Avalanche Safety

Avalanches - Stay Safe

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

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 (or cross) prepared runs as well.

Avalanche and Off-Piste safety presents a dilemna for all skiers and snowboarders. Heavy snowfalls, of course, provide the best riding - but they also 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.

Avalanche Safety Basics

Avalanche safety is all about being prepared, staying informed, and making smart decisions when venturing off-piste or into backcountry areas*. Always check avalanche forecasts, carry the right safety gear, and be ready to turn back if conditions feel unsafe.

Top 3 tips for skiing safely off-piste

Always...

Carry essential avalanche safety gear: transceiver (beacon), probe, and shovel.
Check avalanche forecasts and current conditions before heading out.
Ski with a buddy and stay within your limits, avoiding risky terrain when possible.

Questions to ask

Ask yourself :-

Is it safe to ski beside the piste?
How safe is it to go off-piste today?
What is the Avalanche Risk Level for the slopes I'm looking at?
Where's the best (safe) snow today?

If you don't know, don't go...