Off-Piste Safety Session 3 (with Nick)
The previous day (Tuesday), we'd seen (the remains of) a number of small avalanches from high and steep slopes and had heard later that two of them had caught people - without serious injury. So the first topic of conversation, as every day on this course, was the latest avalanche information.
It appeared, on first news, that those caught by the avalanches had most likely triggered them themselves. And it also seemed clear that these slides (in addition to the ones we'd observed) had also occurred on precisely those slopes pointed out (e.g. by Henry's Avalanche) as being most dangerous early in the week - above 2,400m and steeper than 30 degrees.
Lesson Learned - Read the Avalanche Bulletin!
With that in mind, Nick led us to the Pisteurs hut at the top of Toviere for the latest information.
We did note, with a little disappointment, that the Meteo France avalanche bulletin pinned below the Piste Board was out of date and - indeed - there was no avalanche risk flag flying! Early season symptoms, no doubt, but less than optimal...
Here be knowledgeable, helpful folk!
The pisteurs, however, could not have been more accommodating and we were invited in for a quick introduction to their work and one of their most important colleagues...
Several detailed maps show areas liable to avalanche, blast points, and "safest routes" through off-piste sectors.
Amongst other interesting facts, we learnt that the avalanche control charges are set at 350 specific locations - and that, on a busy morning such as the day before, the piste safety team can work through around 200 of them!
If you're waiting for the lifts to open on a blasting day, spare a thought for these guys working hard in dangerous places, to keep you safe.
It was emphasised that the avalanche control (blasting) is done only to protect pistes and marked itinerary runs; off-piste areas are not generally controlled (exceptions being for the likes of freeride competitions).
Lesson Learned :- Introducing yourself to Monsieur Avalanche Dog will familiarise him with your scent so he digs you out first... maybe!
The rest of the session was spent working our way through the Val d'Isere side, including a traverse round to the Banane sector which had avalanched the day before.
Low-angled routes, with much discussion of slope, snow and exposure, were again the order of the day, and we finished with a run down through the trees to Le Fornet.
Lesson Learned :- focus on the gaps, not the trees, focus on the gaps, not the trees... thanks Alex!