One of the most popular snow-related adventure sports, skiing is all about passion, grace and balance
Skiing is not just an adventure sport. It is also a mode of transport, and a competitive winter sport in which the participant uses skis to glide on snow. Being one of the most popular snow-related activities in the world, ski resorts are quite the norm. But it isn’t as easy as it looks. Over the years, skiing has expanded and the styles of skiing can now be categorised into three mahor types.
TYPES OF SKIING
ALPINE
Also called downhill skiing, alpine skiing typically takes place on a piste at a ski resort. It is characterised by fixed-heel bindings that attach at both the toe and the heel of the skier’s boot. Because it is difficult to walk in alpine equipment, ski lifts, including chairlifts, bring skiers up the slope. Back country skiing can be accessed by helicopter or snowcat. Facilities at resorts can include night skiing, après-ski, and glade skiing under the supervision of the ski patrol and the ski school. Alpine skiing branched off from the older Nordic skiing around the 1920s, when the advent of ski lifts meant that it was not necessary to walk any longer.
NORDIC
The Nordic disciplines include cross-country skiing and ski jumping, which share in common the use of binding that attach at the toes of the skier’s boots but not at the heels. Cross-country skiing may be practiced on groomed trails or in undeveloped backcountry areas.
TELEMARK
Telemark skiing is a ski turning technique and FIS-sanctioned discipline. It is named after the Telemark region of Norway. Using equipment similar to nordic skiing, the ski bindings having the ski boot attached only at the toe. This allows the skier to raise his/her heel throughout the turn.
WHERE CAN YOU SKI IN INDIA?
PAHALGAM – JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, Pahalgam is a small town and a major destination where snow skiing is undertaken heavily. The added availability of awe-inspiring views make the place a favourite with trekkers and skiers alike. The best time to visit is in the months from December to March, when the snow is nice and thick, and perfect for skiing.
GULMARG – JAMMU AND KASHMIR
A nice little place in the Baramla district of Jammu & Kashmir, Gulmarg is popularly known as the ‘Heartland of winter sports in India’. Gulmarg is also the 7th best skiing destination in Asia. The famous ‘Gulmarg Gondola’, which is the highest cable car in the whole world, is also found here. The best time to visit the region is during the months of December to March.
MUNSIYARI – UTTARANCHAL
The name refers to a ‘place with snow’. It is situated on the banks of Goriganga river. A fast growing tourist destination, mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers like to use it as their base camp. Munsiyari also falls on the ancient salt route from Tibet and is at the entrance of the Johar Valley.
DAYARA BUGYAL – UTTARAKHAND
One of the most picturesque skiing spots of Uttarakhand, Dayara Bugyal is filled with lush slopes and beautiful alpine grasslands. The breathtaking views of the surrounding snow covered gigantic Himalayan peaks make for an awesome summer retreat. The beautiful lake of Baranala Tal is also found in Dayara Bugyal, which makes it a famous camping site for trekkers and visitors.
Volume 5 Issue 11
