The Shitalkin Winter Carnival and National Skiing Championship were inaugurated in Auli, Uttarakhand, on February 13, 2026. Uttarakhand Minister Satpal Maharaj lit the ceremonial lamp to open the events, which feature 17 teams and over 300 players. The four-day competition includes national-level events in Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering.
Auli, a renowned ski resort in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, hosted the opening of the Shitalkin Winter Carnival and National Skiing Championship on Friday, February 13, 2026. Uttarakhand Minister Satpal Maharaj officiated the inauguration by lighting the ceremonial lamp, marking the start of a four-day event running through February 16. The competition involves 17 teams and more than 300 players competing in disciplines such as Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering (Skimo) at altitudes between 2,500 and 3,050 metres. Auli is celebrated for its natural slopes and views of peaks like Nanda Devi, India's second-highest mountain at 7,816 metres. It also serves as an entry point to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, and trekking sites including Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan. Addressing reporters, Minister Maharaj said, “Today, the Winter Carnival is being inaugurated in Auli. I have announced that this carnival will be held every year. We want to make Auli a hub for the Winter Games. We are committed to that. This event will provide employment to the youth. It will boost local entrepreneurs.” The minister highlighted the event's potential to promote Uttarakhand tourism and skiing in India, with other regional destinations like Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali also noted for their appeal.
