SKI AND SNOWBOARDING FOUNDATION NEPAL
Introduction
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal (NFSS) is a non-governmental non-profit organization, founded in January 2016 by a team of young winter sports enthusiast, Tourism students and mountain guides with the aim of developing snow sports in Nepal. Foundation aims to promote Nepali tourism sector by developing adventure sports, especially ski and snowboarding, in Nepal.
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal provides ski and snowboarding training to young Nepalese adventure sport enthusiasts, runs ski and snowboarding tours as well as offers crevasse and avalanche rescue trainings for mountain guides. Through these activities, NFSS aims to create impact within Nepali tourism sector by increasing revenue generation through expansion of tourist season and creation of job opportunities for students of hospitality industry and mountain and trekking guides.
NFSS aims to promote a quality tourism as well as encourage women empowerment by enrolling them in training campaign. So, that they can serve a tourism industry in long run. We, NFSS believes in uplifting women in Nepal society by inspiring them in tourism sector, which can bring huge economic development not only in Nepal but also in their communities. Most women across the globe rely on the informal work sector for an income. If women were empowered to do more and be more, the possibility for economic growth becomes apparent. Empowering women in developing countries is essential to reduce poverty. NFSS is specially focused on woman and youth development by providing them training and formal and informal education required in tourism industry for economic development. Through this, we believe in creating job opportunities for the youth, which can uplift their living standard.
NFSS also believes in promoting winter sports as well as winter tourism and its development through which NFSS expect to see participation of Nepalese national in winter games and Olympic too. We also want to develop games in national level and develop ski guides for the future of Nepal’s ski industry.
Our Events:
Ski in Annapurna Base Camp Documentary
Annapurna Range, March 2024
Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expedition donates 30 percent of the profit made out of commercial trip to Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal. In March 2024, NFSS supported a trip of Nepali and international Skiers from the US and Norway to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). A small group of 3 Skiers consisting of Utsav, Luke and Rebbeka trekked to ABC for exploration of new ski tours and Freeride lines and to shoot a documentary. In total, there were two skiers and Rebekka on her splitboard. Rebekka from Norway is currently finalising the editing of a documentary about the skiing scene in Nepal, and this will definitely help in promoting Nepal as a skiing destination globally.
5 days Basic Ski Training
Karnali Kalikot, March 2024
In March 2024, the Foundation provided ski equipment to the Karnali Ski Association and dispatched two Nepali ski instructors, who graduated from our Training-of-Trainer’s course to Kalikow in Western Nepal. The instructors provided a basic ski training course to 22 Nepalese participants, including two women, from the far West of Nepal. Karnal is the one of the most rural areas of Nepal and besides our training in Humala Karnali, this was probably one of the biggest ski events in Karali’s history. Due to its geography, Karnal profits a lot from the Westerly Disturbances, the weather system that brings the snow or winter rain to the Nepalese Himalaya and is thus very interesting for Skiers and Snowboarders alike. We are proud to support this grass root level activity of skiing in remote regions in Nepal. Out dream of making a ski culture in Nepal is slowly becoming a reality through the opening of new chapters. This event was organized by Karnal Ski Association which is part of the National Ski Association. Hence this event was a crucial milestone for the Nepalese ski community.
Free Ride Ski Trip 7 Days
Gulmarg, Kashmir (Feb 15 – 21) 2024
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal organized its annual free ride trip with 6 participants to Gulmarg, India. Participants were skiing for one week with the Ski Club of Gulmarg where participants were able to explore the beautiful backcountry of Gulmarg Resort by freeriding in excellent conditions. This activity provided a great experience to all of our students, of which some have never seen a ski lift before. NFSS fully sponsored one participant from Kalinchok who our local partner and student from the village of Kuri is. Overall, this activity contributed again to enhancing and strengthening the ski and snowboard community in Nepal.
Installation of 1st Electric Rope Tow Ski Lift
Kalinchowk, Kuri – December 2023
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal was able to import the first commercial rope tow ski lift to Nepal from Switzerland with the help of Catrina Experience a ski resort in Disentis which donated this lift to us. Ervin Jacomet a Swiss IFMGA Guide played a big role in making this ski lift project a success. The Foundation also collaborated with Nepal National Mountain Guide Association, Nepal Mountain Academy and Gold Hospitality. The Nepal Mountain Academy initially helped in making the detailed project report and a feasibility study for a ski resort at Kalinchok which will be operated by the Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal. Furthermore, Gold Hospitality, a private company invested in facilitating the necessary infrastructure including, electricity and land acquisition of the area for the ski resort. Gold hospitality is planning to invest in a proper ski resort with artificial snow and a chairlift in coming years.
Intermediate Ski Training 15 Days
Gulmarg, Kashmir (Feb 1 – 15) 2023
NFSS organized a 15-day intermediate ski training in Gulmarg, India with the help of the local ski club of Gulmarg. NFSS is also cooperating with the club on trainings for beginners. In total, there were 20 participants from Nepal. 5 students benefitted from basic training. while 15 were advanced students who continued with the intermediate training. This training increased the capacity of our students and as some were able to make significant progress, this training concept has proven to be very efficient.
We started to organize the event every year after this event in Gulmarg, India.
NFSS Nominated for the UIAA Mountain Protection Award
Istanbul, Turkey August 2022
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal was nominated for the UIAA mountain protection award. Our project was selected due to our outstanding work in the mountains for the development of a skiing and snowboarding culture in Nepal. We also provided jobs to many mountain guides and students as a ski instructors and opportunities to work as ski guides in the mountains during the off-season. We also raised mountain and skiing awareness among the Nepal Sports Council, the Olympic Committee of Nepal and Nepal Army for their Mountain Warfare training. We were recommended by the Nepal Mountaineering Association for the nomination of UIAA MPA.
Basic Ski Training 12 Days
Gulmarg, Kashmir (Feb 1 – 12) 2022
NFSS organized a 12-day basic ski training in India Gulmarg with the help of the local ski club of Gulmarg. In total, 18 students participated in that training. It was one of the most successful ski trainings of ski foundation because of lot of participant and ski infrastructure. We were able conduct one of the best trainings with proper accommodation with help of Indian skier and snowboarder club.
Mera Peak Ski Expedition
Sagarmatha, Sankhuwashawa May 2021
The Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal conducted a Mera Peak Ski and Split board Expedition in collaboration with Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expedition. The President of the foundation, Utsav Pathak, with 2 skiers from Netherlands successfully completed the ski expedition and summited Mera Peak. It was 16 days expedition to Mera Peak 6476m starting from April End to March mid.
Construction of Ski Slope
Kalinchowk, Kuri (Jan 2021)
NFSS with the help of Nepal Mountain Academy was finally able to commence with the construction of a 1 km of Ski slope in forest line in Kuri Kalinchowk. The slope is 3 meter wide and 1 km long. This slope ends at the place where our ski lift is installed. It took more than 15 days to construct this road. Many locals helped us to construct this ski slope.
Establishment of Ski Trend in Humla
Simikot, Humla, Jan 2019
Humla is one of the most undeveloped regions of Nepal’s Far West. Although there is lot of snowfall in Humla we were unable to organize or provide training to people of Humla due to the difficult access. Our chief ski instructor from Germany Mr Julius Seidenader went to Humla with lot of ski gear and taught many locals to ski and snowboard in Simikot. The Foundation also donated skis to locals in Humla so they can enjoy every winter. Now skiing is developing even in the far West of Nepal due to the support of the Foundationth our help. We are planning to open a permanent ski school in Humla after few years. As Humla is the the province in Nepal with the highest precipitation in Winter we can also find some of the best powder.
MOU signed with Nepal Mountain Academy
Kathmandu, Nepal (Dec 2019)
On December 29, 2019, President of Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal Mr Utsav Pathak and Executive Director of Nepal Mountain Academy Mr Romnath Gyawali signed an agreement on behalf of two organization where both organizations committed to work together for development of ski tourism and ski mountaineering in Nepal. This is one of the big achievements of NFSS to work with government body of Nepal.
First Kuri Ski and Snowboard Championship
Kalinchowk, Kuri Jan 2020
In January 2020, the Ski and snowboard lovers in Nepal gathered in Dolakha province to conduct the first Ski and Snowboard Championship of the Province. The championship was held in Kuri, Kalinchowk for the first time and sparked a great interest from domestic tourist from Kathmandu and locals. Many people were there to see the championship and around 20 students participated in championship. This event created a new feeling and love towards snow sports in Nepal among locals and non-skiers and boarders. Pundarik Pandey from Nepal Army secured 1st position in Slalom ski and Bishal Tamang Secured 1st position in Slalom Snowboard Race.
Ski for Nepal 3
Annapurna Base Camp (Feb 2020)
Ski for Nepal 3 was part of our regular series of our program Ski for Nepal. The level 1 and 2 training was conducted at Annapurna Base Camp on 4100m. The Foundation was supported by two German and one Italian instructor. During this activity, the team also organized the first Ski Mountaineering Race in Nepal from Fishtail Base Camp 3700m to ABC 4200m. The athletes started to ski down from ABC and ascended 500 meters of altitude with their ski tour equipment.
Ski for Nepal 1
Dolakha, Gaurishankhar, Naa Village (Feb 2016)
In February 2016, NFSS conducted its first 21-days ski, snowboard and rescue training for Nepali students, mountain and trekking guides in Naa Valley, Rolwaling, Dolakha. The participants consisted of, 11 tourism students, 4 mountain guides and 1 trekking guide, and nine local people including girls who received ski & snowboarding training and avalanche rescue techniques. Being the first of its kind, the training aimed at training individual to prepare them as instructors. Especially by providing rescue trainings, NFSS is trying to promote Nepal as a safe destination for travel since the 2015 earthquake.
Documentary link:
1st Nepalese Ski Expedition in Mera Peak
Sept 2016
In September 2016, NFSS conducted its first ski expedition of Mera peak. The expedition team included, Nepali guides; Pasang Rinzee Sherpa (Dolakha), Ningma DorjeeTamang (Dolakha) and Pemba Sherpa (Solukhumbu); JuliusSeidenader (Germany) and Matthias Luerscher(Switzerland) as ski instructors. Before the ascent, skiers were trained in crevasse rescue technique, avalanche rescue training and ski touring. The expedition was supported by the Government of Nepal ministry of culture, tourism and civil aviation Nepal Mountain Academy, and The Khumbu Climbing Centre (KCC). This ski expedition set a new milestone in the history of mountaineering in Nepal, as it showed the value of ski and recue trainings that NFSS provides, not only for the individuals but also for the entire sector.
Documentary link :
Kalinchowk Ski Training, Dolakha (Jan 2017)
In January 2017, NFSS organized an event at Kalinchowk, Dolakha aiming locals of Dolakha to promote the ski and snowboarding in that area as well as a pre-event for upcoming event at Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Annapurna Conservation Area Project in February 2017. This event included more than 15 locals who were trained by the NFSS Students. This event was mainly focused on encouraging ski and snowboarding adventure sport as a winter sport in the snowfield area.
Ski for Nepal 2
Annapurna Base Camp (Feb 2017)
The Foundation conducted a 2-week Avalanche Rescue training and a ski and snowboard level 1 training at Annapurna Base Camp. This was our 2nd season of our regular series training called Ski for Nepal. Several international ski instructors participated in this training and a total of 25 Nepali students where 6 of them were from Nepal army. There were 9 instructors with us from different countries of Europe.
High Altitude Ski Mountaineering and Avalanche Rescue Training
Khangla Glacier, Manang (Sept 2017)
In September 2017, we organized our high-altitude avalanche rescue training and ski mountaineering course in Khangla glacier of Manang. There were more 15 students and 6 instructors from Europe and USA. IT was 16 days training were students learned a lot about ski mountaineering in glacier. There was also one participant from Malaysia. Most of the participant were mountain guide and tourism students.
Basic ski Training and Rock Climbing in Kalinchowk and Hattibaan Respectively.
Dec 2017
On 2017 December, organized a level 1 ski course at Kalinchok in Dolakha for the 2nd time. The Foundation joined up with few locals from the village of Kuri, the village at the bottom of Kalinchok Mountain. The instructors were very inspired as locals are keen in becoming skiers and snowboarders. The foundation also conducted a basic rock-climbing training in Hattibaan with members of NFSS. It was really helpful for new people who are interested in climbing and mountaineering.
First Kalinchowk Ski Festival
Jan 2018
In January 2018, NFSS organized the first official Ski Festival at Kalinchowk for one month. People enjoyed ski and snowboard and we were able to bring more than 300 people on skis and snowboards. This is one of the longest and biggest winter sport activities held in past 2 years. The Kalinchowk ski festival was organized with local and national partners. Local villagers also actively supported NFSS with the logistics.
Himalayan Invasion
Kashmir, Gulmarg, India (Feb 2018)
Himalayan Invasion was the 1st International Ski Training ever held by NFSS with the support of 1st Ski Travel Agency in Nepal, Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expeditions Pvt. and Everest Hard Wear. Students of NFSS received a 1-week ski training in Gulmarg Ski Resort, which helped them, a lot to increase their skills brought them one-step closer to becoming ski and snowboard instructors. In total, a six student’s participated from Nepal in that event. At the same time one of our students was also sent to Europe to Ski and learn about Ski Resorts.
International Snowboard Championship
India, Himanchal Pradesh, Chansal Peak (April 2018)
We were able to send our two athletes Mahan Jung Pande and Ranjan KC to international snowboard championships held in India, Himachal Pradesh with two officials Utsav Pathak who is Founder and President of NFSS and Suraj Kafle the Treasurer of the Foundation. The NFSS team was greatly supported by Nepal Ski Association and Nepal Olympic Committee. President of Nepal Olympic Committee bade farewell to participant and official in premises of NOC. Our athlete got 13th and 14th position in the game, which we should consider a great position for new athletes in the field. This opened a door for NFSS students and Nepali snowboarders to participate in international snowboard championship in the future.
Putha Himchuli (Dhaulagiri VII) Ski Expedition
Dolpa, Dhaulagir Range (Sept 2018)
Putha Himchuli Ski Expediton was one of the most thrilling activities that NFSS conducted so far. In September 2018, NFSS was able to organize our 1st ski expedition to peak above 7000 meters. Our Ski instructors from Europe made supported the activity and two members of the team managed to summit and to ski down to the Base Camp. There were 5 people including our chief instructor Florian Trittler. Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expedtions helped us a lot in logistic and other needed paperwork.
Installment of 1st Ski lift in Nepal and Nepal Ski Festival
Dolakha, Kuri – Feb 2019
The installation of the 1st Ski lift in Nepal was a historic moment for the Ski Community in Nepal. NFSS with the help of Ski Guides Nepal and our European friends was able to manufacture a first 60-meter rope tow ski lift in Nepal. Local Engineers and workers helped us to make this lift possible. President of Nepal Olympic Committee Mr Jeewan Ram Shrestha inaugurated the ski lift and the 1st person to use that ski lift was Mr Sukdev Thapa a member of NFSS. After the completion of the 1st ski lift, we organized our Nepal Ski Festival in collaboration with Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expeditions and Jatra Adventure. More than 500 people participated in that festival. This festival created a buzz in social media and news portals in Nepal.
Our Projects:
Project Ski Guides:
Project Ski Guides is 10-year project by Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal. NFSS is providing training to mountain guide and tourism students to become future ski guide of Nepal. We are providing different levels of training in different parts of Nepal to mountaineers and trekkers so that they could become the skillful work force in future ski tourism of Nepali Himalayas. As ski tourism just started commercially in Nepal, our leading partner Ski Guides Nepal Treks and Expeditions is promoting ski tourism in international level so that our students can work as a ski guide in future.
NFSS is creating a work force whereas SGN is developing the ski market in Nepal which makes it a big combination for the development of Ski Mountaineering in Nepal. Most of the people who have possibilities of becoming ski instructors are regular students of NFSS since its establishment who are committed to ski tourism and industry.
We are working to manage a ski test and exams for the international ski instructor license in Germany for our students with the help of our European instructors. Once our students pass this exam then officially, they will become international ski guides and can work during the Winter Season in the Himalayas and all around the world.
Kuri Adventure Center and Ski Resort:
Kuri Adventure Park is a concept of creating a place where people can come and involve in different types of adventure activities all season in Kuri Village of Kalanchoe Rural Municipality. It mainly consists of Small Ski Resort where we have already installed our rope tow ski lift and constructed 1 KM of ski slope. We are planning to develop this place as a proper ski resort with chairlift, Piston Bully, Skidoo, Snowmaking System, Office, Hotel and other winter activities like Ice Hockey and Ice Skating.
For off-season, we will be using our ski slope for downhill biking and quad bike. We will also construct a route for rock climbing in nearby area. We will also construct small wall climbing and other many small adventures in that place.
We are currently collaborating with Nepal Mountain Academy to develop this place as planned. Masterplan and DPR of the Project is done with the help of MAN. In local side, we are working with local government and local club to make our dream and project successful.
Some part of the work is already completed like constructing slope, installing 150-meter rope tow lift, electricity, land acquisition and survey to develop the place as an adventure park. We are looking for more partners to be a part of the project and make this a common goal and vision.
Exploring the Potential:
This project has always been followed by NFSS since it was formed. We have explored many places of Nepal which could be potential skiing area from East Solu Khumbu to West Dolpa and Humla.
This project has always been simple and fun project because it is always fun to travel and explore. We have different approach in exploration of the potential.
- Motivating Local: We are motivating many locals of different place to explore the area and help us to identify the place to ski. Where locals travel and explore their area and let us know the potential and we visit with our expert to see if we can do it.
- International Volunteer: International volunteers of NFSS are one of the main sources of exploring new places to ski in Nepal. They include ski instructors of event, solo traveler, mountaineers and researchers. Many of the volunteers explore the place during the event done in specific place.
- Training and Events: We are organizing different events and training in different places of Nepal every year. Change of location every year is done to explore new place and see how it goes in the new place. This way we not only experience different geography but new culture, friends, memories and ski/snowboard area.
This project started with NFSS and will be going on forever.
Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal - 