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:: N O R T H   I N D I A   >  A U L I ::           Brief -     If you love the feel of chilly mountain air ripping through your hair, if you love the gush of adrenaline in your blood and if you love to have fun, then you will love to be in Auli. Situated amidst the Himalayan mountain peaks of Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat, this snow-covered mountainous region, is well known for its winter sports, especially skiing, which draws ace skiers from around the world. The snow-covered slopes of Auli, present a remarkable challenge, as you negotiate the ridges at break-neck speed. Alternatively, you could have some pure fun, making a snowman, hurling snowballs and clicking of the picturesque mountains with your camera. Apart from skiing, there are scores of trekking areas, where tourists can take a walk and the scenery is extraordinary. The well-dressed slopes of Auli, are flanked by coniferous and oak forests and offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain peaks. An ideal winter resort, come and get bowled over by the natural scenic beauty of Auli, with the towering snowcapes all around.           History -     Transition of Auli into a full-fledged ski resort, has been fairly recent. During the 1970s, the army began using it, as a training ground for high-altitude warfare. Later, following a survey by French and Austrian experts, the UP government saw its potential as a ski resort. Though the skiing center was set up in Auli in 1984, it was only since 1986, that Auli has hosted, several skiing events, including the National Championships. Its reputation, as the best-equipped ski resort of ,has been established with the addition of the 4.15 km-long ropeway, linking the slopes to Joshimath (the base-town), an 800 mtrs long chairlift, connecting the resort and the upper slopes with a 500 mtrs long ski lift. Professionally trained people, have been employed for teaching. This spot was discovered by the Indian Army, which was posted on the Tibetan border. The army has its own skiing center here. Auli is considered the best skiing slope in Asia. Both sides of the slope, are covered with oak and coniferous trees, which break the speed of the wind, and this makes it ideal for skiing.           Culture -     Apart from skiing festivals that are held here since 1986, national championships under the aegis of Winter Games Federation of India, have been held at Auli, with technical and other backup assistance provided by various governments and adventure-related agencies. Auli has now become a leading tourist spot and while its slopes beckon daring and gallant skiing enthusiasts, its pristine natural beauty and the alpine atmosphere lure many a tourist. Auli has something or the other to offer, to all, whether it is to seek a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life, or for conquering the challenging heights of the glorious peaks. People come here simply to savour the tranquil nature, in its most pristine self or just to throw snowballs at each other.           Climate & Geographical Location -     Summers are bitterly cold, while winters are snow bound. Auli is nestled, in the lap of the snow-capped peaks of Garhwal Himalayas in the Chamoli District of western Uttar Pradesh, at an altitude of 2,500-3,050 meters above sea level, close to the holy shrine of Badrinath.           How to Reach -     Auli is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Jolly Grant at Dehradoon and is connected with flights to Delhi. By rail, the nearest railheads are Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradoon. The railhead at Haridwar is connected directly with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi and Lucknow. The railhead at Dehradoon is well connected with Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow and other places. By road, Auli is only a 13 Km drive from Joshimath. State transport and Union buses ply regularly between Joshimath and Rishikesh (253 Km.), Haridwar (276 Km.), Dehradoon (295 Km.) and Delhi (500 Km). From Joshimath onwards, both bus and taxi services are available for Auli.