PROJECT BACKGROUND
Zanskari child who has fashioned makeshift skis from pieces of hose-pipe.
The idea for the Zanskar Ski School was born after a winter expedition to Zanskar in 1995. While the young British geologists on the expedition navigated through the valley on skis, the local people arduously waded through deep snow to intercept them, asking them to deliver letters to friends and relatives in neighbouring villages.
Ben Stephenson, one of the geologists, and Mohammed Amin Zanskari, the outdoor education instructor for Zanskar, realised that skis could alleviate some of the difficulties of everyday life in Zanskar in deep snow. The ski school is a result of their common dream and long-standing friendship.
The motivation to learn to ski was proven by Zanskari children, who fashion makeshift skis from pieces of hose-pipe, strapped to yak-wool and leather-soled boots. Ben and Amin realised that a ski school could provide numerous benefits to Zanskar, including travel, education, health, sport and communication.