The Benefits Of Avalanche Training

By Celia Hall


In recent years many more people are getting involved in winter sports. These include not just skiing, but snowboarding and mountaineering. With the growing number of participants coming a growing number of accidents, some of them fatal. Anyone who plans on participating in a winter sport, especially in the back country, should get some basic avalanche training.

Taking a safety course is an extremely important step that really can save lives. There are a range of classes to suit all needs. The most basic usually last a day and introduce the participants to the warning signs of a problem, how to avoid being caught in an avalanche and how to reach should the worst happen. Many tragedies could be avoided by people attending one of these courses and learning to make well informed decisions.

Many skiers and snow boarders are simply in too much of a hurry. They often underestimate the dangers of a mountain. When given the opportunity to move to some quiet back country they do not understand the danger they are in. By the time they realise it is often too late. Checking in with the daily weather report and reading the local conditions bulletin should always be done before moving onto the slopes.

Everyone who goes up the mountain needs to recognize the conditions that contribute to an avalanche. There are some distinct and tell tale signs that once they are observed should never be ignored. Warning signs which are termed red flags indicate a significant risk. Knowing how to spot these and make an informed decision on how to act can save many lives.

Working with an experienced local guide is very important. Anyone who plans to go off the main slopes must acknowledge the inherent risks they are taking. A guide has lots of local knowledge and training in how to react should there be an emergency. They also know how important it is to leave details of their skiing plans back at the lodge, should there be a problem. Getting help fast is often the difference between life and death.

One of the best ideas for anyone who wants to ski off the trails is to hire an experienced local guide. These guides know the terrain and are able to spot danger signs early. They are also trained in rescue techniques and know that time is really of the essence when someone has been buried by an avalanche.

People in danger areas must also know how to avoid being caught in an avalanche. They must learn with an expert and understand how snow pack develops and metamorphoses over time. This will help them determine the safety of a particular slope. The unexplored back country is very appealing as it offers pristine snow and ideal conditions. Skiers must also be aware of the inherent risks that come with such beautiful country. Minimizing the risks is the best way to avoid being caught in a deadly situation.

Avalanche training will also teach the skier how to react should they be caught in an avalanche. There are special search, rescue and shoveling techniques that can help to locate a victim quickly and get them out of the snow before it is too late. Vigilance and planning are the key elements to keep in mind during any trip to the slopes.




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