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 As
the typical British skier becomes more and more experienced,
the lure and pleasures of skiing away from the marked and
prepared pistes are attracting an ever growing band of "off-piste"
skiers. Add to this the new breed of "freeride" skis: - wide
at the tip and tail - better
float in deep snow - shaped with a narrow waist - enhances
ability to turn
The joy of these new
skis is that they enable the less experienced skier to venture
off-piste for the first time. However, this results in the
increased need for some basic safety guidelines (and kit to
use).
What follows is straightforward
common sense advice based on expert knowledge from several
qualified UIAGM Mountain Guides, which the Ski Club of Great
Britain uses to train its own Representatives.
General
Off-Piste Guidelines
When
venturing off-piste always use (and know how to use) avalanche
transceivers (see equipment section for details).
Always
check the weather and snow conditions paying particular attention
to the risk of avalanche - the Avalanche Risk level should
be posted in the Tourist Office and is nearly always available
from the pisteurs (ski patrol) office.
There
is a new international scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being little
risk of avalanche and 5 being extremely dangerous. As a general
rule grades 4 and 5 are too dangerous to ski off-piste, with
3 being marginal but skiable, if you are utilising the services
of a qualified guide. Grades 1 and 2 are generally OK but
using Avalanche Transceivers is a must.
If the
avalanche warning lights (or flags) are flashing, resist the
temptation and ski to the open and marked pistes.
Always
"check-out" and "check-in" when skiing off-piste; i.e. let
somebody know where you are going, how many are in the group,
and when you are likely to return.
Never
assume that ski-tracks in the snow mean the slope you are
about to ski is safe. Always approach each run with caution.
Never
ski off-piste on your own. A small group of 4 or 5 is best.
Always
hire a fully qualified UIAGM Mountain Guide when skiing way
off-piste or in glacial terrain.
Avalanches
Signs around the ski area will warn you when avalanche
danger is present and which pistes are closed:
Information Panels
- red closed signs or red signal lights
On the slopes - Prohibition
signs, and in addition with marker ropes and flags
Even when there is
no warning of avalanches there could be local snow slides.
Local danger spots will be marked with signs and if necessary,
closed with flags and with poles.
Unless you know an
area well, only ski/board off-piste with a guide (in the USA,
skiing/boarding "out of bounds" without a guide can lead to
confiscation of your liftpass).
If
in doubt never ski away from the marked runs
Kit
required for off-piste skiing
Avalanche
Transceiver - a radio device with two modes. It transmits
when skiing off-piste normally, and receives to pick up the
signal of a buried unit. They are worn strapped to the body.
If one or more of the party are buried by an avalanche, the
remaining skiers can use their units on receive mode to locate
the missing skier. They listen to the audible signal, which
becomes louder as they get close to the buried person. By
using transceivers buried skiers and boarders can be found
quickly, greatly enhancing their likelihood of survival, and
are therefore essential for off-piste skiers.
Collapsible
shovel - a two-part lightweight shovel that will permit large
scale snow movement ensuring the quick recovery of a buried
skier.
Powder
leashes - a two metre tracer which will help you locate your
skis if you fall and lose them.
First
aid kit - to enable quick and effective treatment of any injuries
- essential.
Rucksack
- essential for carrying shovel, food, first aid kit and space
blanket (to keep injured skier warm).
Survival
bag - an essential every skier should carry. It can make the
difference between life and death if an overnight stay on
the snow is necessary before rescue.
And finally
a whistle - to attract attention from other skiers and rescue
services.
Useful
links
Skiing Safety part 2 - The
Skiers Code
Skiing Safety part 3 - Skiing
Accidents
Ski Club
of Great Britain
(The BBC is not responsible for the content
of external websites)
©BBC Weather Centre 2000 - Ski Club of Great Britain 2000
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