Been there twice on 15th Jan 2011 & 20th Jan 2012. Great experience. Cable car ran the last time on 15th Jan 2011, the day we went up in it, and due to heavy snow fall it was closed that evening, and since that day it is closed. Regarding the quality of stay, since Jan 2011 the govt. hotel "GMVN" is in very good shape, but quite expensive. (2-5 thousand per night per room). Same is with Cliff Top (private resort) but regarding quality I'm not sure, never stayed there. To visit Auli in winters, ie Dec, Jan, Feb for young adventurers, like me :) and the snow seekers, it is better to start early, ie 7-8 AM from Joshimath. If you get lucky you might get a 4X4 jeep to go to Auli, otherwise you can go trekking about 16-18 kmts. might take 3-4 hrs. (only physically fit are advised :)).(the private jeep drivers can charge anything between 100 - 1000 Rs per side trip). All up to you for bargain :) ..At Auli normal tourists can have enough entertainment in few hrs and those who can afford a few thousand rupees can stay there otherwise it is advisable to leave around 3-4 PM because it is rare to get any transport downwards and it's a pleasant (approx 3 hrs) walk down to Joshimath. If jeeps are running it is better to come back to Joshimath and go back again next morning if you are not satisfied in a day rather then staying in an expensive hotel. Call is all yours. I'm planning to go again in January with my friends. Hope the experience will be great again. For me it is the best place I have ever visited in the world in my whole life :) But I feel very sorry that our Government either State or Centre never promote such places. For me Auli is a must visit place......