Gulmarg and Rishikesh, India • February 15-28, 2014

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - July 11th, 2013 - Portland, OR (July 11, 2013) – Lynsey Dyer (Powder Magazine’s 2010 Skier of the Year, She Jumps co-founder, and featured athlete in Warren Miller’s Like There’s No Tomorrow) and Jessica Winderl (500-RYT yoga teacher and ayurveda therapist) partner with Redback Travels to introduce Discover Your True Nature: a Ski & Yoga Adventure in the Himalayas in Gulmarg and Rishikesh, India. Combining skiing and yoga, the trip explores the tallest mountains on earth and an ancient spirituality based around yoga. Dyer leads a 6-day “ski camp” in Gulmarg, India’s leading ski resort, before the group continues on to an ashram near Rishikesh, the birthplace of the yoga. Winderl leads daily yoga classes throughout the trip.

“This innovative package was designed as a way for guests to feel comfortable pushing physical, emotional and spiritual limits in a radically different cultural,” says Ashley Ruback, Director of Redback Travels. “India – a country known to test boundaries – is an ideal platform to tap into one’s innate wisdom, power, and creativity. Our goal is that guests go home with a fresh perspective and a desire to make a difference in their community.”

Gulmarg, located in the Pir Panjals range of the Himalayas, boasts a 4,233 ft vertical drop and the highest gondola in the world. It is know for heavy snowfall and it is not uncommon to carve fresh lines in untracked snow for most of the day. Each morning begins with an inspiring yoga class led by Winderl followed by a day of skiing with Dyer and experienced indigenous Kashmiri guides. Evenings are spent around the fire learning visualization techniques by Dyer, stretching tired muscles with Winderl, storytelling and bonding.

Rishikesh, called “the Gateway to the Himalayas,” is a town with no cars, where the mighty Ganges River cuts through lush mountains. It is an important pilgrimage stop for yogis. Guests will stay at Aurovalley Ashram, along the banks of the Ganges River, to focus on yoga and community service projects. Each day consists of yoga, meditation and discussion with the spiritual leader of the Ashram. The remainder of the day is devoted to service. Projects include helping children in need, assisting in the construction of a new World Temple at Aurovalley, and also helping those affected by the most recent flooding that swept up many villages and left people destitute. By serving others, guests will return home feeling a true sense of accomplishment outside of the physical realm. They will discover their true nature.

The trip includes all meals, lodging, domestic transportation, local and Western guides, ski tickets, classes and tips for $3350. A portion of the proceeds goes to Dyer’s non-profit organization, SheJumps, whose goal is to increase female participation in outdoor activities around the country.
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About Redback Travels:
Redback Travels, organizes authentic spiritual adventures in India, Peru, and Sri Lanka. Trips involve a unique combination of yoga, spirituality, ayurveda, the outdoors, history, community service and culture.

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