Snowless Slopes Disappoint Winter Tourists in Uttarakhand's Auli and Gorson Bugyal
This winter season has brought unusual disappointment to Uttarakhand's popular hill stations. The snow-clad peaks of Auli and the sprawling Gorson Bugyal meadow, which normally glisten like perfect postcards, remain conspicuously bare. Both destinations, perched at altitudes between 8,000 and over 10,000 feet in Chamoli district, have failed to receive their usual blanket of snow.
Tourists Cancel Plans and Seek Alternatives
Visitors expressed palpable frustration during the New Year weekend. Many families who traveled to these destinations returned early. Some vented their disappointment on social media platforms. Others decided to postpone their bookings or head farther into the mountains.
Tourists are now moving towards Niti Valley in search of winter wonderlands. Niti Valley lies about 85-90 kilometers from Jyotirmath. It sits at altitudes between 3,600 and 3,800 meters at Niti village, with surrounding areas rising even higher.
Hoteliers Face Sharp Business Slowdown
The absence of snow has hit local businesses hard. Ajay Bhatt, a hotelier in Auli, reported a sharp dip in tourist turnout after January 5. Auli normally accommodates around 3,000 tourists with all hotels full during this season. Current occupancy has dropped to just 40-45%.
"Many visitors are deferring their trips," Bhatt explained. "They hope for snowfall in February or March rather than cancelling completely. Those who do come often leave disappointed after a day or two. They move towards Niti Valley. We too recommend they go there."
Bhatt emphasized that Gorson Bugyal typically remains covered in snow from November until April. Without it, the entire tourism season could turn very lean for local businesses.
Occupancy Rates Plummet in Jyotirmath
Rakesh Ranjan, president of the Jyotirmath Hotel Association, confirmed the troubling trend. Jyotirmath, located about 11 kilometers from Auli, has around 100 registered homestays and 85 hotels. Room occupancy currently stands at only 10-15%, which is highly unusual for this peak season.
Ranjan also pointed to operational issues compounding the problem. The ropeway was not functioning properly. Authorities failed to operate the ice-making machine on time. "Messages circulating on social media have kept tourists away," he added.
Rainfall Deficit Explains the Snow Shortage
Meteorological data reveals the underlying cause of this unusual situation. Uttarakhand recorded an acute rainfall deficit during the post-monsoon season this year. December 2025 emerged as the driest December in the past decade according to India Meteorological Department records.
The state registered an overall rainfall shortfall of 24% during the post-monsoon period from October to December. Conditions worsened sharply in December when Uttarakhand received no rain or snowfall at all. This resulted in a 100% deficit across all thirteen districts of the state.
The combination of natural weather patterns and operational challenges has created a perfect storm for Uttarakhand's winter tourism industry. Both tourists and business owners now wait anxiously for any signs of snowfall that might salvage the remaining winter season.
