No snow, only dust: Winter sports in peril in Uttarakhand’s Auli, tourists await snowfall for National Games
Auli, Uttarakhand's famous winter destination, is facing a crisis. Where snow once covered slopes, dust storms now swirl. Tourists are disappointed, and winter sports are in danger. Organizers remain hopeful that January snowfall will revive Auli before the National Winter Games.
Chamoli: Auli, known as the "snow resort” of Uttarakhand, is looking more like a desert this winter. The lack of snowfall has left its slopes dry and dusty, worrying tourists, locals, and winter sports organizers. Climate change and shifting weather patterns are clearly visible here.
The meadows of Gorson Bugyal, usually covered in white snow, are now filled with dust clouds. Tourists riding horses or hiking along the Auli-Gorson route are struggling with swirling dust. Chairlift rides, once a highlight of Auli, are now disappointing as visitors see barren slopes instead of snow.
International Ski slope is also dry
The Nanda Devi International Ski Slope, a 1.3 km stretch famous for skiing, is also dry. Without natural snowfall or artificial snow, the slope resembles the Sahara Desert. The artificial snow-making system installed years ago has corroded, leaving Auli completely dependent on natural snowfall.
Auli is scheduled to host the National Winter Games in January 2026
This situation is worrying because Auli is scheduled to host the National Winter Games in January 2026. Organizers say the games depend on snowfall, but they remain hopeful. Ajay Bhatt, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Winter Games Organization, said snowfall usually comes in January, February, and March. "It is too early to say there will be no snow. The entire Himalayan region, including Jammu and Kashmir, is waiting for snowfall. Every year, the Winter Games are celebrated like a festival in Auli, and we are hopeful it will be the same this year,” he said.
Tourists arriving now are unhappy to find no snow
Tourism operators in Auli are disappointed. Christmas season usually brings excitement, but tourists arriving now are unhappy to find no snow. Horse-drawn mule operators, chairlift staff, and local guides say visitors return early after seeing the dry slopes. "Tourists come here expecting snow. Without it, they feel let down,” said one local operator.
Despite this, footfall is steady, and businesses are preparing for better days. Locals believe that once snowfall arrives, Auli will again be bustling with activity. Hotels, shops, and guides are waiting for the snow to revive tourism.
Impact of changing weather in the Himalayas
Climate experts say the situation highlights the impact of changing weather in the Himalayas. Reduced snowfall and rising temperatures are affecting traditional winter destinations. For Auli, which depends heavily on snow tourism, this is a serious challenge.
Organizers, athletes are still hopeful
Still, hope remains strong. Organizers, athletes, and locals are confident that January will bring the much-needed snowfall. If it does, Auli will once again transform into a winter wonderland, hosting athletes from India and abroad for the National Winter Games.