Personal Effects to Carry

harshad

Hi IMers

I am heading for Directorate of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports 9erstwhile WHMI, Manali) for a 15 days basic sking camp with my daughter .All the skiing equipment and some clothing would be provided by DMAS.

I do not want to carry excess items/clothing, nor i want to be without essentials at Solang Valley where temps. are expected to be sub-zero.Woudl appreciate experienced IMers to tell me what bare minimum items/essentials to be carried from Mumbai for this trip.

Regards,
Harshad

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harshad

Hi

I am replying to my own post. I sought this information before I went for Basic Skiing Course at Manali. Got no replies. But after the course I am in a reasonable position to list what needs to be carried. Here is the list

(a) Under Garments - As required (Recommended - 6 pairs, very little time or energy left at the end of the day to wash them).

(b) Thermal Inners - three pairs but two can also do (You sweat a lot but still dont smell, so two thermalwear sets can do).

(c) Woolen Sweater - at least one.

(d) Track Suits - Two, one in worst case. Two track suits should be better.

(e) Sports shoes / snikers - One good pair.

(f) Socks - at least 6 pairs ( for the reasons mentioned at para (a) above). Woolen socks are actually not needed, definately not with the Skiing shoes.

(g) Towel - One (thinner the better for drying, takes less space too).

(e) Woolen / Monkey Cap - One.

(f) Woolen Hand Golves - two pairs.

(g) Skiing Gloves - one pair (available at Manali market for Rs 150/-, North Face is a better company)

(h) Sun Glasses - one (Must Carry or buy ordinary one for about Rs 100 - 120 at Manali).

(i) SunScreen - Banana Boat SPF 50 worked the best for me, you can coose your own but must carry one or buy one at Manali

(j) Moisturiser / Petroleum Jelly - As required.

(k) Toiletories - As required.

(l) Personal Medication - As essential.

(m) Pain Relief Tube - I preferred Omni Gel, you carry what suits you.

(n) Skiing Mask - one if you can get it at Manali. If it costs anything above 100 Rs forget it and use sunscreen instead. I could not find one at Manali.

(o) Golf cap - one. When sun is up, woolen cap is of no use, but sun shade or golf cap can be used.

(p) Knee Cap / Crape Bandage - carry one or two, though may not be used at all.

(q) Eatables - as required. Between end of skiing to dinner you would need some munchies.

(r) Raincoat - may be one thin one.

(s) Walkman / Diskman - one, if you have, else you can pass time by meeting and talking to other course participents.

I think I have covered almost every thing. If any otherinput required all IMers can seek it on as required basis.

zzzehar

I feel bad that no one responded to your post in time. Anyways, thanks lot for the info. Even I was planning to go on the Jan 15th course but then plans changed at the last moment.
Could you also throw some light on the facilities provided by DMAS? You said you are going with a daughter - Did you get an independent room? How was the food? What else can you do? How are the trainers? How vigorous is the practice? After the course, Do you think you are confident enough to take the himlayas on ur own or suggest a thing or two abt Skiing? Like - What kind of snow you should Ski On? What precautions should be taken while going alone? What do to in emergency? What kind of injuries is one vulnerable to?

I have asked a lot of questions but I guess this would prepare me well for my trip - !! Thnk you very much. Also, I would like to be confident enough to buy my own skiing equipment and break a leg or two on my own. How to judge the area is good for skiing and wouldn't let me be a reason for the inspiration for the Vertical Limit 2?

harshad

Thnaks for your post. I have posted my impressions and other information at a independent thresd at India Travel Forum>Destinations>minor destinations>himachal pradesh>Basic Skiing COurse at DMAS Manali. If you see this post of mine few of your questions would be answered. As for accomodation is concerned, it is dorm type, But an option exists to stay in a hotel close by, 4 minutes by shortcut, and Pay to DMAS only for the course and Lunch or course and all meals etc.

After the course I am confident to wera my skies and come down a slope in controll ed manner. Basic course is all about control and not about speed. See http://www.halhigdon.com/beginningskier. But if you remain at it and do intermediate and advance course, you would be able to do every thing that you mentioned. But basic course is a step in that direction.

Hope that satisfies you. Nice to hear from you.

himadventures

Harshad !

You have done good job..when I did basic skiing-I added spare batteries with a headtorch.

I always carry ONE NOTEBOOK+PEN with me. Then cellphones were not in INDIA-but now you can use BSNL from near the end of slope.

harshad

Thanks for reviewing the list. You are right, torch, spare cells, candles and match boxes are must (I did carry them but forgot to mention). Power suppy does fail once in a while and on rare occasions it does not return for few days.

Also on cell phone front BSNL connectivity is in pockets. Here you are connected and one step the signal is zero. A new tower is expected to come up. But for now, Airtel was most reliable at Solang. The signal is available at full strength even in the rooms. In fact despite having aMTNL mob on roaming, I had to pickup a airtel SIM for the period of course.

A Notebook and a pen is must (well I am not the writing kind, I store everything in my electronic diary contained in my head) and so is a good analog or digital camera or a video camera.

Thanks Him for review, between both of us, we have made things simpler for people going for skiing course.

rzoster

Thanks a lot guys. This is certaily useful information. I'm planning to go there on the winter of 08' but it looks like they have only a 1 week course now instead of 2 weeks. Anyway, I'll mail them and confirm before getting there with less number of underwears

regards,
rajath