When it comes to enjoying skiing in India, Gulmarg, and Auli in India’s north qualify as the best ski resorts. In addition, these two places are fringed by the Himalayas in a high-altitude region and hence, there is no dearth of skiing trails in Gulmarg and Auli. If you compare the skiing standards, and infrastructure, you will find Gulmarg and Auli bag the title of India’s best skiing destinations for good reasons. Talking of those safe attributes, they go like cable cars, chairlifts, and groomed trails for ski enthusiasts.
But what if you want to choose between both of them? Gulmarg vs Auli, which Himalayan town is best for skiing!
In this blog post, I will talk about which of these ski resorts are worth considering if you are confused between Gulmarg vs Auli: which is better.
Read to glide on snow? Let’s go!
Gulmarg vs Auli: Comparison Based on
- Safety Standards
- Which is Easier to Reach
- Equipment Rent with Price
- What About Instructors (With Price)
- Whose Snow Quality is Better
- Real Winner
- Faqs
Let’s dive in! If you want to jump to the main points directly, click your desired one from the table of content.
Which Has Best Safety Standards
Gulmarg
Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is by far the top place to enjoy skiing in India. This skiing resort has world-class facilities at an elevation of 2,650 m above sea level. Its close proximity to the summer capital Srinagar makes it one of the easy-to-reach ski destinations for north Indians. Additionally, this ski destination in Kashmir has 5 international-level Poma ski lifts on its lower slopes. You would be amazed to know that the Gulmarg ski patrol is supervised by an American avalanche specialist in association with highly trained Kashmiri snow scientists. Simultaneously, you will find a wide range of staycation options around Gulmarg ski slopes on all budgets. Did we mention that you will find the premier rental shop for ski equipment?
Auli
Auli is an Uttrakhand ski resort and is one of the best places for skiing in north India. Additionally, Auli has only one Poma ski lift and one chair lift of international standards to take you to the slopes. But I found rescue facilities limited in Auli. Plus, renting equipment options are also very limited. Also, you will have a hard time reaching Auli, which is the nearest railway station and the airport is far. Also, the acute mountain sickness might hit you at an elevation of 2,909 m above sea level. In peak tourism season between January to March, the road to reach Auli is often closed due to heavy snow. The only option left is alight at Joshimath and take the cable car. Moreover, in extreme weather conditions even in winter, the cable car might not work.
Which is Easier to Reach
Gulmarg
You will not find any airport in Gulmarg. The nearest airport to Gulmarg is Srinagar – Sheik ul-Alam International Airport. It is only 56 kilometers and it takes around 2 hours to reach Gulmarg. The road to reach Gulmarg remains open in the peak winter season. In a nutshell, Gulmarg is more touristy than other ski destinations in India.
Auli
But reaching Auli is tiresome although it too doesn’t have its airport. You will find the closest airport to Auli in Dehradun – Jolly Grant Airport. It is around 272 kilometers and it takes around 8 hours to reach Auli. Chances are extremely high that if you opt to reach Auli in peak winter, be ready to face the road blockage due to heavy snow.
Equipment Rent with Price
Gulmarg
In Gulmarg, you will find the equipment rental shop next to the beginner slopes. Feel free to rent the ski boots, helmet, eye gear wear, poles, etc for just INR 1000 (approx.) onwards per person.
Auli
In Auli, the rental equipment shops and facilities are very limited. And hence, you might have to pay the additional cost to secure your gears because where there is a scarcity, an increase in price is obvious. However, the average ski equipment price in Auli starts at INR 1,200 (approx.) onwards per person.
What About Instructors
Gulmarg
You will come across local Kashmiri ski instructors if you want to learn to ski from a beginner level. You need to be careful and avoid hiring freelance instructors as they are not professional. Instead, ask your tour package planner to meet with the certified ski instructors in Gulmarg from INR 1,000 onwards per day for one person.
Auli
Well, in this comparison, there is no distinction between Auli and Gulmarg. Both of these places have local instructors to give lessons to ski fanatic enthusiasts.
Whose Snow Quality is Better
Gulmarg
The white powdery snow in Gulmarg is the icing on the cake for ski lovers. One can find soft and fluffy snow in Gulmarg during skiing activities. Such type of snow doesn’t restrict motion and makes the activity more enchanting compared to wet and icy snow.
Auli
There is no difference in the snow quality of Auli vs Gulmarg. This ski paradise of Uttrakhand too has fluffy and soft snow. But it doesn’t last long because of the direct sunlight as Auli has south-facing slopes.
Real Winner
Overall, we have to say that Gulmarg wins the battle by a hair. Gulmarg in Kashmir has better snow quality, luxury accommodation, good road and flight access along with ski equipment. Moreover, Gulmarg has slopes for experienced as well as beginner ski lovers.
Wrapping Up
Do you think I have done them justice with the comparison between Gulmarg vs Auli? If yes, then don’t forget to share this article with your friends. And if you think I have missed out on something, feel free to add your comments below. As this is the world of digitalization, I will consider your valuable feedback and revamp it accordingly!
FAQs About Gulmarg vs Auli
Can I enjoy skiing in Auli from January to March?
Yes, you can enjoy skiing in Auli from January to March but keep a check on-road which often gets covered with snow. In that case, reach Auli via cable car from Joshimath.
What is not good about skiing in Auli?
Frankly, soft and fluffy snow lasts for a shorter period of time in Auli because Auli slopes are mostly south-facing.
When is the best time to go skiing in Gulmarg?
January to February is the best time to go skiing in Gulmarg if you want to see the thick snow cover.
Is their food or snacks available on slopes?
Yes, but not in abundance. However, that too depends on which level of slopes you are visiting.
How long should you plan your ski trip to Auli or Gulmarg?
Slice out at least 4-5 days to plan your ski trip to Auli or Gulmarg depending on your preference.
