Snow Skiing - A Unique Sport

By Mohamad Yousuf

Winter Sports are becoming increasingly popular amongst the youth of our country. There are so many kind s of winter sports, like skiing, ice-skating, duck shooting and tobogganing etc. But among all snow skiing is very fascinating, thrilling and exciting one. It is one of the fastest sports of the world.

Ski as a refined and great sport is of very recent origin in India. Sometime in 1930’s this sport was introduced in India by some British soldiers. They had established a Ski Club at Gulmarg. The origin of this sport was actually derived from necessity. The idea of skiing was generated in the mind of a postman of Norway, who was entrusted with the work of distributing letters to the people living in snow bound areas of Norway. Natural and normal movement was almost impossible in snow bound areas where the postman had to serve. In order to make his movement easier and to maintain his duty uninterrupted on snow the post man made an improvised design out of two wooden planks to be tied under the feet to be used for walking on snow. The postman used the idea into practice and it clicked into a modest success. In course of time the idea of using two planks for fast walking on snow developed into modern ski. Then it popularized in Ireland, Finland and other northern parts of Europe. At present skiing is very popular in Austria, France, Italy, England, Canada, America, Russia and Germany etc./ It is now very rapidly popularizing in India, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong and Pakistan etc.

Ski is the only game where muscle power is avoided rendering it unnecessary. An ideal Skier while on skis should posses flexible body and mind with sharp perception and correct and flawless utilization of body movement as envisaged in Ski Instruction course can take one to desired direction and goal. Only rhythmic body can activate the ski to work one wants to achieve. Ski is a game of speed. In between the snow clad mountain range only ski can exhibit a graceful ballet like movement attaining a speed of 150 MPH.

It can be claimed that modern ski apart from being an artistic and adventurous sport it has some sociological utilitarian implication and importance as in the past. Ski is unique of its kind as an adventurous sport. All other sports might have manifestation of skill, beauty, power, competitiveness, above all pleasure both of the viewer and the performer, but the ski as a sport has some extra dimensions in its effectiveness to be used at times of need. India has a long mountainous border perpetually covered by snow throughout her northern boundary. Considering the effectiveness of movement on ski on snow bound areas ski training has been introduced to the Defence and B.S.F personnel for guarding the border.

Ski-Lift:

For the transportation of the skiers from base to top of the slope lifts are very essential. At present we have 6 ski lifts at Gulmarg, one Chair-lift, one T-Bar, three Poma-lifts (French) and one portable lift (excluding the army lifts). A scheme is progressive installing a Cable Car from Gulmarg to Apharwat. This lift will turn Gulmarg into International Ski resort.

Equipment:

Skis are made of fiberglass, metal and wood. These are light, lasting more efficient on snow. Suitable length of the ski for beginners may be the height of the skier plus one foot. Forward portion of the ski is projected upward forming boot like shape to facilitate buoyancy and affording passage over snow. The fittings are set such a manner so that the ski boot is set in the middle of the ski. Outer edges of the ski are bound by metallic angles. Front portion of the ski is called toe and back portion as heel. There is a grooved mark in the bottom of the3 ski which is known as direction mark. Special type of boot (high back and plastic made) is required for getting fixed on the fittings of the ski which are called safety bindings. The front portion of the binding is called toe plate and back portion as heel plate. Skier holds two ski poles (sticks) in his hands with discs attached to the lower ends. Special type of ski goggles are used and helmet is very essential during competitions. Skiers always wear colored and fancy dresses because it relieves monotony.

Kinds of Skis:

There are three types of snow skiing, given as under:

1. Alpine (Downhill) Ski: It is appropriate for Downhill and Slalom competitions. It is not5 possible to climb uphill by these skis. It is very common throughout the world.

2. Nordic Ski: This is the oldest sport. It is appropriate for recreational Cross-Country. Only tips of the boot are to be fixed with its special kind of binding. The heel remains movable and helps in climbing up hill. The mechanical devices to bring skiers uphill brought about the decline of this sport which is now coming back in the Alps.

3. Mountain Ski: A combination of Nordic and Alpine skiing. It is appropriate for sportive ski-touring and ski-climbing expeditions. Its bindings are multipurpose which can be used for uphill as well as for downhill. Sealskin or ski crampons (Nails) are fixed with skis for climbing steep slopes. It is now getting popular amongst the ski-mountaineers. Ascending and descending mountains by skis is the revival of an old sport of the Alps, the reintroduction of those conditions which prevailed at the dawn of skiing when ski-lifts did not exist.

Training:

In order to promote skiing in India the Tourism Department, Government of India established a National Ski School at Gulmarg under the name Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering., The Institute first trained about 19 Instructors, 11 of them were later employed in the same Institute. Since then the Institute has trained thousands of boys and girls of the country. At present ski training is imparted at Solungnallah and Kufri near Manali in Himachal Pradesh. The Skiing and Mountaineering Wing in Jammu and Kashmir Youth Services and Sports Department does not lag in promoting this unique sport among the school and College students of the state. It has inculcated the spirit of this sport among thousands of young ski enthusiasts.

The training to ski is imparted in three levels viz. Basic, Intermediate and Advance course. Those who qualify basic are recommended for intermediate and then advance course. At the end of the course tests are taken and various grades like “A” (above average) “B” (average), “C” (qualified) and “D” (disqualified) are awarded to the trainees according to the standard they have achieved in the course.

Technique:

Skiing is totally a new experience. Like all other sports it requires a certain technique for graceful skiing. A beginner has first to learn how to fix his boot on the ski and then start walking and sliding. Every aspect of movement of ski have been termed from its basic beginning to final, to name a few Tip turning, Step turning, Kick turn, Side stepping, Harraing bone, Snow plow, Snow plow turns, Downhill (Schus), Side slip, Uphill swing, Basic swing, Stem turn, Parallel turns, Wedlen, Traverse, Uphill christania and Stem christania etc.

Having endowed with all these basic aspects of skiing, a skier can even face and escape a running avalanche. The skier can also take off high and long jumps over a snow bump. Ski as an adventurous sport is synonymous with mountaineering. There are few ski climbers in India who could successfully ski down from Mt. Trisul, Mt. Nun and Mt. Kedarnath Dome and set records in the annals of ski-mountaineering.

Competitions:

Needless to mention that snow skiing is a Winter Olympic sport. Like other countries national state level competitions are organized every year at Gulmarg and Manali. It is a matter of great pleasure that one of the female students, Miss Natasha Mir of Chemistry Department of the University of Kashmir obtained 2nds Position in the National Championship in 1981. Last year one more student of Geography Department, Mr. Firdous Ahmad Khan obtained 1st position in state level competition, which was organized by the Ski Club of India at Gulmarg.

Events of Competitions:

Competitions are held in various events, given as under:

1. Downhill: One has to ski down from top to bottom of a particular slope in minimum time.

2. Slalom: The competitor has to pass through so many gates, fixed on the slope from top to bottom. Those who miss any gate are disqualified from the competition. One should finish the race in minimum time without missing any gate.

3. Giant Slalom: It is the combination of downhill and slalom. Gates are fixed very far away on the slope. It is very tricky race as one has to cross the gates in very high speed.

In all events the races are taken in two runs for combination. In Europe competitions are also held in Ski-Jumping, Cross-Country and Biathlon but these are not started in India yet.

University Ski Course:

In order to promote the adventurous sports in the University a first-ever skiing course was conducted at Gulmarg from 27th January to 17th January, 1982. Thirteen students of various Post-Graduate department participated in the course. There were 4 students in basic, 4 in Intermediate and 5 in advance course. All the students successfully completed the course. One female student, Miss Nirmal Hak of Political Science Department also attended Basic course. About Rs.11, 430 were spent for this course by the University out of that Rs.2, 250.00 were contributed by the participating students. It was a grand success. It would be nice if the tradition of conducting such courses for male and female students of the University would continue. The University can organize Inter-College competitions in this sport as well.

Positions obtained by the students in various courses as as under:

1. Altaf Hussain Mir, Law Department : 1st position in Basic Course

2. Shakeel-ur-Rehmand, Law Deptt. : All Round Best in Intermediate Course

3. Bashir Ahmad Mr, Commerce Deptt : Consolation prize in Intermediate course

4. Firdous Ahmad Khan, Geography Deptt : All Round Best in Advance Course

It is matter of great pleasure that the test of our students was taken by Prof. Prier Blonck of French National Ski School) (ENSA) who was at Gulmarg those days. Mr. Blonck also distributed the prizes and certificates among the participants. The University Ski Coach was awarded a special memento by the said professor.

The article was published in the magazine “Gulala” published by the Dean Students Welfare Office, Kashmir University September 1982

Mountaineering - A Popular Sport

By Mohamad Yousuf

Mountaineering is becoming increasingly popular amongst the youth of our country. This promising sport has also attracted the youngsters of our valley. It makes them resourceful and teaches to face difficulties. It brings about the complete mental, emotional and spiritual integration. It is a unique sport that teaches self-discipline and strengthens one’s faith and determination. It is a way of acting, thanking and living together with a fraternity of people who seek high adventure in the high places. In fact, a trip to mountains has a soothing effect on the soul.

Men have always desired to climb to the top of high mountains. There were so many Prophets and saints, who used to climb the mountains. The spirit of adventure and desire to know about the things and places has led them to do so. Mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas is total experience which provides to one an opportunity of access to the people unknown and an environment otherwise denied to people. Besides, the trekking provides the invaluable media for communication and mutual understanding. Climbers are a sort of “Clan” with its own traditions but open for all.

Like all other sports Mountaineering requires a certain technique for good climbing. However, the technique is least complicated and all you need is an indomitable spirit of adventure and, of course, the basic commonsense. As a technique climbing has become more specialized with the use of artificial aids to accomplish climbs that would otherwise be impossible.

THE ART OF MOUNTAIN WALKING:

Before setting to climb, gain experience of walking over small hills. Try to find a companion who is also keen to start climbing. One should be competent walker able to cover a good distance without undue fatigue, walk at a steady rhythmic pace which one can keep up all day. Avoid following streams. Lift and place the foot carefully to avoid slipping or dislodging stones. Never make jerky movements.

1. Ascending :- Shorten your stride and zigzag up a steep slope

2. Descending:- Bend the knees very slightly and dig in your heels at each step

The party should keep together; individual should not race or lag. Single file is best on narrow paths and ice fields. A party going up boulder or scree slopes should keep close together, so that any stone dislodged by the member do not have the chance to gain speed. If a stone is dislodged above steep slopes, shout a warning “stone-stone” to anyone who might be below, even though one cannot see anybody.

CLIMBING CALL AND KNOTS:

One should learn the International calls at home; such calls can save a good deal of time and confusion particularly in windy conditions. When shout calls cannot be hear, the party should use a system of gentle tugs on the rope, e.g. three tugs by the leader to indicate that he is ready for the second man to me.

Practice the essential rope knots at home before you start. There are so many kinds of knots which are used for ascending, descending, anchoring, rescue and crossing etc. Some of them are as; Overhand knot, Guideman knot, Middleman knot, Bowline knots, Figure of eight, Tarbuck, Fisherman’s knot Fisherman’s bend, Reef knot Prusick, Clave hitch, Sheet bend and Carrick bend etc. 

TECHNIQUE:

Mountaineering involves two type s of climbs viz. Rock-Climbing and Ice-Crafting.

1) Rock-Climbing:- There are two types of rock-climbing, one direct and the other indirect (artificial).

In direct climb one does not need any artificial aid. Two to three persons tie themselves with the rope, which is the life line of the climber. The leader of the party finds the natural holds of the rock and with its help they climb a rock. Only one person at a time climbs, the rest of the party waits safely anchored and give full attention to moving man. When one person is climbing the other members belay him. Climbing rock “on the foot” as much as possible, using your hands to keep body in balance. Keep body away from the rock. Avoid stretching arms full length for high holds, otherwise it waists energy.

SOME ROCK HOLDS:

Undercut hold, Side cut hold, In cut hold, over cut hold, Jam hold, Foot hold, Pressure hold and Pinch hold etc.

If the rock i s over 650 and the natural holds are not available, the climber requires the help of artificial aid (sophisticated climbing gear) like Pittons (steel nails), Hammer, Helmet, Drill, Karabiner (snap ring), Chest harness (chest belt) , slings (small ropes) and Etrior (Rope ladder) etc, The leader of the party fixes the pitons into tiny cracks in the rock, then attaches karabiner with it and finally the rope is clipped through the Karabiner, which provides support for the foot and body. It also helps in running belay. Running belays are valuable extra safeguards for the leader while climbing a pitch. The fall of a climber can be reduced with its help.

2) Ice-Crafting:

One should never walk alone or un-roped on the ice because there can be huge and deep crevasses, hidden under fresh snow. While walking and climbing on ice one requires the Crampons (boot spikes), Ice axe and Gaiters (boot covers) etc. Always use dark sun goggles in snow and ice fields. Walk in a single file. In case any member falls in crevasse or snow abyss the other members can rescue him by self arresting on ice with the help of ice-axe.

For artificial ice-climbing one needs screw typed Ice Pitons, Ice hammer, Jumar (ascender) etc. in addition to necessary equipment, mentioned above. The Aluminum Ladders are used for sheer ice falls and crevasse crossing. The step-cutting and rope fixing on ice is useful for the climb to loaded porters. Always select good camp sites. Don’t make noise in exposed areas, avalanches roar down the gullies bringing tons of ice and snow enveloping the unwary.

RAPPELLING:

It is stance which facilitates quick and controlled descent from ice walls and rocks on a rope. There are various types of rappelling such as, Stomach rappelling, Side Rappelling, Shoulder rappelling and Hip rappelling (Karabiner rappelling). Abseiling is one of the major causes of accidents and it is essential to ensure that the anchor is safe and advisable to use a safety rope all the time.

CARE OF EQUIPMENT:

Never store rope, tent and clothes wet, or in a damp unventilated place, or near harmful chemicals like cart batteries etc. Never dry the rope near a fire, nor store in a hot place, nor leave it exposed to full sunlight for long periods. Dry a rope by spreading it in loose loops in an air place. Check the rope regularly for wear and damage. Gently open the strands and examine the rope for wear due to grit. If there is a wear on the inside it is warning of age and weakness. Shake or wring out wet clothes before drying. A current of air, even if cool, dries better than heat alone. Boots may be oiled to soften and water proof them. Wet does not harm boot, if they are dried slowly away from heat. Stuffing boots with hay or papers helps to dry them. Mountaineers always wear colored clothes because it relieves monotony, helps in spotting a lost climber and provides good subject for color photography, so take care of the color of clothes as well.

HIGH ALTITUDE SICKNESS:

Of all the hazards, the most dreaded is Frost bite which means freezing limbs. It is more intimately connected with the loss of oxygen. A lack of oxygen will therefore, reduce the heat of the body and expose the extremities to the danger of Frost bite. Other hazards of lesser sickness are chilblains, trench foot, sun burn, snow blindness and dehydration. These are caused more because of carelessness. One must always take as much liquids as he can consume in the mountains. Pulmonary Oedema takes place due to poor a acclimatization or exposure of body to servers cold which results in mild cough, pain in throat, vomiting, body ache and as the case deteriorates due to lack of timely aid, the patient fights for oxygen.

Every climber must undergo a period of gradual acclimatization before organs can operate properly at the heights. The most favorable zone for acclimatization is normally about 19,000 to 20,000 feet. Beyond this altitude at about 23,000 feet a critical zone is reached where successful acclimatization can no longer be expected. From 25,500 feet onwards the climbers enter the so-called “death Zone”. The only treatment for the ensuing symptoms is to restore normal supply of oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes lethargy, drowsiness, lack of power, exertion and mental deterioration. Sometimes it can also produce the state of overexcitement.

After the successful ascent to Mount Everest without oxygen in 1979 by an Austrian climber, Reinhold Messner, it has been agreed that altitude up to 29,028 feet can be tolerated without oxygen, provided one will undergo a gradual acclimatization. The body has at its disposal certain faculties which enable it to adapt itself.

FIRST-AID:

Every climber should learn the elements of first-aid. First-aid in mountain rescue work should aim (a) to reduce shock (b) to immobilize fractures (c) to stop bleeding and cover open wounds (d) to deep patient warm and free from pain.

Even when there is no accident exposure is a serious and often unrecognized danger in bad weather. The essential feature of exposure is severe chilling of the body surface, with a reduction in heat content of the body. This becomes very serious when the deep body temperature begins to fall below its normal 98.40 F (370 C). It leads to mental deterioration, loss of muscular co-ordination and eventually unconsciousness, heart and respiratory failure and finally death.

ELEMENT OF SAFETY:

There is a proverb “don’t show chest to mountains”. Sometime they can be treacherous. They never forgive; therefore, a judicious retreat is more admirable than a victory with a toll of death which spells gloom. A successful leader is one who knows when to go ahead and when to retreat.

CONCLUSION:

I dare say that the “mountain sports” have completely been ignored in the valley by various sports organizations. Mountaineering being the un-spectators sport, attention has always been paid towards the whistle games, like football and hockey etc. the matches of which can be witnessed by a good crowd of people and V.I.Ps. A great credit goes to J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club, Srinagar for inculcating the spirit of adventure among the youth of the state since 1934. The Club sponsors at least a dozen of its members for undergoing training in mountaineering at various Institutes and organizes expeditions every year without any financial assistance from the J&K State Sports Council.

For promoting the “Mountain Sports” in the world, especially among the handicapped people credit goes to Great Britain for sponsoring the Mount Kolahoi expeidition-1981 in order to celebrate the International Year of Disabled people. Three members of J&K Mountaineering and Hiking Club (including this writer) also participated in this great and historic expedition. One more British handicapped mountaineer, Mr. Norman Croucher, 40 years, tried to scale Mount Nun, 23,410 ft. recently but due to certain reasons he reached only up to the height of 22,000 ft. Mr. Croucher is handicapped by both of his legs and walks on artificial legs. Needless to mention that ‘Australian Himalayan Expeditions’ has been keenly promoting adventurous sports in the world.

Published in monthly magazine "Kashmir Today" issued by Information Department, J&K Govt. in August 1982.