All the gear but still no idea?
Do you consider yourself a responsible off-piste skier? Awareness of the dangers is on the increase and the wearing of avalanche transceivers has become commonplace. Unfortunately many people are not backing up this precaution by also carrying a shovel and probe, essential equipment for finding avalanche victims. A small backpack containing these two items could mean the difference between the life and death of your ski-buddies' in the event of an avalanche. However it is not enough to be well equipped. Would you really know what to do if the worst happened?
2007 has already seen a number of avalanche fatalities in the Alps and we are reminded that the current lack of snow does not negate the risks; in fact quite the opposite. A fast rising isotherm of 0 degrees like that seen in recent days can be a powerful vehicle for a snow slide. A layer built up from snowfall and wind blown snow at altitude, can suddenly and without prior warning slide down the mountainside. Surely it is better to learn some basic lifesaving skills before venturing off-piste?
Well every year Chamonix mountain rescue shows locals how. On Saturday 3rd February, mountain awareness and training will be offered to “gens de pays” (local residents). The programme will include; the first steps to take in the event of an accident (including how to immobilise an injury using only what is to hand), avalanche victim search, transceiver use and crevasse rescue. At the end of the day participants will be taught to assess the avalanche risk on a particular slope and how to choose the safest lines. For more information and to subscribe contact l'Office de Haute Montagne (Maison de la Montagne) before 31st January on 04 50 53 22 08.
