BSC – 65 || JIM&WS- Sonamarg || 4-18th Jan 2025
Another adventure sport ticked off my bucket list—skiing! It’s an exhilarating activity that involves gliding on snow using skis, whether for transportation, recreation, or competitive sports. India offers some of the most breathtaking skiing experiences, particularly in the Himalayan regions. Renowned destinations like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir), Auli (Uttarakhand), and Manali (Himachal Pradesh) boast stunning ski slopes. Skiing courses in India are conducted by reputed institutes such as the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering (IISM), Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports (JIM & WS), Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS). I had the privilege of enrolling in the Basic Skiing Course, batch-65, at JIM & WS in Sonamarg.
The Basic Skiing Course spans 14 days and introduces participants to the fundamentals of skiing, including equipment, techniques, fall-and-recovery methods, and basic maneuvers. Like other government-certified adventure courses, this one concludes with both practical and theoretical exams, where scoring an alpha grade is essential.
My journey with this course began with a daunting challenge and ended with a heartwarming triumph. On the first day, during acclimatization, I suffered from Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)—an experience so harrowing that I feared the institute might send me home due to my condition. However, as the course progressed, it turned into an unforgettable experience. My performance improved consistently, and by the end of it, I was awarded the title of Best Student of the course.
One of the biggest challenges throughout the course was enduring the sub-zero temperatures every single day. Staying warm required proper layering, constant movement without overexertion, and meticulous care. Sleeping in such conditions was initially tough, but the day’s rigorous activities left us so exhausted that a solid 8 hours of deep sleep became inevitable.
This course awakened the child within me, bringing back the joy of mischief, laughter, and camaraderie with a group of strangers who soon felt like friends. Sharing stories, giggling around, and embracing the adventure made it one of the best decisions of my life! Hands down, an experience to cherish forever.
