Best Skiing Packages from Delhi: Auli and Gulmarg Compared for the 2026-27 Season

Most people think of the Alps or Japan when they hear the word skiing. But if you live in Delhi, some of the best winter sports in India are a short trip away. Auli in Uttarakhand and Gulmarg in Kashmir are the two resorts that first-time and experienced skiers choose most often, and both can be booked as complete packages from the capital.

The hard part is not finding a package. It is choosing the right one. Auli and Gulmarg are very different in terrain, cost, travel time and crowds. A package that suits a family learning to ski may bore an experienced skier, and the reverse is just as true.

This guide compares both destinations in plain language. You will find season dates, sample itineraries, indicative prices in INR, pros and cons, a cost chart, and a checklist for judging any ski package before you pay.

Key Takeaways

• Auli suits beginners, families and budget-conscious travelers. Gulmarg suits confident skiers who want altitude, powder and a bigger mountain.
• The ski season usually runs from January to March at Auli and from December to March at Gulmarg. Snowfall varies each year, so keep your dates flexible.
• Expect roughly INR 14,000 to 45,000 per person for Auli and INR 28,000 to 85,000 per person for Gulmarg, depending on hotel, flights and inclusions.
• A good package must include an instructor, gear rental and clear snow-cancellation terms. If any of these are missing, ask before you pay.

Auli vs Gulmarg at a Glance

Use this table for a quick comparison. Details for each resort follow below.

Why Book a Skiing Package Instead of Going Solo

Skiing in India is not like walking into a mall. Gear, instructors, lift tickets, hotels near the slopes and transfers all need to line up on the right days, and the weather can change the plan overnight. A good package takes care of this so you can focus on the snow.

• Instructor and gear in one place. Beginners should never ski without a certified instructor, and rental gear is easier to sort out when it is part of the booking.
• Smart stay locations. Hotels close to the slopes or the ropeway save you hours of travel in cold conditions.
• Flexibility when snow is unpredictable. Operators who plan these trips regularly can shift ski days within the itinerary when the weather changes.
• Support when things go wrong. Road closures, delayed flights and Gondola shutdowns happen. Having a local contact helps.

How to Book a Ski Package in Five Simple Steps

Booking a ski trip feels complicated the first time. This simple order keeps things clear.

• Step 1: Fix your dates. Pick a window in January or February for the best snow, and keep two or three backup dates.
• Step 2: Share your skill level. Tell the operator honestly if you are a beginner. It changes the resort, instructor and itinerary they suggest.
• Step 3: Ask for a written quote. It should list inclusions, exclusions, hotel names and the cancellation policy.
• Step 4: Compare two or three options. Look at what is included, not just the headline price.
• Step 5: Confirm weather terms before paying. Ask what happens if snow, roads or the Gondola are affected.

Auli Skiing Packages from Delhi

What makes Auli special

Auli sits above Joshimath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, at roughly 2,500 to 3,000 metres. The slopes are wide and gentle, which is exactly what a first-time skier needs. On a clear day you can see Nanda Devi and other big Himalayan peaks while you practise your turns.

Uttarakhand’s tourism development body, GMVN, has long run ski courses here, and a ropeway and chairlift make it easier to reach the slopes. Artificial snow-making has been used in some seasons to support skiing when natural snowfall is light.

Please note: Joshimath has faced land subsidence concerns in recent years. Before booking, check current advisories and ask your operator about road access, ropeway status and the hotels they use.

Best time to ski at Auli

The ski season is usually January to March. January and February tend to have the best snow cover. Early March can still be good, with more sunshine and softer snow. December is possible but less reliable, and snow depth changes from year to year.

Sample 5-night, 6-day Auli itinerary

What Auli packages usually include

Indicative Auli package prices

Prices below are per person on twin sharing, starting from Delhi, for the 5-night, 6-day plan. Winter peak dates cost more.

Auli pros and cons

Gulmarg Skiing Packages from Delhi

What makes Gulmarg special

Gulmarg, in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, is India’s best-known ski destination. The Gulmarg Gondola takes you up in two phases. Phase 1 reaches Kongdori at about 2,650 metres, and Phase 2 reaches Apharwat at about 3,980 metres, among the highest cable car rides in the world.

The upper mountain offers long runs and off-piste terrain that attract intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners usually stay on the lower slopes near Phase 1 with an instructor. Gulmarg has also hosted editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, which says a lot about its standing in Indian winter sports.

Please note: Always check current travel advisories for Jammu and Kashmir before you book, and keep your plan flexible.

Best time to ski at Gulmarg

The season usually runs from December to March. January and February bring the deepest snow and the biggest crowds. Early March often offers bright, sunny days with good snow on the upper slopes. Gondola tickets can sell out on busy days, and the Gondola may pause in bad weather or high wind.

Sample 4-night, 5-day Gulmarg itinerary

What Gulmarg packages usually include

Indicative Gulmarg package prices

Prices below are per person on twin sharing, including return flights from Delhi, for the 4-night, 5-day plan. Peak dates and last-minute flights cost more.

Gulmarg pros and cons

Auli vs Gulmarg: Which Ski Package Is Right for You?

There is no single winner. The right choice depends on your skill level, budget and how much time you have.

Choose Auli if:

• You are learning to ski for the first time or travelling with family.
• You prefer a road trip and want to keep the budget under control.
• You like the idea of combining skiing with Rishikesh, Haridwar and Himalayan views.

Choose Gulmarg if:

• You already ski, or want to push beyond beginner slopes.
• You want a longer season and better odds of deep snow.
• You are happy to pay more for flights and a bigger mountain experience.

Chart: Indicative mid-range price per person by package tier. Gulmarg costs more mainly because of flights and demand.

Which Resort Suits Which Traveler?

Beyond Skiing: Other Winter Experiences

You do not have to ski every hour of the trip. Both destinations offer other ways to enjoy the snow, which is useful for travelers who prefer to ski for half the day only.

• At Auli: a walk toward Gorson Bugyal, ropeway views of the Himalayan peaks, and a stop at Rishikesh or Haridwar on the way.
• At Gulmarg: sledging, snow walks and a Gondola ride for the views alone, followed by a Dal Lake shikara ride and a Mughal garden visit in Srinagar.

Always confirm that these extras are listed in your package, since many are charged separately and depend on weather.

What a Good Skiing Package Should Include

Before you pay for any ski package, check that these points are clear in writing:

• A certified ski instructor and the number of sessions included.
• Ski gear rental, including boots, skis, poles, helmet and gloves if offered.
• Lift, ropeway or Gondola tickets, and whether they are included or extra.
• Hotel name and location, and how far it is from the slopes.
• Transfers, including who drives and what vehicle you will get.
• Snow, weather and cancellation terms, including what happens if skiing is not possible.
• Travel insurance guidance and an emergency contact number.

Red flags to avoid:

• Promises of guaranteed snow. Nobody can guarantee this.
• No instructor details or vague words like “basic training”.
• Prices far below the market with no explanation.
• No written itinerary or refund policy.

Practical Tips for Your First Ski Trip

Get your body ready

Skiing works your legs, core and balance. Three to four weeks of squats, lunges and light cardio makes a real difference, especially on day two when muscles feel sore.

Dress in layers

• Thermal base layer, fleece or wool mid layer, and a waterproof outer jacket and pants.
• Waterproof gloves, warm socks, a beanie, a neck gaiter and UV-protection sunglasses or goggles.
• Sunscreen and lip balm. Sun at altitude is stronger than most people expect.

Respect the altitude

Rest on arrival, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the first day. If you feel dizzy, get a headache or feel unusually breathless, tell your guide and take it slow.

Book early and stay flexible

For January and February, book four to six weeks ahead for better hotel and flight options. If you can, leave one buffer day in your plan for weather delays.

Ski only in marked areas

Avalanche risk is real in the Himalayas. Never go off-piste without a certified local guide and the right safety gear.

A typical ski day

Most ski days start with breakfast around 8 AM, followed by gear fitting and a warm-up with your instructor. Morning sessions are usually best, since snow is firmer and skies are clearer. After a lunch break, many travelers ski for an hour or two more, then head back to the hotel before the cold sets in. Expect to feel tired by evening, which is completely normal.

Remember that a ski day is physical. Keep hydrated, take breaks, and do not push yourself on the first day just because the group is moving faster.

How TravelsYatra Plans Ski Trips from Delhi

At TravelsYatra, a Delhi-based tour operator, we plan Auli and Gulmarg trips around your skill level first and your budget second. We look at hotel location, instructor quality, travel time and backup plans for weather, because these matter more than a flashy brochure.

If you want a custom quote or help choosing between the two resorts, you can explore our winter itineraries at https://travelsyatra.com/ and share your dates, group size and skiing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners, Auli or Gulmarg?

Auli is usually the easier choice for beginners because its slopes are gentle and the package costs less. Gulmarg also has beginner slopes, but its main appeal is the bigger terrain for stronger skiers.

What is the best month for skiing in India?

January and February are usually the best months for both resorts because snow cover is deepest. Early March can also be excellent, with warmer days.

How much does a skiing package from Delhi cost?

Indicatively, Auli packages range from about INR 14,000 to 45,000 per person, and Gulmarg packages from about INR 28,000 to 85,000, depending on hotel, flights and inclusions.

Do I need prior skiing experience?

No. Both resorts offer beginner lessons with instructors. A basic level of fitness is enough to start.

Is ski gear included in the package?

Most packages include rental gear such as skis, boots and poles. Always confirm whether helmets, gloves and goggles are included.

How many days are enough for a ski trip?

Plan five to six days for Auli and four to five days for Gulmarg. This gives you at least two full ski days with some buffer for weather.

Is skiing safe for families and seniors?

With instructors, proper gear and good planning, families can enjoy beginner slopes safely. Seniors should check with a doctor first, especially for altitude and heart or knee concerns.

What happens if there is no snow?

A good operator will explain the plan in writing. Options may include shifting dates, switching to snow-ready slopes or offering alternative activities. Ask about this before you pay.

Final Thoughts

Skiing in India is easier to plan than most people think. Auli gives you a gentle, scenic and affordable introduction to winter sports. Gulmarg gives you altitude, powder and a serious mountain. Pick based on your skill level, your budget and your travel time, and always check the details of your package in writing.

Once you know your dates and group size, the rest becomes simple. Choose the resort that fits you, confirm the inclusions and snow terms, and get ready for a trip that feels very different from a regular holiday.

Before you travel, verify season dates, ropeway and Gondola operating status, and travel advisories with official sources such as Uttarakhand Tourism and Jammu and Kashmir Tourism.