Thrilling Open-Air Glide Above Snowy Slopes and Rhododendron Canopy · Auli, Chamoli
While the famous Auli Ropeway connects Joshimath to Auli via large enclosed cabins, the Auli Chair Lift offers an entirely different, intensely exhilarating adventure. Operating directly on the upper ski slopes between the GMVN ski lodge and the higher launching tracks near the Artificial Lake, this open-air, two-seater chairlift lets riders float through the crisp Himalayan mountain air with their legs dangling freely over shimmering powder snowfields.
The ride spans roughly 800 metres of steep slope, whisking passengers up to over 3,050 metres in approximately 10 to 12 minutes. Because the chairlift has no enclosed windows or glass panels, riders enjoy a totally unobstructed, 360-degree sensory immersion into the high Himalaya. The whistling mountain breeze, the scent of fresh pine needles, and the blinding brilliance of snow-draped oak trees below make it an unforgettable highlight for both skiers and non-skiing tourists.
For skiers and snowboarders, the chairlift is the primary means of reaching the top of the intermediate and advanced downhill runs. For leisure travelers, it offers the ultimate sightseeing ride and an effortless way to reach the upper ridge viewpoints. The safety bar swings down securely across your lap, and experienced staff assist passengers smoothly onto and off the continuously moving chairs at both terminals.
Feel the invigorating mountain breeze on your face with zero glass reflection to hinder your panoramic Himalayan views.
Look directly down onto skiers carving through white powder, snowboarders hitting jumps, and sledders gliding across the banks.
Shoot clean, reflection-free photos and videos of Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dunagiri without any window glare.
Saves an exhausting uphill hike in deep snow, delivering you fresh and energized right onto the upper scenic ridges.
Hold your phone or action camera securely with a wrist strap to capture viral-worthy reels of snow slopes sliding beneath your boots.
Board with your ski gear in hand, ride to the upper terminal, strap on your skis, and carve down the groomed GMVN ski track.
Disembark at the top station and enjoy panoramic walks toward the edge of Gorson forest and high-altitude lookout terraces.
Take a late-afternoon ride as the setting sun turns the snowy slopes golden and casts long sapphire shadows across the valleys.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (280 km). Travel to Joshimath, then proceed to Auli by ropeway or motorable road.
Rishikesh railway station is ~255 km away. Frequent taxis and buses connect to Joshimath along NH-7.
The lower chairlift boarding station is situated right behind the GMVN tourist complex on the main ski meadow of Auli.
Secure your smartphone, gloves, sunglasses, and camera with lanyards or zipped pockets; dropped items are hard to retrieve from deep snow.
Because the lift is open to the elements, wind-chill can be biting; wear a windproof jacket, insulated gloves, and a warm beanie.
Listen carefully to the operators when boarding. Step on the marked line and sit down naturally as the chair arrives behind you.
Always pull down the safety lap bar immediately after seating and keep it down until the chair enters the upper station dock.
The Auli Ropeway is a large enclosed cable car running 4.15 km between Joshimath and Auli. The Chair Lift is an open-air 2-seater ride operating purely within the Auli ski slopes.
A round-trip chairlift ticket typically costs around ₹500 per person and can be purchased directly at the boarding station counter in Auli.
Yes! Hundreds of non-skiers ride the chairlift daily for the thrilling aerial experience and sightseeing views. The safety bar ensures complete security.
Yes, children can ride accompanied by an adult. Toddlers and very young infants should be held securely by a parent.
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