Auli to host skiing carnival, national winter games from Feb 13

Dehradun: To promote winter tourism, the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games Championship 2026 will be held from Feb 13 to 16 at Auli in Chamoli district. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) will organise the event, while the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will provide technical support, primary medical care and emergency services.Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has prepared a detailed blueprint for the championship.
National-level competitions in Alpine skiing, snowboarding and ski mountaineering (Skimo) will be held during the four-day event. Cultural programmes and adventure activities are also planned. Tourism secretary Dheeraj Singh Garbyal reviewed preparations, including sporting arrangements, safety measures, facilities for the participants and coordination among departments concerned.Activities on the first day will include participant registration, inaugural ceremony, cultural programmes, local skiing demonstrations, ITBP ski and rescue demonstrations, and ski mountaineering events in vertical and sprint categories.On Feb 14, competitions will be held in Alpine skiing (giant slalom for men and women) and snowboard giant slalom. Events on Feb 15 will include Alpine skiing slalom (men and women), snowboard slalom and ski mountaineering sprint. The closing ceremony and prize distribution are scheduled for Feb 16.Garbyal said the event was aimed at strengthening winter tourism and adventure sports in the state. He said it would also help create employment opportunities and promote sustainable tourism practices. Located at an altitude of 2,500 m to 3,050 m, Auli is among the country's well-known skiing destinations, with long natural slopes and favourable winter conditions.