Auli, Uttarakhand’s premier winter sports destination, is once again in the national spotlight with news that it is being prepared to host the upcoming National Winter Games. While final dates will depend on snowfall conditions, the preparation itself signals renewed confidence in Auli as India’s most dependable hub for competitive skiing and snowboarding.
According to Jay Bhatt, Secretary of the Winter Games Association, the responsibility of organizing the ski and snowboard events for these games will lie with the adhoc committee of the Ski and Snowboard Association of India. This clarification is important because it places technical control and event standards in the hands of experienced winter-sports professionals, rather than treating the games as a one-off tourism event.
Why Auli Was Chosen Again
Auli has a long track record of hosting national-level skiing competitions. Its altitude, natural gradient, and existing chairlift infrastructure make it one of the few locations in India capable of meeting competitive skiing and snowboarding requirements. Despite inconsistent snowfall in recent years, Auli remains the most practical option for hosting large-scale winter sports events in the country.
The proposed National Winter Games are expected to feature alpine skiing and snowboarding disciplines, attracting athletes from across India. This also puts pressure on organizers to ensure safety, slope preparation, and fair competitive conditions—areas where Auli already has operational experience.
Role of the Adhoc Committee
As explained by Jay Bhatt, the adhoc committee formed under the Ski and Snowboard Association of India will oversee:
Technical regulations and competition rules
Athlete registration and eligibility
Appointment of certified judges and technical officials
Coordination with local authorities for slope readiness and safety
This structure is meant to ensure transparency and professionalism, especially after previous events in India faced postponements due to weather and organizational challenges.
The Big Unknown: Snowfall
There is no sugarcoating this: snowfall will decide everything. In recent seasons, several national competitions had to be delayed or cancelled due to inadequate snow cover. Organizers have made it clear that final confirmation of dates will only come after sufficient and stable snowfall in Auli.
This cautious approach is a positive sign. It shows lessons have been learned, and that the priority is athlete safety and event quality—not just announcements.
What This Means for the Local Ski Ecosystem
If the games go ahead as planned, the impact will be significant:
Higher demand for instructors, guides, and local support staff
Increased visibility for Indian skiing and snowboarding
A boost for winter tourism and allied adventure activities
At the same time, stakeholders in Auli must stay flexible. Weather uncertainty means businesses and training schools should prepare, but not overcommit until dates are officially locked.