Auli's ski slopes are managed by GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam), the state tourism development body, and this government management has a direct consequence: lift tickets and equipment rental are dramatically cheaper than any comparable ski resort elsewhere in the world. The runs descend through roughly 500 metres of vertical between the upper gondola station and the mid-mountain area, with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain.
The skiing season runs from January through March, when snowfall is most reliable. The snow quality varies — it can be icy in cold snaps and wet when temperatures rise — but in a good year the upper runs offer excellent powder. Skiing in Auli feels nothing like the packaged European experience: the infrastructure is basic, the instruction can be uneven, but the mountain views are extraordinary and the uncrowded slopes are a genuine luxury.
Ski equipment rental and instruction are available at the GMVN ski resort complex. Several private operators also offer packages that include accommodation, equipment, and lessons.