Avalanche Safety - Advice and Facts

Avalanche Safety Introduction

Skiing Off-Piste is what many Skiers and Snowboarders aspire to - the lure of fresh powder, the magic of un-disturbed mountains and the challenge of tackling new terrain are all part of the appeal.

Avalanches are an ever-present, lethal, danger as soon as you move away from prepared (or "groomed") ski runs. Avalanches show no respect for ability, experience or type of snow-rider, and they need to be shown respect. They can, and regularly do, occur immediately beside marked pistes. Occasionally, avalanches can even occur on prepared runs as well.

The Avalanche - Bait and Trap

Avalanche and Off-Piste safety presents a dilemna for all skiers and snowboarders. Heavy snowfalls, of course, provide the best riding - and present the most danger. Not only does a heavy snowfall bring large quantities of loose, un-packed and un-bonded, snow but it will also cover the surface - burying many of the warning signs that might otherwise reveal an unstable snowpack.

Common Questions

Before venturing off-piste, we will commonly ask ourselves :-

• Is it safe to ski beside the piste?
• Is it safe to go off-piste today?
• Where's the best snow today?
• Surely it's OK to follow those tracks?