Off-piste skiing: how to avoid the risks?

A fresh, heavy snowfall is the dream of many winter sports lovers who practice cross-country skiing or freeriding.

This snow is usually found at higher elevations and allows skiers to move quickly.

However, the German Ski Association (DSV) warns that every meter of new snow also increases the risk of avalanches. Therefore, they recommend being very careful when skiing off the official slopes and trails.

The DSV advises to take into account the following rules:

– Adequate preparation for a mountain excursion always includes reading the avalanche report and the weather forecast. 

The reports, which can be consulted online daily, inform about the situation of all European ski resorts, for example, through the European Avalanche Warning Service.

– Anyone who travels off the marked trails should know the meaning of avalanche warning levels from one to five.

The figures provide information on the stability of the snow cover and apply throughout Europe. According to the DSV, the danger is expected to increase from level three.

When that level is reached, in Germany yellow warning lights are turned on at ticket offices and accesses to cable cars and chair lifts. In Austria, meanwhile, the warning signal is issued from level four.

– The greater the slope, the greater the danger of a snow avalanche. The DSV recommends estimating the slope of the route to be traveled in advance with the help of a topographic map.

– If a sheet of snow breaks off or an avalanche breaks out, you have to ski to one side and immediately leave the danger zone. If this is not possible, the face should be protected with the arms to create an air bubble while the snow masses fall. If you wear an avalanche backpack, the airbag must be activated.

– The basic equipment to carry in a backpack also includes a shovel, a probe and an avalanche transceiver. The instrument, which makes it possible to locate a buried victim, must be worn on the body during the tour and must always be turned on.

It is also important to know how to use the transceiver correctly when searching for missing persons. The DSV recommends participating in practical courses for this, such as those offered by this institution or also by the German Alpine Association, mountain guides and ski schools or ski clubs.