Avalanche Awareness & Mountain Safety
Knowing when to say no
When snow falls in the mountains there is always a risk of avalanche.
The risk is limited on shallow slopes but increases with the steepness of the pitch. There is a 'danger' range of slope angles within which we see the highest number of avalanches.
Ironically, almost all of the most popular off-piste skiing is done within this same range...
Understanding the effects and potential outcomes of our interaction with the winter mountain environment is the initial step in reducing the risks involved.
On the mountain
Working in close association with the highly professional Tignes Piste Patrol (Securité des Pistes), our off-piste team receive the latest weather and snow reports, including a sector by sector debrief on the current off-piste conditions.
Our instructors and guides ski off-piste every day whatever the conditions.
Their experience and up-to-date knowledge enables a more thorough risk assessment, an inate ability to find the best snow available and the most sheltered areas in case of bad weather.
On the mountain they are in radio contact with our office and the emergency services.
Equipment
All course participants are supplied with a transceiver, shovel and probe.
These three items are the absolute minimum of equipment one should carry when leaving marked pistes.
No amount of gadgetry will prevent an avalanche releasing nor being caught in one.
A transceiver's only function is to reduce the amount of time a victim is buried in avalanche debris,
This requires however, the searcher to be trained and competent in it's use
Helmets are recommended for off-piste skiing.
Transceiver Training
Just as the avalanche is starting to go is not the best time to realise you didn't read the instruction manual to your shiny new transceiver....
It is well documented that a trained searcher can locate a buried avalanche victim quicker than any other method.
A swift, methodical response can and does save lives.
We run free training sessions evening from 17h30 to practice your searches and learn about avalanche procedure.
It is strongly recommended that all skiers participating on the all-terrain courses undertake a transceiver training session.
Avalanche Awareness & Mountain Safety Briefings
For the more serious off-piste skiers, we offer the option of in-chalet briefings.
A brief overview of the current conditions and risks through to in-depth analysis backed up with slide shows and videos.
Send us an email for more details.
Tour Operator Staff
Start of season safety briefings, transceiver training, mountain safety & avalanche awareness talks to make your staff understand fully of the environment in which they ride.
Make the most out of your season and stay safe.
Send us an email for more details.
Look out for our in-season off-piste coaching sessions.
