Auli Winter Sports 2026 Will Be India’s Biggest Snow Event
Auli marked a major moment in India’s winter sports calendar with the inauguration of the Shitalkin Winter Carnival and the National Skiing Championship 2026. The four-day winter sports event was inaugurated by Satpal Maharaj, Uttarakhand’s Tourism Minister, who formally opened the games by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
The event reinforces Auli’s growing reputation as India’s leading destination for competitive winter sports and snow-based festivals.
Auli Winter Sports 2026 Sees Strong National Participation
The Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games Championship 2026 has attracted 17 teams from across the country, with more than 300 athletes participating. The championship brings together national-level competitors and emerging winter sports talent on the snow-covered slopes of Auli.
The scale of participation highlights the growing interest in organized winter sports in India and positions Auli as a reliable host for national competitions.
Vision to Make Auli India’s Winter Sports Hub
Speaking to reporters during the inauguration, Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj announced that the Shitalkin Winter Carnival will now be held annually. He emphasized the government’s commitment to developing Auli as a permanent hub for winter games in India.
According to the minister, regular winter sports events will not only strengthen Auli’s sporting identity but also generate employment opportunities for local youth and boost local entrepreneurs connected to tourism, hospitality, and adventure services.
Event Dates and Competitions at Auli
The Auli Winter Sports 2026 events are scheduled from February 13 to February 16, held in Auli, Chamoli district. Over the four days, athletes will compete in multiple national-level winter sports disciplines, including:
- Alpine skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski mountaineering (Skimo)
These competitions take place on Auli’s natural slopes, which are known for their reliability and suitability for professional winter sports.
About Auli: India’s Premier Skiing Destination
Located at an altitude of 2,500 to 3,050 metres, Auli is widely regarded as one of India’s best skiing destinations. The region is known for its long, natural slopes and consistent winter conditions.
Auli also offers panoramic views of some of India’s highest Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, the country’s second-highest mountain at 7,816 metres.
Gateway to Iconic Himalayan Destinations
Beyond winter sports, Auli serves as an important gateway to several iconic Himalayan destinations. These include the Valley of Flowers National Park, the sacred Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, and popular trekking routes such as Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan.
Uttarakhand’s Expanding Winter Sports Landscape
In addition to Auli, Uttarakhand is home to several emerging ski destinations, including Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali. Together, these locations reflect the state’s broader vision of promoting winter tourism and adventure sports across the Himalayas.
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON: AULI TRAVEL GUIDE 2026
CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLE ON: DAYARA BUGYAL TREK 2026
