|
Himachal Helicopter Skiing is committed to providing
the best facilities and the highest degree of professionalism
possible. To help us to meet these goals we need to have a degree
of understanding with our guests. Heliskiing is not always powder
skiing. Therefore, please consider the following:
Your physical condition is of utmost importance. You will be skiing
at high altitudes and possibly in difficult snow conditions. If
the weather cooperates, we can give you an incomparable skiing
experience, but you must be prepared for changing or marginal
conditions. We suggest that you start active physical training
at least ten weeks prior to your departure to Manali. The better
shape you are in, the more enjoyable your wilderness skiing will
be. You do not need to be an expert to ski with HHS, but you should
be comfortable skiing changing terrain, steep slopes and through
trees in a wide variety of conditions. Prior heliskiing experience
is recommended but by no means essential. Fat skis are available
to all of our guests at no charge.
Manali is relatively remote, and we highly recommend that you
consult your physician before registering for our trip. Ask your
doctor about the effects of altitude and the required immunisations.
Many pharmaceutical preparations are available in Manali but you
must bring all your own prescription medications. HHS has evacuation
arrangements with medical institutions in Delhi, Manali, and Shimla.
You should have medical insurance to cover the possible requirement
of helicopter evacuation and medical treatment.
|
|
It is crucial that you are able to meet all HHS itineraries and
that you schedule some flexibility into your departure plans. Because
of the possibility of delays on your return from the mountains to
New Delhi we recommend that outward flights from Delhi should be
booked no earlier than Sunday night. One extra day in the itinerary
means that if your transfer to New Delhi arrives on schedule (as
it usually does) then guests have the chance to see the Taj Mahal
on Sunday. If guests are willing to accept the uncertainties of
the service between Manali and Delhi then flights out of Delhi can
obviously be booked for Saturday night.
Finally, be sure to bring all equipment and clothing you will need
for skiing, including hats, goggles, gloves, sunglasses and lots
of strong suncream (factor fifteen plus). The temperatures and weather
conditions around Manali are similar to both the Alps and the Rockies.
We suggest that you bring a pair of sturdy waterproof boots or shoes
for walking around the villages where the tracks can be muddy and
slick. Apres ski dress is elegantly casual. In New Delhi the temperature
can range from three degrees at night to as high as thirty degrees
during the day. The people of the Kullu valley are renowned for
their colourful textiles, jewellery and handicrafts, but it will
be very difficult to find an extra pair of goggles or gloves if
you mistakenly forget your own!
HHS ODYSSEY GENERAL ITINERARY
As a guest of HHS, you can expect us to take full responsibility
for those services and responsibilities which are under our control.
Your holiday in the Himalayas will start in Delhi where you will
be met at the airport by one of our Delhi representatives. On
Saturday morning you will be met at the hotel and escorted to
the transfer to our bases in the mountians. In the afternoon you
will have free time to explore Manali, do some shopping, or just
relax. In the evening you will be welcomed by the staff and guides
at cocktails and dinner.
On Sunday morning we will conduct an avalanche transceiver practise
session and a brief search and safety talk. After a helicopter
safety briefing we take off, with a great week of skiing ahead
for you! Weather permitting, we serve buffet lunches on the mountain.
During the week, if you decide to take some time off, or if we
are unable to fly, we provide transportation for side-trips to
Manali or the many fascinating villages and sights scattered throughout
the Kullu valley!
The following Saturday morning, we will transfer you back to Delhi
and escort you to your hotel, ending your HHS holiday. If you
wish to extend your holiday in India, our ground operators, Greater
Himalayan Outdoors, will be able to help you with any tour you
can imagine and with a few that you might not be able to imagine.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
As a visitor to India, you will need a valid passport and tourist
visa. Your travel agent can assist you with visa application procedures
when you make your airline reservations. We suggest that you allow
at least four weeks for this process. Be aware that you will not
be allowed into India without a visa.
Back to Top
INSURANCE AND GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES
Himachal Helicopter Skiing strongly recommends that you have
the proper insurance to cover the cost of helicopter rescue, medical
emergencies, trip cancellation and personal belongings' damage
or loss. Himachal Helicopter Skiing does not assume any responsibility
for personal injury or equipment lost or damaged in any way. Rocks,
trees, cornices, cliffs, avalanches, crevasses, changing snow
conditions, mechanical failures including helicopter malfunction,
etc. are an ever-present potential hazard when helicopter skiing.
You recognize and accept these and other responsibilities and
hazards when you sign your waiver release. You also acknowledge
that you will be skiing in an uncontrolled wilderness environment
and that rescue may be unavailable or impossible.
|
