Avalanche safety: What every winter sports enthusiast should know

Avalanches are one of the greatest dangers in the Alps during winter. With knowledge, preparation and the right equipment, the risk can be significantly minimised.

Avalanches – an underestimated danger in winter

Every year, numerous avalanche accidents occur in the Alps, often with tragic consequences. Ski tourers, freeriders and snowshoe hikers are particularly at risk when venturing away from secured slopes and trails. However, with the right preparation and a sound knowledge of avalanche prevention, many of these accidents can be avoided.

Proper planning is crucial

The first step towards avalanche safety begins before the tour. Thorough planning is essential to minimise risks. Winter sports enthusiasts should bear the following points in mind:

• Check the avalanche report:
  The daily avalanche report provides important information about the current snow conditions and danger levels. These range from 1 (low) to 5 (very high). Particular caution is advised at level 3 or higher.

• Analyse weather conditions:
  Wind, temperature and precipitation affect the stability of the snowpack. Strong winds, for example, can cause dangerous snow drifts.

• Choose your route carefully:
  The choice of route should be based on the current avalanche situation. Steep slopes over 30 degrees are particularly dangerous and should be avoided.

The right equipment saves lives

In addition to planning, equipment plays a key role. Anyone venturing off-piste should carry the following items:

• Avalanche transceiver:
  A functioning avalanche transceiver is essential for quickly locating buried victims. It is important that all members of a group know how to use it.
• Probe and shovel:
  These tools are essential for digging out buried victims. A sturdy, lightweight shovel and a sufficiently long probe are ideal.
• Airbag rucksack:
  An avalanche airbag can increase the chances of survival in an emergency by keeping the buried victim on the surface.

Behaviour in the field – better safe than sorry

Even with the best planning and equipment, behaviour on the terrain remains crucial. Winter sports enthusiasts should observe the following basic rules:

• Keep your distance:
  Large groups increase the load on the snow cover. Therefore, distances between participants should be maintained.
• Ski slopes individually:
  Steep slopes should never be skied by several people at the same time in order to minimise risk.
• Recognise warning signs:
  Noises such as a ‘boom’ sound or cracks in the snow cover are clear indications of unstable snow conditions.

What to do in an emergency?

Despite all precautions, an avalanche may occur. In this case, every second counts:

• Raise the alarm:
  The emergency call should be made as quickly as possible. In Austria, mountain rescue can be reached on 140.
• Search:
  Buried victims should be found within the first 15 minutes, as their chances of survival decrease rapidly after that.
• Rescue:
  Use a probe and shovel to carefully dig out the buried person. Make sure to expose the head and chest area first.

Knowledge saves lives

Avalanche safety is not a topic to be taken lightly. Every winter sports enthusiast who ventures away from secured slopes bears responsibility – for themselves and for others. Regular training courses, such as those offered by mountain rescue organisations, are an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and learn how to act correctly in an emergency. With the right preparation, equipment and conscious behaviour in the terrain, the risk can be significantly reduced. This means that nothing stands in the way of a safe and unforgettable winter experience.
 

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Workshops are regularly held at the Alpinmesse to impart knowledge about tour planning, preparation and the correct use of avalanche transceivers.

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