Uttarakhand's Auli to Host National Winter Games & Ski Carnival in 2026
In a major push to promote winter tourism, the picturesque hill station of Auli in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is set to host the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games Championship from February 13 to 16, 2026. The event, organized by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), aims to showcase the region's potential as a premier adventure sports destination.
Event Organization and Support
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam will spearhead the organization of this grand winter spectacle. Technical support, primary medical care, and emergency services will be provided by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), ensuring safety and smooth operations throughout the four-day event. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has meticulously prepared a detailed blueprint for the championship, outlining all logistical and promotional aspects.
Competitions and Activities
National-level competitions will be a highlight, featuring three core disciplines:
- Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Ski Mountaineering (Skimo)
Beyond the competitive events, the carnival will include vibrant cultural programmes and a range of adventure activities designed to engage visitors and participants alike.
Detailed Schedule of Events
February 13 (Day 1): The festivities kick off with participant registration and an inaugural ceremony. The day will feature cultural programmes, local skiing demonstrations, and ITBP ski and rescue demonstrations. Ski mountaineering events in the vertical and sprint categories will also commence.
February 14 (Day 2): Competitions will include Alpine skiing giant slalom for both men and women, along with snowboard giant slalom events.
February 15 (Day 3): The action continues with Alpine skiing slalom for men and women, snowboard slalom, and ski mountaineering sprint competitions.
February 16 (Day 4): The event will conclude with a closing ceremony and prize distribution, celebrating the achievements of athletes and participants.
Official Review and Objectives
Tourism Secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal recently reviewed the preparations, focusing on sporting arrangements, safety measures, participant facilities, and inter-departmental coordination. Garbyal emphasized that the event is strategically aimed at strengthening winter tourism and adventure sports in Uttarakhand. He highlighted additional benefits, including the creation of employment opportunities and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices in the region.
Why Auli is an Ideal Venue
Situated at an altitude ranging from 2,500 meters to 3,050 meters, Auli is renowned as one of India's top skiing destinations. Its long natural slopes and consistently favourable winter conditions make it a perfect setting for high-altitude winter sports. This event is expected to further cement Auli's reputation and attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting the local economy and putting Uttarakhand on the global winter sports map.
