Planning a Trip to Auli in February 2026? Don’t Miss the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games

Auli in Uttarakhand hosts the Skiing Winter Carnival and National Winter Games 2026 from February 12–16, featuring alpine skiing, snowboarding and cultural performances.

• Auli to host Skiing Carnival and National Winter Games, Feb 12-16, 2026
• India's largest winter sports event to host 250+ athletes and 17-20 teams.
• Event includes skiing, snowboarding, cultural shows, and ITBP rescue demos.

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If a winter getaway packed with snow adventures, cultural festivities and breathtaking Himalayan views sounds like your kind of holiday, February 2026 is the perfect time to head to Auli. Uttarakhand’s iconic hill station in the Chamoli district is gearing up to host the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival alongside the National Winter Games Championship 2026, turning the region into India’s biggest winter sports hub for four days.

The much-anticipated event will be held from February 12 to February 16, 2026, with competitive sporting action, cultural programmes and adventure experiences lined up against Auli’s pristine snow-covered slopes.

Auli Set to Become India’s Winter Sports Capital

Located at an altitude ranging between 2,500 metres and 3,050 metres, Auli is among the country’s most well-known skiing destinations. With long natural slopes, consistent snowfall and favourable winter conditions, the hill station has previously hosted several national and international winter sports competitions.

In 2026, Auli will once again take centre stage as it hosts the National Winter Games Championship, running parallel to the colourful Auli Skiing Winter Carnival. Together, the two events aim to promote winter tourism in Uttarakhand while showcasing the region’s sporting potential and rich mountain culture.

Who’s Organising the Event?

The four-day championship and carnival are being organised by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will play a key role by providing technical expertise, ski and rescue demonstrations, emergency services and primary medical care throughout the event.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has prepared a detailed operational blueprint covering logistics, safety arrangements, athlete facilities and visitor management to ensure the event runs smoothly.

What to Expect at the Auli Skiing Winter Carnival 2026

Adventure lovers and spectators can look forward to national-level competitions in:

Alpine skiing,

Snowboarding,

Ski mountaineering (Skimo), including vertical and sprint categories.

Beyond competitive sports, the carnival will also feature vibrant cultural programmes, making it an immersive experience for travellers. Folk performances from the Garhwal and Kumaon regions will give visitors a closer look at Uttarakhand’s traditions, music and mountain lifestyle.

The opening day will include participant registrations, an inaugural ceremony, cultural showcases, local skiing demonstrations and ITBP ski and rescue displays—setting the tone for the action-packed days ahead.

Auli Skiing Winter Carnival & National Winter Games 2026: Full Schedule

February 12: Team arrivals and registration, opening ceremony, cultural performances, local skiing demonstrations, ITBP ski and rescue demos, and ski mountaineering (vertical and sprint).

February 13: Alpine skiing giant slalom (men and women) and snowboard giant slalom.

February 14: Alpine skiing slalom (men and women), snowboard slalom and ski mountaineering sprint.

February 15: Competitions continue across categories.

February 16: Closing ceremony and prize distribution.

Teams, Athletes and National Participation

The championship is expected to draw strong participation from across the country. Teams from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Odisha and Maharashtra, along with contingents from the Indian Army and ITBP, are set to compete.

Officials expect 17 to 20 teams and over 250 athletes, making it one of the largest winter sports gatherings in India this season.

Why February 2026 Is the Best Time to Visit Auli

With peak snow conditions, professional winter sports action and cultural celebrations all happening at once, February is one of the most exciting times to experience Auli. For travellers, the event offers a rare chance to witness national-level competitions, enjoy festive mountain evenings and explore one of India’s most scenic winter destinations at its liveliest.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a snowy escape to Uttarakhand, consider this your sign—Auli in February 2026 promises adventure, culture and unforgettable Himalayan views, all in one trip.