Skiing in Uttaranchal
One
can feel the adrenaline levels rising as one negotiates the challenges of the
steep gradients and traverses unimaginable distances . Quite truly , the thrill
of skiing remains unparalleled as the elements are defeated exhilaration swells
up in skiing , the use of only the simplest forms of implements adds to the
adventure.
With their wide open spaces above the snowline, garhwal and kumaon offer yet
another exciting possibility - ski touring amongst the glaciers, for the avid
skier , cross - country runs of 10-20 km are now available , with the added
advantage. Of fresh powder snow , away from criss - crossing streams of skiers
that overtake the slopes of the european alps . because of their height and
spread , Garwhal and Kumaon, like other sectors of the himalayas , are in a
position to offer the thrills of exploratory long distance skiing the year .
Skiing at Auli:
Auli , 16km from joshimath is an ideal winter resort. The natural advantages
of auli 's slopes, coupled 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 panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7817 mts.),
Kamet (7756 mts), Mana Parvat (7273 mts.) and Dunagiri (7066 mts.) Seemingly
only a snowballs throw away, Auli offers perfect skiing conditions. Seasonal
skiiers have clean streches of absolutely virgin slopes to sport on . These
slopes provide excellent opportunities for cross country, slalom and downhill
skiing events. Winter skiing in Garhwal is now being professionally run at the
Auli slopes.
A 3 kms. long slope ranging from a height of 2519 mts. to 3049 mts. is a major
attraction. The Auli resort has snow beaters which beat the snow to keep the
slopes fit for skiing at all times. A 500 mts. long ski-lift carries skiiers
back to the slope top, thus saving them the trouble and time to bridge up wearing
long skis. Apart from annual skiing festivals, three official National Championships
have also been held here.
General Information
Altitude : 2915 mts. to 3049 mts. expandable to Gorson 3400 mts.
Area: 5 Sq. kms.
Temperature: Summer-Ranges between 13° C and 29° C Winter- Ranges
between 9° C and 2° C
Rainfall: 180 cms.
Average yearly Clothing Summer-Light woollen Winter- Heavy woollen
Facilities Available:
Simple hotel accommodation and tourist Rest House available at Joshimath and
Auli.
· A 3.9 kms. long cable car linking joshimath ( 1906.3 mts.) with the upper
slopes at Gorson ( 3016.3 mts.)
· 16 kms. motorable road from Joshimath to Auli.
· A 500 mts. long ski-lift and 800 mts. long chair-lift linking the lower
slopes with upper slopes.
· Two snow beaters imported from Germany.
· Ski equipments available on hire.
· Assistance of ski instructors and skiiers from Garhwal Mandal vikas Nigam
( GMVN).
· Efficient communication available in Auli.
· Easy accessibility of medical assistance from Army and civil hospitals
including emergency rescue.
Season :
End of December to March.
Equipment : provides modern ski equipment . Participants are advised
to bring heavy woollen clothing like caps, socks, gloves, mufflers, pullovers,
trousers, wind proof jackets, dark glasses, gum/snow boots and a troch for personal
use.
Travel Information:.
Road : local trnsport union and state transport buses operate regularly
between joshimth to rishikesh (253kms) , haridwar (277kms. ) dehradun (298kms)
and delhi (500kms)
Rail : the nearest railhead is haridwar (299 kms)which is 24 kma.frim
rishikesh. Connecting trains howrah-dehradun, delhi-dehradun and bombay -dehradun
Air: jolly grant airport ( Dehradun ) is 270 kms. from joshimath and 17 kms.
from rishikesh.
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