The hills of Garhwal offer immense opportunities for adventure sports. the region abounds with a splendid combination of flora & fauna, flowing river and snow capped mountains which are magnificent enough to infule the spirit of adventure in all. The exhilarating sport of skiing is a big draw. A serious protagonist or a ontime prospector of thrills, all fine Garhwal a perfect spot for the sport. Thrilling water sports beckon enthusiasts to try out their skills on the gushing white waters.

The panoramic hills of Garhwal are a combination of mountain peaks and valleys. the large slopes when covered with seasonal snow become ideal for skiing in the winter months.

The thrill of skiing over snow covered terrains remains unparalled. As the elements are defeated and unimaginable distance traversed, exhilaration sweels up. In skiing the use of only the simplest forms of implements serve to add to the adventure.

skies consists of long, narrow and flexible runners with curved front ends turned up and pointed. To aid the process of acceleration and balancing, a pair of poles with leather strips on the top and sharp metal tips at the bottom are used to prevent the skier from sinking. With these elementary implements, the skier triumphs over steep gradients and often charts new paths.

Captivating Auli

Auli, 16 kms. from Joshimath is an ideal winter resort run by Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam (GMVN). The natural advantages of Auli’s slpes, couped with state-of-the-art facilities provided by GMVN have made it comparable to the best in the world.

The snow capped slopes of Auli are flanked by stately coniferous and oak forests which cut wind velocity to the minimum. auli offers a 180 degree panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7817 mts.) Kamet (7756 mts.) and Dunagiri (7066 mts.) seemingly only a snowballs throw away.

Auli offers perfect skiing conditions. Seasonal skiers have a clean stretch of 10-20 kms. of absolutely virgin slpes to sport on. These slopes provide excellent opportunities for crosscountry, slalom and downhill skiing events.

A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major attraction. The auli resort run by GMVN has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long skilift carries skiers back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing long skis.

Apart from skiing festivals, three official national Championships have also been held here.