SAFETY STRATEGY ON TOUR
| Equipment check | Ensure that you have all the equipment you need, that it works and is in order. Decide who carries what. First aid, repair kit, rope/s. What effect does this have on party organisation? |
| Make use of vantage points en-route | Take full advantage of spying out the route ahead and observing conditions and difficulties etc. Routes planned earlier may have to change in the light of new views and snow conditions. |
| Stay observent Gather information | Don't be afraid to ask hut wardens/guides and local experts for information. Stay alert. Take time to think about conditions and safety. |
| Effect of wind | Be observant. Look for the effects of wind. Cornices, slabs, drifting. How will it effect your route? |
| Avalanche activity | Be observant. Note old and new slides. What aspects and altitude as well as type. What affect will they have? |
| Hazards | Check out the route for unavoidable difficulties. What's the best option/route to overcome them? |
| Unseen hazards Terrain traps | Ensure that the route is not threatened from above or below by unseen/unnoticed dangers. Terrain traps. |
| Timings | In the light of conditions are the objectives and time available/allowed realistic? |
| Descents – think ahead | Should route be changed in the light of conditions during the ascent. Timing. Order of descent. |
| Options and escape routes | In the light of conditions will the route planned be possible? Can it be changed. What are the options? |
| Snow conditionsAspect | Are they as expected? Stability, quality. Does this affect safety? Are all aspects safe/dangerous. |
| Stability tests | Where and when to make them – if at all. If you feel unsure/unhappy about a slope ask yourself why? Check it out. Dig a pit and test your assumptions before you ski it. |
Putting in a Track
A good track is both efficient and safe in ascent and descent. A good route is not only safe, it should also be enjoyable skiing. It is not, however, always the shortest route, but should endeavour to:
minimise exposure to terrain traps – dangerous places which would make the consequences of an avalanche or fall even more serious (eg. traversing risky slopes above cliffs)
minimise travel over slopes where snow stability is poor and the risk of avalanche suspected or known
minimise kick turns, especially in exposed places where the consequences of a slip are serious
minimise bunching together, especially in areas of suspect snow stability. Don't overload the slope.
Going uphill, a safe and efficient track should:
avoid unneccesary kick turns, but not be too steep
be within everyone's ability
avoid cutting the slope above other members of the group
ensure rests and regrouping occur only at safe locations
use vantage points en route to plan and assess the route ahead
allow observation of snow transportation and accumulation to help build a picture of snow stability.
Going downhill a controlled and disciplined descent allows you to:
assess snow stability and be aware of changes casued by slope aspect, elevation and angle
ensure that safety measures are in place to minimise the dangers to the maximum number of skiers within the group – speed and spacing are all-important
communicate with all members of the group, and ensure all understand the hazards and what is required – have an agreed signal system
maintain organisation and discipline and not let the descent become a free-for-all
stick to your route or planned options – don't just ‘go for it’ into the unknown.
I began this section by mentioning the three Ps – planning, preparation and practice. Well, there should really be six Ps because – ‘Planning, preparation and practice will prevent a poor performance!’
GROUP ORGANISATION
Assess the ability of every member of your group – who is the weakest link? Is the proposed tour more than they can deal with? Don't let ambition outdo ability.
What safety measures and group organisation are needed for the tour, given the terrain and group size, ability, etc? How are you going to cross suspect slopes? How are you going to carry out avalanche procedures/tranceiver searches?
Choose an able leader. Appoint a competent tail-end Charlie – not the slowest/poorest skier! Invariably the best skiers want to be up front putting in fresh tracks.
Grading and Difficulty
There are several well-established systems used for grading ski mountaineering and off-piste skiing objectives. The Swiss, French, German, Italian and Austrian Alpine clubs have adopted these, or variations of them, for use in their guidebooks. Two widely used grading systems are the Blachère and Traynard scales, which are described below and have, more or less, been incorporated into this guidebook.
Blanchère
