Adiguru Shankaracharya on his visit to Uttarakhand had founded Joshimath which is 47 kms from Badrinath and this snow-covered mountainous region is well known for its winter sports, especially skiing. The third most famous skiing spot in the country is Auli which is just 12 kms away from Joshimath. There are dozens of areas for trekking where a tourists can take a walk and the scenery is extraordinary.
Auli – Gurso Bugyal (3 kms)
Auli-Kwanri Bugyal (30 kms)
Auli – Chattrakund (4 kms)
Auli – Joshimath (4 kms)
Auli – Tapovan ( 10 kms)
One road from here leads to the famous Valley of Flowers. The hot water springs are also wonderful.
The skiing center was set up in Auli in 1984. The Uttar Pradesh State Government has a branch called Garhwal Mandal Corporation which runs this center. 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.