We are at an altitude of 13050 feet. The snow is virgin and pure white here... And what a panoramic view - snowcapped mountains, rising far above the clouds - truly breathtaking - feels like heaven!!!
We got up at 2.00 am for this soul stirring trip and started our journey sharp at 5.00 am. We packed ourselves in windproof, waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, thick socks, glares, and hats. We also hired a pair of ski gears and a trained guide. The cabbie is swift and smart. We made it to the Zero Point by 8.30. Outstanding!!
This is the first time I have seen snow and I am totally mesmerized, so is my friend. We play with snow for a while. I am all set to ski. My friend's ankle pains so she has opted out.
I ask the guide how it feels to ski?
You slip your feet into heavy skiing boots, clamp them on to the skis and let gravity do the rest, he replies with a smile.
Is it that simple?
Oh yeah! Don’t worry.
He asks me to take off my gum boots and put my feet into skiing boots. I do as he says.
He gives me basic instructions around sloping down the hill, changing directions, identifying the ski circuits, how to reduce the speed, how to stop, how to avoid collisions, how to reverse a fall, and most important, how to get up without any help.
At the first attempt, I slope down the hill without tripping. I convince myself that it’s a mere coincidence.
I ask the guide 'how many people have learnt the first time?'
'No one. You gotta take the basic course.'
'Damn! I shouldn’t have asked this question.' I condemn myself.
I concentrate back on skiing. This time I fall. It doesn’t hurt. Its rather fun.
Can it cause me any serious injury?
Yeah, it can hurt your back or knee if you are not careful enough.
Hmmm! Ok. Time for some serious learning.
My guide tells me that edges of skis are where most of the control comes from and to use the edges properly, I must push them into the snow evenly along their length. This means I need my weight in the middle of the ski; otherwise my weight will not be distributed properly. He also asks me to lean forwards to keep my weight over the middle of the skis as I come down a slope where the gradient decreases. If I don’t lean forwards, my weight will come back giving me less control of the skis. I will also need to lean backwards slightly if the gradient increases, to keep the weight over the middle of the skis. He shares that I can tell if I have my weight in the right position, if I feel my shins pushing lightly on the front of my ski boots.
I continue skiing for an hour, fall down many times, give a few good shots too and then decide to take a half an hour break. It does take a lot of energy after all.
I take a Yak ride and enjoy cube slide during the break. How about a cup of coffee? Hmmm refreshingly delectable!!
Back to skiing.
I recollect previously learned lessons, all his instructions, and the mistakes that I made. I want to give my best. I wouldn’t be a champ by the end of it, but I can still learn not to fall, at least.
I do fall a couple of times but I manage to change directions. After toiling for two hours… yes I can feel a few drops on my nose, I am able to stop on my own. But I can still not get up on my own... I need his help.
My body is shrieking. My ab muscles are paining as if I had 1000 crunches in one go. I stop. I drag myself to the cab.
Everything in life comes at a cost, even adventure sports. My body hurts!! But the experience was worth it.
