Snow elusive, skiing courses put on hold

Tribune News Service

Subhash Rajta

Shimla, January 25

The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali, has not been able to start its annual skiing courses at any of its four sites — Manali, Narkanda, Bharmour and Jispa — due to the prolonged dry spell this year.

“It’s for the first time in the last 18-20 years that we have not been able to conduct the skiing courses in January. Normally, we hold two courses in January, followed by a few more in February and March if the weather allows,” said Avinash Negi, Director, ABV Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports.

“As usual, we had all slots booked for the skiing course that was to start from January 11. But we were forced to postpone it as there was no snowfall. The second course was to start from January 27, but this too has been postponed to January 31,” said Negi.

These skiing courses are quite popular and skiing enthusiasts from all over the country come to participate, especially in Manali and Narkanda. In the absence of snowfall, the institute is offering adventure sports like river crossing and rock climbing, etc, to the skiing enthusiasts. “We are hopeful that we will have some snowfall towards the end of the month. If there is adequate snowfall, we will try and accommodate as many participants as possible in the courses next month,” he said. Even if there is snowfall in February and March, it’s not ideal for skiing. Due to the increased daylight and higher temperatures in these months compared to December and January, the snow is watery and melts rather quickly.

The lack of snowfall is hurting the local people who are associated with skiing for some additional income. “There are several people associated with skiing activity for their livelihood. Skiing is quite popular with tourists. The impact of the dry spell is quite widespread,” said Negi.

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