Finally we are launching the next Ski training in Annapurna Base Camp. This year we will cooperate with the Mountain Academy of Nepal, an institute affiliated with the Ministry of Tourism in Nepal. The training will take place from the 10th until 23rd February and we will provide gear and ski instructors from Europe. As in the last years we will conduct a beginner Ski course, an advanced course and a Snowboard course. Furthermore, we will teach all students about avalanche awareness, rescue techniques and conduct practical trainings on how to find avalanche victims. After the training we will also organize a Ski, Snowboard and Skimountaineering race.
The advantage of Annapurna Base Camp as our location for this festival are manifold. First of all, there is plenty of snow. Especially for advanced skiers it is important to Ski various kinds of terrain and different snow types to progress. In February and March there can be up to 2 meters of snow in the Annapurna Sanctuary which is ideal for Ski mountaineering and splitboarding. Especially last year, there was so much snow, that the lodges at ABC had to close and some of the roofs collapsed due to the weight of the snow.
Second of all, the terrain in ABC provides different kinds of slopes. First of all, there are gentle slopes for beginners. Furthermore, there are slopes with more incline for advanced and professional skiers. Infact, the slopes are part of the north face of Hiunchuli 6441m. Due to the northern exposition, snow remains cold and hence fresh powder. You can ascend with climbing skins from ABC at 4200m up to 5200m and enjoy almost 1000m of descend.
Finally, the lodges in ABC provide great comfort to all students and instructors. After a long ski day it is better to enjoy a warm dinner in the heated dining room then to sleep in tents. Also the costs are significantly lower then in tents due to the gas, kitchen gear, food etc.
We hope to find about five to six instructors and about 30 Nepali students. Also we are planning to subsidize all Nepali students to keep the costs as low as possible. Currently we are still negotiating with the Mountain Academy, MoT and the VisitNepal2020 campaign office about a budget and are looking for private sponsors.
We will also soon upload a registration sheet for all the participants to faciliate insurance, ski gear and other equipment. Looking forward to ski with you in ABC! #skisnowboardnepal
Preliminary schedule:
1 Drive from Kathmandu to Ghandruk with the team and gears. Overnight at Ghandruk.
2 Inauguration Day at Ghandruk.
3 Trekking to ABC (Overnight at Sinuwa/Bamboo)
4 Trekking to ABC (Overnight at Himalaya/Deurali)
5 Trekking to ABC (Overnight at MBC/ABC)
6-9 Annapurna Winter Festival and basic training for trainee/locals/students/guide
10 1st National Ski/Snowboard Championship and Annapurna Winter Festival closing day.
11-13 Trekking to Siwai,Ghandruk
14 Drive back to Kathmandu
Impressions from 2017
Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal - 