Garhwal Post Bureau
Auli, 13 Feb: The pristine slopes of Auli came alive today as the much-anticipated Auli National Skiing Championship & Winter Carnival 2026 was officially inaugurated in a grand ceremony near the Ski Lift in Chamoli district. The four-day extravaganza (February 13–16, 2026), organised by the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in collaboration with the District Administration, Chamoli, and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN), promises a thrilling mix of high-adrenaline winter sports, adventure activities, and vibrant cultural celebrations against the breathtaking backdrop of the Himalayas.
Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj, the Chief Guest, lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the opening, accompanied by captivating local folk dances and a stirring performance by the ITBP Band.
In his address, Maharaj highlighted Auli’s rising stature as a world-class skiing destination. “Auli has immense potential to draw tourists from across the globe,” he said. “The Government of Uttarakhand is fully committed to positioning the state as a premier hub for winter sports and adventure tourism in the Himalayan region.”
The ceremony featured a spirited march past by participating skiing teams, an oath-taking ritual, and a spectacular skiing demonstration by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on the main slope. Maharaj also took time to interact with athletes, boosting morale ahead of the competitions.
Speaking at the event, MLA, Karnaprayag, Anil Nautiyal and Vice Chairman Rishi Prasad Sati praised the organisers for their efforts. They noted that the championship and carnival would provide a significant boost to the local economy by attracting visitors and showcasing Uttarakhand’s unique winter tourism offerings.
The event was graced by senior officials, including Dhiraj Singh Garbyal (IAS), Secretary, Tourism; Vishal Mishra (IAS), Managing Director, GMVN; Gaurav Kumar (IAS), District Magistrate, Chamoli; and the Commandant, ITBP. Over the next four days, competitors will vie for top honours in the National Skiing Championship, featuring 3 km events for women and 5 km for men. Visitors can also participate in an array of exciting activities, including the Snow Marathon, Snow Shoe Race, Auli Marathon, Children’s Snow Games, scenic Chairlift Rides, and rejuvenating Yoga in the Snow.
Adding to the festive vibe, the Winter Carnival will spotlight Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage with live performances by the renowned Pandavas – Uttarakhand Folk Band and other traditional showcases, creating an unforgettable atmosphere amid Auli’s snow-laden peaks. In his vote of thanks, Vishal Mishra emphasized how the carnival beautifully blends community participation, folk music, and local traditions to celebrate Uttarakhand’s heritage in one of India’s most stunning winter landscapes.
