21 July,2011 07:14 AM IST | | Suerekha S
If you care for a brush with the wild side, then heli-skiing will get your adrenaline pumping like nothing else will
If an adventure outing warrants endorsement, this is definitely it. Not for those with vertigo, heli-skiing is a unique activity, practiced in the regions of Manali district in Himachal Pradesh. The adventure sport combines skydiving and skiing.
Enthusiasts are dropped from a helicopter onto a snow-capped peak. After touch ground, you can ski downwards, moving through forests and ridges. The winter in Manali offers the perfect landscape for the sport.
The region is filled with places that offer the thrilling experience, which includes Rohtang Pass, Chanrakhani Pass, Hanuman Tibba and Deo Tibba. Choppers drop at peaks, situated at heights of 6,000 metres above sea level. It's an absolutely thrilling experience. Manjeev Bhalla, who runs Himalayan Heli Adventures, recommends, "The best season to go for heli-skiing is from January to April. Beginners can train for a short duration and participate in this exhilarating sport."
There are many adventure groups that offer an opportunity to beginners. Adequate safety measures are taken to ensure that the skiers are safe. The helicopters carry certified guides and adequate medical precautions taken. So, if you love adventure, wait for winter to fall and head to Manali for heli-skiing.
Log on to: www.himachal.com
