Auli's Slopes Turn Brown: Snowless Winter Sparks Climate Fears

Auli, a renowned skiing destination in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, is experiencing a critically snowless winter, sparking urgent concerns about climate change's direct impact. Normally abundant snowfall has failed to materialize, leaving ski slopes bare and threatening the region's identity as a winter sports hub.

This lack of snow has resulted in minimal tourist arrivals and placed significant winter events, including national championships, at risk of cancellation. Officials express deep concern, noting this is the fourth championship likely to be canceled in five years. The situation underscores Auli's dependence on natural snowfall and its vulnerability to global warming.

Authorities are exploring alternative, higher-altitude locations like Gorson, approximately 3-4 km away at 3,050 meters. However, development there faces environmental and forest cover challenges. Meanwhile, local residents and tourism businesses are advocating for the revival of artificial snowmaking systems and ice skating rinks to mitigate the crisis.

The economic impact is severe, with widespread booking cancellations reported by resorts. Environmentalists are labeling the snowless winter an "alarming indication," citing unregulated construction and deforestation as exacerbating factors in the Himalayas. The India Meteorological Department confirmed weak western disturbances with limited moisture, affecting snowfall across northern India.