The scenic town of Auli has officially kicked off the Shitalkin Winter Carnival alongside the National Skiing Championship. The festivities began on Friday with a ceremonial inauguration led by Uttarakhand’s Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the occasion.

Participation and Competition Details

This year’s event features participation from 17 teams, comprising more than 300 players who will take part in various competitions. The focus of the Winter Carnival and skiing championship is to promote winter sports in the region and harness the unique skiing opportunities Auli has to offer.

Minister’s Vision for Auli

Speaking to the media, Minister Satpal Maharaj emphasized the importance of the carnival, stating that it will be an annual event moving forward. He expressed a vision for Auli to emerge as a key hub for winter sports, contributing to local employment and supporting local entrepreneurs. Maharaj noted, “This event will provide employment to the youth and boost local entrepreneurs.”

Upcoming National Events in Auli

The Winter Carnival will also serve as a precursor to larger events scheduled in the coming years. Plans are already underway for the National Winter Games Championship set to take place from February 13 to 16, 2026, in Auli. This four-day event will feature national-level competitions in Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering, also known as Skimo.

Auli’s Geographic Offerings

Situated at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,050 meters, Auli is renowned as one of India’s premier skiing destinations. The location boasts natural slopes optimized for skiing and offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in India, such as Nanda Devi, which stands at 7,816 meters. Auli also serves as a gateway to important national parks including Nanda Devi and the Valley of Flowers, as well as the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara and various trekking sites like Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan.

Exploration of Other Ski Destinations in Uttarakhand

In addition to Auli, Uttarakhand features several notable skiing locations, such as Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali. Each of these destinations offers unique experiences for winter sports enthusiasts, further establishing Uttarakhand as a premier region for winter activities in India.

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