Guinness Game - FAQ

When is the event?

Late January - Early February 2018

Where is the event located?

Eastern Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, India

What will the altitude of this event be?

Over 13,000 feet / 4,000 meters

How remote is this region.

Quite remote.  It's a 6+ hours drive through the Himalayas, over one of the highest motor-able passes in the world.

Is there a cost to the event?

Yes. Players must pay to register for this event. More information about registration fees are on our generosity.com campaign page.

Why is there a cost for this event?

To cover the expenses of making this event possible, including the acquisition and shipping of international boards, donation of equipment, emergency preparedness, staffing, accommodation/transportation, etc.

Can I come as a spectator?

Yes, but only if you are related to a participant, as housing is limited in this remote region.

Do I need travel insurance to participate in this event?

Yes. All players/referees must have travel insurance in order to get on the ice.  We recommend World Nomads (click for more info). World Nomads insurance plans typically cover high-altitude adventures, including outdoor ice hockey.  Plans differ depending on country of residence.

Will there be first aid?

Yes.  There will be first aid kits and medical professionals on site, as well as an AED (defibrillator) and oxygen tanks.

What happens if there's an emergency?

Our medical team will attend to you until you can be brought to the local hospital.  In the case of a life threatening emergency, we will be equipped with emergency rescue beacons that will expedite evacuation.  Your travel insurance must cover the costs of an emergency evacuation.  World Nomads plans cover these emergency expenses.

How likely is an emergency?

While this is not something we can predict with a percentage of likelihood, our experience leads us to believe an emergency is unlikely.  

Is the altitude of this event life-threatening?

Not typically, but there is a risk.

Will I experience altitude sickness?

Most likely.

What type of altitude sickness will I experience?

Everybody responds to altitude differently.  Some people just deal with headaches and exhaustion, others deal with vomiting, diarrhea, erratic sleep, and dizziness, among other symptoms. Some people have minimal sickness symptoms.

Will the altitude affect my ability to play hockey?

Absolutely yes.  If you're accustomed to playing a 1-minute shift at full speed, be prepared to play a 30-second shift at half speed and feeling the same level of exhaustion.  There's less oxygen at higher altitudes, and while you may not feel it immediately upon arriving in Leh, you will absolutely feel it as soon as you start moving around.

Can I take medication to prevent altitude sickness?

The only clinically proven drug to prevent/treat altitude sickness is diamox (acetazolamide).  As with all drugs, there are side effects, so consult a medical professional before taking diamox.

Is there more information on altitude-related sicknesses?

Yes. Altitude.org has excellent information to help you prepare for high-altitude activities.

What will the weather be like?

Cold & dry. In late January/early February, the average temperature of Leh is approximately -6°C/20°F with the daytime typically reaching a high of approximately -1°C/30°F and nighttime dropping to as low as -20°C/-4°F.  The region of the world record games is colder at both day and night.  While some space heaters are available, there is typically not very good indoor heating based on the comforts of Westerners.

What is the food like?

While Ladakh is a part of India, it's a unique region that shares much more in common with Tibet and Kashmir.  As a result, the food is heavily influenced by both cultures.  Additionally, due to the remoteness of the region and the harsh winter (harsh in the sense that no place in India is as cold), the variety of food is considerably less than in the summer.  In the main town of Leh are Tibetan/Himalayan restaurants that offer up some simple rice dishes, Chinese noodle dishes, thukpa (noodle soup), tangtuk (thicker barley noodle soup), momos (dumplings) and sometimes a meat like chicken or yak depending on availability and region.  Kahwa tea is a delicious variant of chai that uses green tea without milk, while butter tea is a more traditional beverage that helps combat the climate and altitude.

OK, I'm coming! What gear should I bring?

Full Hockey Equipment:

• 2 sticks
• pre-sharpened skates
  • if you have additional steel runners, it's recommended to bring those as well
  • there will not be reliable sharpening available during this event
• helmet
  • cage/visor is recommended
  • be prepared to wear sunglasses while playing
• shin guards
• hockey pants
• elbow pads
• chest protector/shoulder pads
• hockey gloves

ELECTRONICS:

Recommended but not required:

• unlocked cell phone
• DSLR camera
• GPS w/rescue beacon feature
• heart rate monitor 
• portable USB batteries
• spare batteries for electronics
• rechargeable AA/AAA batteries if applicable
• laptop/tablet only if necessary