ESSENTIAL AVALANCHE INFORMATION

Essential Travel provide specialist travel insurance to cover skiing and snowboarding. We have put together a list of some of the key safety points to know whilst on the slopes.

AVALANCHE

Avalanches should be of major concern to any conscientious winter sports enthusiast. Thankfully they happen infrequently, but with the changing climate and increased altitude of some ski resorts it is important to know what to do in such an eventuality. Knowing the warning signs understanding the pistes terrain and respecting the mountain can mean the difference between life and death.

The following information is only a guide and you should seek professional advice or training through one of the many Avalanche Training classes ran across the world or from your resort. Remember, avalanches do not just happen. There may not be a precise science to predicting when and where they will happen, but the warning signs are there for all to see.

When planning a day on the slope make sure you take the necessary avalanche survival equipment, such as transrecievers, mobile phone, probes and shovels.

AVALANCHE CHECKLIST

Avalanches occur when the stress trying to pull the snow downhill (gravity) is greater than the strength of the snow cover. The key ingredients for an avalanche are:

1. A steep slope - 90% of all avalanches start on slopes of 30-45 degrees.
2. A weak layer in the snow cover - sudden temperature rises or avalanches nearby can cause disturbances in the snow layers.
3. Snow cover - more than 80% of avalanches occur during or just after heavy snowfalls and strong winds.
4. A trigger of some sort - the majority of avalanches are caused through changes in the snows natural conditions, but the danger can be increased by freeriders and off piste/cross country skiing.

SNOW

Being aware of the differing types of snowfall is an important skill to any skier. All snowflakes share the same six pointed geometry, but no two flakes are ever alike. This means mountains are covered in a variety of different snow falls. The flakes are formed in the clouds and the size and shape of them are affected by the weather conditions. The colder the temperature the smaller the flake. Snow falls are at their best when the temperature is mild; this allows solid layers to form on the ground.

Once on the ground the flakes begin to join together and produce the white stuff that we all know and love! The weather affects the creation of the perfect powder; mild weather conditions encourage a good layer of skiing snow, whereas the colder weather lengthens this process.

WEATHER

When leaving for the slopes you should always check the local weather forecast as this can have a major bearing on avalanche possibilities. This information will be available either from your resort or your instructor. Always check the local International Scale of Avalanche Hazard Rating information which should be available with the weather information. The ratings run from 1 - 5, with 5 being the greatest risk.

The weather on the mountains can change quickly and unexpectedly, so by being prepared for all eventualities you will be able to have fun safely on the slopes.

RAIN

Any rain during the ski season can initially weaken the snow strength and will increase its mass. This will also lead to an increase in the possibility of avalanches.

WIND

The wind has a major effect on snow distribution. If there is little or no wind, the snow is distributed evenly. If there is a moderate wind the snow is deposited in sheltered areas, called lee slopes. Providing the ideal conditions for freeriders and cross country skiers. The most important thing to remember is that the greater the wind and snowfall, the more dangerous the snow deposits become. It is also important to be aware that moderate wind in the resort will mean increased winds at altitude. These are the types of conditions that you should be aware of and the increase in avalanche possibility they create.

CRUST

Lots of sun and rain will create thin layers of snow on top of the more permanent layers, and these are called crusts. If weather conditions remain changeable it can increase the number of layers and not allow these layers to bond firmly together. If this happens the risk of slides and layer cracks increases. The incline of the slope will increase the risk of avalanche in these situations, steep slope + lots of layers = avalanche.

click here for a travel insurance quotation

safety

avalanche awareness
avalanche tips
safety equipment

american chalets

european chalets

luxury ski

rental

season

ski holidays

skiing

snowboarding

transfers