepest base | -5 to 5°C | Skiing, ski festivals |
| March | Late spells, melting by end | -2 to 9°C | Late-season skiing |
Snow arrives in spells, so even in January you may arrive to clear blue skies. That is fine: snow from previous spells will still be lying on the slopes. For the bigger picture across the state, see our Uttarakhand snowfall calendar.
Auli Temperature Today
For the current temperature and the next few days' forecast, open the live Auli weather page. If you are staying in Joshimath and driving up, also check Joshimath weather, which is usually 5–8°C warmer. Our Uttarakhand snowfall today page has live weather and road status for all the other snow spots too.
How to Reach Auli in Winter
- Delhi to Rishikesh (about 240 km) by road, train to Haridwar, or flight to Dehradun.
- Rishikesh to Joshimath (about 255 km, 9–10 hours) via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag. Most people break the journey overnight.
- Joshimath to Auli (16 km, about 45 minutes) up a steep, winding road. After heavy snow, the upper part may only be passable in a 4x4 with chains for a day or two.
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway, once one of Asia's longest, was suspended in January 2023 after land subsidence in Joshimath. Plan on the road, and ask your hotel whether anything has changed before you travel.
Things to Do in Auli in the Snow
- Skiing: Auli's slopes suit beginners and intermediates. Gear is available on rent, and GMVN and local instructors run day lessons and multi-day courses. Costs are broken down in our Auli trip cost guide.
- Snow walk to Gorson Bugyal: A 3 km walk through snowy oak forest to a high meadow with wide views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Dronagiri.
- The artificial lake: One of the highest man-made lakes in the world, built to feed snow-making on the slopes.
- Winter treks: The Kuari Pass winter trek starts near Auli and is one of the classic Himalayan winter routes.
- Sunrise over Nanda Devi: On clear mornings after a snow spell, the peaks glow pink for a few minutes before the sun hits the slopes.
Where to Stay
Auli itself has a small number of hotels and a GMVN resort near the slopes, which fill up fast in January and around New Year. Joshimath, 16 km below, has many more budget and mid-range options and is a sensible base if Auli is full, though you will need a taxi up each day. See the Auli destination page for listings.
3-Day Auli Snow Itinerary
- Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath (start early), overnight Joshimath.
- Day 2: Drive up to Auli, ski lesson or snow play, walk to Gorson Bugyal, sunset over Nanda Devi.
- Day 3: Sunrise on the slopes, second ski session, drive down to Joshimath or start back towards Rishikesh.
Add a day if you want to combine Auli with Chopta and Tungnath, which is on the way back via Gopeshwar when the road is open.
What to Pack
- Thermals, a fleece and a waterproof, insulated outer jacket
- Waterproof gloves, a woollen cap and a neck warmer
- Waterproof boots with good grip (or rent snow boots)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: snow glare at this altitude is intense
- Basic medicines, lip balm and a reusable water bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
When does it snow in Auli?
Auli usually gets its first proper snow in December, often in the second half of the month. January and February have the most snow, and late spells in early March keep the slopes covered.
What is the best time to visit Auli for snowfall?
Mid-January to mid-February. Snow depth is highest, the ski slopes are open, and you have the best chance of catching a fresh snow spell.
What is the temperature in Auli in winter?
In January, Auli typically ranges from about -7°C at night to 3°C in the day. December and February are slightly milder, roughly -5°C to 5°C. Check the live Auli weather page for today's temperature.
Is there snow in Auli in December?
Often, but not always. In most years there is some snow by late December, but in a dry winter the first good snowfall can be delayed until January. If you are travelling for Christmas or New Year, keep a backup plan.
How do I reach Auli in winter?
Drive to Joshimath via Rishikesh, Srinagar and Karnaprayag, then take the 16 km road up to Auli. After heavy snow the upper road may need a 4x4 with chains. The Joshimath–Auli ropeway has been suspended since January 2023.
Can beginners ski in Auli?
Yes. Auli has gentle beginner slopes, and GMVN and private instructors run short courses and day lessons with equipment on rent.
More Snow Trips
Compare Auli with eleven other snow destinations in our Uttarakhand snowfall places guide, see what else is open in Uttarakhand in December, or let the AI Trip Planner plan your Auli trip.
