Nepal
has no skiing resorts and hence any skiing or snowboarding in Nepal has
to be backcountry and exploratory. The snowline in popular routes is
far too high to allow for long periods required to develop a good ski
industry. Also the remoteness of the locations means difficulty in
transportation. But these conditions are best suited for those who are
beyond just holiday skiers and love the excitement and thrill that
backcountry skiing and snowboarding offers.
 Also
this trip allows you to ski at the top of the world, higher than any
ski slopes in most of the ski destinations. This trip combines the best
of backcountry snow in peak winter when the snowline is lower and also
includes a visit to the legendary Everest Base Camp, arguable the most
renown trek in Nepal and probably the whole world. The trips will be
led by Alex Stickelberger, a fully qualified ski instructor and former
member of the Austrian National Ski Team and assisted by Gyalzen
Sherpa, who has been skiing in France and is from Namche Bazaar, the
most popular destination in the route.
As all ski locations are over 4000+m, safety will be of prime concern
and all precautions will be taken to avoid altitude sickness through
appropriate acclimatization at lower altitudes. The route lies in the
highest wildlife reserve in the world, the Sagarmatha National Park. It
covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone. The park
altitudes range from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, UNESCO
listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique
natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.
A trek in this region takes one to the foothills of the mightiest of
the mountains in the world. Enroute, one traverses through rhododendron
and pine forests, rivers, Sherpa villages and Buddhist Monasteries from
temperate to snow line regions. The Himalayas are best seen on this
trek as one traces the main route through the Khumbu region from the
Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar. Trekkers get a close view of the world's
greatest mountains, Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Thamserku, Tawache and
others.
The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas, who inhabit
the Everest Region. Because of their impeccable mountaineering skills,
they are an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders,
guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set
records of many 'firsts' in the mountaineering world. Due to their
close affinity to Tibet, in trade, tradition and tongue, the Tibetan
influence in their living style is quite distinct. The Sherpa people
follow the Nying-mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The famous Tyangboche
and other monasteries are the common gathering place to celebrate
religious festivals such as Dumje and Mani Rimdu.
Interesting extensions to a trip to this region can be cultural walks
in the Kathmandu Valley, a two day rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi, or a
three day Chitwan Wildlife Reserve Rhino safari.
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