Avalanche Risks on Ski Holidays

Avalanche Risks on Ski Holidays - Minimal for the skier who enjoys the marked trails of a ski resort 

Avalanche risks on ski holidays are minimal for recreational skiers who stay within the groomed runs and monitored terrain of the ski slopes. For those enjoying the thrills of an off-piste skiing holiday, or backcountry skiing, avalanche risks on a ski holiday are much more of a concern, with skiers needing to adhere to a particular set of rules to increase their safety. In 95% of all avalanches accidents, the victim triggers the avalanche himself whilst ignoring these basic rules and putting himself, and his fellow skiers, in danger.  

 

Avalanches are huge sliding masses of snow that move quickly down the mountains, without warning. There are many kinds of avalanches, with snow avalanches being the most common around ski resorts, and it is known that certain conditions trigger these large slides, with avalanche risks being higher after a heavy snowfall. Thanks to the vigilant monitoring of the slopes, and constant protection and management of the controlled trails, avalanche risks on ski holidays are very low for the average skier. Experienced ski patrols are employed to ensure the safety of all who stay within the confines of the marked trails and groomed terrain, meaning avalanche risks on a ski holiday are minimal. It is outside of these, however, that avalanche risks on ski holidays can increase, and off-piste skiers can help to reduce the avalanche risks on a ski holiday by learning about the unstable conditions which cause an avalanche, such as steep slopes, weak layers in the snow, or heavy snowfall paired with high winds, and looking for signs and steering clear of danger zones. Before setting out, off-piste skiers must check the weather and general conditions, always travel with an experienced guide in pairs or groups and take the proper equipment, such as avalanche transceivers, shovel, and first-aid kit, as well as a two-way radio.  

 

Avalanche risks on ski holidays are higher on ungroomed slopes of between 30 and 50 degrees. Mountains are assessed for avalanche risks on a ski holiday by a standard European Avalanche Risk Scale, with ratings from 1 (very low), to 5 (very high), and a colour-coded scale in North America, with green denoting low risk, and red with a black border signifying extreme risk. Areas known for their off-piste terrain, with steep mountains, deep gullies and heavy snowfall, such as Chamonix, Verbier and Val d'Isere, as well as the North American ski resorts such as Jackson Hole, Breckenridge, Fernie and Whistler, may have an increased avalanche risk on a ski holiday, however with the correct knowledge and preparation, a keen sense of awareness and the strict following of procedures, skiers will be able to enjoy both an exhilarating and safe off-piste adventure.