Auli

Located in Uttarakhand in the Garhwal Himalayas, above Joshimath, Auli is India's most famous place for alpine skiing. Skiing takes place at high altitudes, approximately between 2,500 and 3,164 feet, with a vertical drop around 1640.4 feet.

The ski area itself is quite compact but has a nice feel, with about 1.9 miles of groomed slopes often used for training and competitions, plus a platform lift and simpler lifts. Part of the experience is also the classic cable car from Joshimath to Auli, just over 2.5 miles, which takes you up in altitude quickly and provides views of the valley and the surrounding peaks.

The snow can be really good when the weather delivers, but Auli is located far south compared to many "snow-sure" mountains, so the season is sensitive to temperature and rainfall. Therefore, artificial snow and piste preparation are important parts of getting a stable winter.

Off-piste and forest skiing are not the main thing here. Auli is more of a place for piste, carving and technical skiing, with the Himalayas as a backdrop, rather than large freeride zones straight from the lift system.