Prakash Pant, Minister for Tourism of Uttrakahand said that the South Asian Winter Games to be held on March 2-5, 2009 in Auli speaking at a roadshow at Mumbai. Athletes from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be participating in these games.

The state has allocated Rs 102 crore for building a three-kilometer ski stretch, artificial lake, ice-making machine and an artificial ice rink in Dehradun in preparation of these games.
The state also aims to host the Commomwealth games in future. Also better connectivity from Mumbai to Dehradun and Kathgodam is being worked out.
Endless stretches of pristine white snow surrounded by majestic Deodar and oak forests, with the some of the worlds’ tallest peaks glistening in the sun around is the magic of Auli felt by its Visitors. Auli is one of the few places on earth carved by the creator with such care and beauty that it makes one wonder that perhaps the place was meant for gods. A skiing paradise Auli is often hosts the National Winter games during February to March. Infact the Alpine Tourism Promotion Council (ATPC) has equated the slopes of Auli to the best in the world. Also, Nanda Devi National Park stretches behind it with its variety of flora and fauna.
Location
Auli lies at a height of 9000 feet cradled in the lap of the Garhwal mountain range at Chamoli district of Uttaranchal. A world renowned skiing spot the vast stretches of Deodar and Oak forests provide a perfect barricade to the strong chilly winds that storm these regions thus aiding skiing conditions. Blessed with abundant sunshine all year round Auli provides scintillating views of some of the world famous peaks such as the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat, Trishul and the Dunagiri. About 235 km away from Rishikesh and 16 km from Joshimath, Auli is well connected by rail and road and boasts of the longest ropeway in Asia including an 800 m chair lift interconnecting the lower and higher skiing slopes.
Its history
An 8th century temple said to be built by Guru Adi Shankaracharya who transversed the place, stands at Joshimath. Also the Bhotiya tribe of Indo-Tibetan origin often roamed and camped in its stretches on their Yaks calling the place ThatAuli whose trails they used, to carry on a profitable trade with the neighboring Tibetans.
Later on, the slopes of Auli were used to train the ski-equipped Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force after which it gained popularity as a skiing resort. A local story is said of a strange expedition in 1958 at its nearby peak Trishul, when the mountaineers took four days to reach the summit but returned to their camp in just ninety minutes.
Skiing at Auli
A hot spot for adventure lovers Auli is the most sought after destination for lovers of winter sports. Tourists can indulge in numerous activities such as skiing, sledging, mountain climbing or trekking. Skiing equipments and snow beaters can be rented from the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) which maintains a winter resort here.
Blessed with pleasant sunshine most of winter, skiing here makes for a memorable experience with 10 to 20 km of pristine snow to transverse along with the stunning views of the Nanda devi, Kamet and Mana Parvat en route the lower slopes that are linked to the upper slopes by a 800 m chair lift. Imported Snow Beating and Packing machines maintain the snow-covered slopes in perfect skiing conditions, making Auli suitable for all varieties of skiing events whether Cross Country, Slalom or Down-hill.
For those unskilled in skiing the GVMN conducts training courses for amateurs ranging from a week to a fortnight.
Apart from Winter Sports one can also enjoy pleasant walks or shop for blankets, shawls, woolen caps or souvenirs.
Infact, the 180 degree angle view of the Nanda Devi is mesmerizing enough for shutterbugs.
Season
Tourists begin to flock to this skiing resort from the end of November to late March when the slopes are covered with pristine snow, and the sky and the mountains seem to merge into ethereal blue.
Arriving there
For those travelling by train Rishikesh is the nearest station, from where one has to board a bus or taxi to Joshimath some 250 km away. It is preferable to arrive at Joshimath before 4pm as the cable car makes its last 4.5 km journey to Auli from there, after which at dusk roads to Auli are blocked.
For long distance travelers the nearest airport is Jolly Grant some 300km away from Auli.
Lodging
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam alone runs tourist bungalow there offering deluxe huts along with vegetarian meals for a price of Rs.700 upwards. Also there is the high end Cliff top Club Resort for both of which prior bookings have to be made because if all rooms are booked then one has to travel down to Joshimath before dusk where all kinds of accommodations are available aplenty.

Auli today is fast developing tourist destination and favorite of tourists of all temperaments whether they be nature lovers, sports enthusiast or those who simply want a break — Auli provides the perfect spot to unwind for all.