Messages posted by : bandit
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British and French Skiers on Vallon de la Sache with serious injuries. More details on Pistehors.
http://pistehors.com/news/forums/viewthread/1359/ |
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Tony, it's good practice to carry the appropriate gear when off piste. This would enable you to search for, and dig out your family and friends if they were unfortunate enough to be in an avalanche. If all of your group are suitably equipped then they can do the same for you.
Additionally, if you come across an avalanche, you can help to search for victims, aid other rescuers/search teams if needed. If you buy insurance which is suitable for off piste skiing, then your insurer will expect you to take all appropriate steps available to ensure your own safety. There is usually a clause in the small print about not putting yourself in needless peril. |
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In that scenario the Guide is responsible as they are the professional in charge of the group/you. Any trial like that would call an Expert Witness. In France Alain Duclos is often called to give an opinion. It's usually a Judge in charge. http://www.alea-avalanche.com/ |
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Tony, security on ski routes and Itineraries varies from country to country. As a current example, the Verbier Avalanche happened in a ski route area. Not sure if those caught up were on the route or simply near it. Some countries patrol their Itineraries, some don't. Some are properly secured.
There is no "just off piste" status, you are either on or off. If you choose off, then it's down to you to deal with the conditions on the day. If you choose to venture off piste with no equipment or training, it's up to you. As each ski year passes, you are likely to go a little further off the piste. Consider how far you'd like to be away from everything before it's worthwhile for you to buy the safety kit. This little series of videos make a lot of sense...Avalanche Avoiding Kung Fu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqWNYiuZS28 |
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Great, can you see how it's possible to have fun in a small resort. Your descents are only limited to your technical ability :D There are several ways to learn enough. You might enjoy a weekend course learning to look at the risk from the terrain whilst you ski off piste. There are lots of good books available, if you want to read up 1st. It's time to start looking at the weather forecast posted up in your resort. This will give you clues about safe slopes to head for. Skiing offpiste requires you to take responsibility for your route choices, including knowing when to turn back. It's fun skiing between the pistes, but it IS offpiste, and you must consider buying the correct kit and learning how to use it. Snow is lovely and light until it binds together, then it becomes incredibly heavy and quite dangerous. The nice powder stashes between the pistes have usually been left for a good reason (the terrain), so I'd consider it quite important to be properly prepared to ski an area that the lift company has skirted around, they see it in summer too! I think (not 100%) that probe/transceiver/shovel must be carried offpiste in Italy by law. Don't quote me on that :mrgreen: |
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Some of the ski pro's resident in Chamonix love Courmayeur, because of the extensive uncrowded slopes -)
It also offers another route onto the Vallee Blanche avoiding the walk down the Arete. A Guide is necessary for this. For beginners, there is a stunning backdrop, Mont Blanc :D |
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I'd contact a local letting agency in the resort I want to visit. Book locally, and after a couple of weeks rental, the price will drop, leaving you more spends -)
If you are spending more than 2 weeks in a resort, you may benefit from buying a season ticket, do the research. |
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Valais Cantonal Police Make Public Appeal to Freeriders
Started by User in Avalanche Safety, 1 Reply |
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After around 2 metres of snow in 5 days, they would like everyone to be extra careful, take the necessary equipment, and a Guide and stay safe.
http://www.20min.ch/ro/news/romandie/story/Deux-metres-de-neige--Freeriders-attention--14116703
2 snowboarders had to be rescued by Helicopter off piste at Les Diablerets yesterday, despite being warned of the dangers by a lift company employee. |
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