Artificial Ski Slope Under Construction In Himalayas (08-Jun-09)

Auli, India, June 8. 2009 - An artificial ski slope is believed to be currently under construction at Auli

An artificial ski slope is reported to be currently under construction at Auli, a tourist spot and well known ski centre located at an altitude of 2,500m in the Indian Himalayas.

The area, one of India’s best known ski resorts although with facilities including a chairlift and cable car, will host the Asian winter games this December, however some reports claim that there has been very little natural snowfall for the past two winters, possibly due to global warming, and thus the local authorities are investing in the artificial surface slope as well as a new snowmaking system.

Auli is regarded as one of India and asia's most beautiful ski areas, located in pine forests in a region where the temperature can drop to -8 degrees celcius at night time in mid-winter. 

Auli is linked to the gateway town of Joshimath by what was, when it opened, the longest cablecar in Asia, supported by ten towers. The foundation for that ropeway was laid by the then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, in 1983 with the lift, which has two 25 passenger cabins, completed in 1994. 

The ascent of 4.78km (almost 3 miles) takes 20 minutes and offers spectacular views. Ski lifts include a chair and a French built 500m long surface tow, also the longest in the country when it opened. 

The slopes of Auli are flanked by stately coniferous and oak forests and visitors to the resort can enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi (7817m), Kamet (7756m), Mana Parbat (7273m) and Dunagiri (7066m).