What is the Nepal Ski & Snowboard federation doing?
After the devastating earthquake which hit Nepal in 2015, Nepali students and mountain guides initiated the Ski and Snowboarding Foundation Nepal. They train mountain guides how to conduct skitours securely with tourists in close collaboration with a consortium of Austrian, German, Swedish and Swiss ski instructors that are keen on sharing their skills and knowledge. At the same time the organization encourages Nepalese students and youngsters to learn how to ski and snowboard to maximize their chances in their professional life. In total we gathered 3000 euro for this organization in cooperation with Sneeuwsport Vlaanderen (B).
What did we ask & why?
Since the spring of 2020, all Nepal's tourism has been put on hold due to the Covid-19 crisis. As also now during autumn tourism in not picking up again, the NGO & a lot of families are struggling to obtain the yearly income on which they rely. Therefore we are looking for financial & material donations (e.g. old skitouring material, skins, poles, splitboards, boots, avalanche safety equipement, etc) to ensure the foundation can continue their work.
Who are we?
We are a Belgian team of experienced skiers, snowboarders & Alpine climbers who were planning to team up with the Foundation in December to go & exchange knowledge & expertise by exploring together a remote Nepalese area during winter. Unfortunately the outlook of the crisis isn't looking bright & chances are getting really small that we can go & therefore we hope to still be able to support in a different way.
How will the NGO use the donations
Financial donations will be firstly used for the support the daily activities during the coming difficult winter months:
Rent for the HQ in Kathmandu
Paying bills such as electricity, gas & internet
paying the minimum salary of the 9 employees
Hosting the website
Additional financial funding will be used for:
Shipment of collected material towards Nepal
Setting up training courses & expeditions for local mountain guides
Buying necessary additional safety equipment e.g. avalanche beacons, probes & shovels