Group safety tips from other Clubs
Alpine Ski Club
People
Always take time to reach decisions. Only decide once all information has been gathered.
Avoid the situation where people that are less skilled in assessing snow stability or in selecting routes in avalanche terrain migrate to the front of the group. Those behind, even if experienced, often just follow the track, paying little attention to terrain or snowpack.
Adjust speed to suit the slowest. The group will be stronger if it stays warm by moving slower together than if it stops for long pauses to let others catch up, becoming cold and acrimonious in the process. Change the objectives if necessary. Do not race ahead, even when the hut or the summit is in sight.
Poor visibility and whiteouts make it difficult to keep the group together and select safe routes.
At pre-planned checkpoints, cross-check terrain and snowpack. Always checkpoint before entering any steep slope even if others are skiing or snowboarding there already.
Involve less experienced people in route selection and stability assessment to build the knowledge and experience of every person in the group. Ask, “Why do we think that slope is stable?”
Combine checkpoints with breaks for chocolate and hot drinks. A party that is warm and rested will perform better than one that is tired and dispirited, cold and hungry.
Do not be afraid of changing plans.
https://www.alpineskiclub.org.uk/ski-mountaineering-safety/defensive-mountaineering/#people
Ten tips from the Swiss Alpine ClubSki touring offers great opportunities to discover nature, share experiences, take on responsibilities and keep fit. The following advice will help you deal with any danger you may have to face in the winter.
These ten points are based on the recommendations made by the CAA and have been completed by the SAC training and safety experts. However, they can’t replace training courses, which provide a solid base and help you expand your competences and improve your technique with qualified instructors.
1. Fit and healthySki touring is an endurance sport. The effort it demands, which is beneficial for the heart and circulation, requires you to be in good health and able to assess your abilities. Avoid being pushed by time and adopt a pace which is suited to all members of the group. Bear in mind that you will need to save energy for the descent.
2. Careful planningInformation about distance, height differences, the level of difficulty and the conditions can be found on maps, in guide books, online or by asking experts. The weather forecast is particularly important as storms, snow, wind and cold weather can greatly increase the risk of accidents. Make sure that the itinerary is adapted to the level of the group and always plan alternative ones. Take note of the emergency mountain rescue phone numbers of the country (REGA: 1414; European emergency number: 112).
3. Appropriate equipmentMake sure your equipment is suitable for winter conditions and for your destination. If you’re headed for areas prone to avalanches, avalanche transceivers, spade and snow probe, first aid kit, bivouac sack and mobile phone constitute the standard emergency equipment which everyone should carry. An airbag rucksack increases the chances of survival. Check your equipment before every outing and emphasise the importance of this to all the other members of the group. For outings on glaciers, it is essential to have a harness and other specialized equipment.
4. Avalanche report and snow conditionsBefore setting out, get detailed information concerning the risk of avalanches. Check the avalanche report, paying particular attention to the danger level (1-5), and information about the type of danger (what is the main danger today?), exposure and altitude. Take note of the dangerous sections (what dangerous parts will I be confronted with?) and the weather evolution during the day.
5. Evaluate the danger of avalanchesIt is very difficult to determine the risk of avalanches. Base your decision on strategic methods to estimate the risk and learn to recognise the warning signs (e.g. snowdrifts). Steer well clear of dangerous areas and turn back if in doubt. Bear in mind that avalanches can also occur in the forest.
6. Breaks and orientationTo keep up your energy levels and stay concentrated, it is important to take breaks, to eat and to drink. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal for quenching your thirst and warming you up, especially in the winter. Always use your sense of direction to find where you are and check it by using a map, a compass, an altimeter or a GPS. It is essential to have this equipment on you for orientation. Other skiers’ tracks provide no guarantee so be wary of them!
7. Respect distances and instructionsKeeping a certain distance between everyone helps spare the snow cover and reduces the danger if there is an avalanche. In addition, kick turns on steep slopes are easier when there is a distance of 10 meters between everyone. During the descent, the distance should be of 30 meters. On steep slopes, skiers should go down one after the other and each one should stay on a defined line.
8. Avoid fallsFalls on the descent are the most frequent cause of ski touring accidents. They put extra stress on the snow cover. A good skiing technique and an appropriate speed (depending on your ability) help reduce the risk. Wearing a helmet protects your head. NB Be particularly careful if the snow is frozen and if there are stones or rocks.
9. Small groupsThere are fewer risks with small groups (up to 6 people). Dangerous situations can be avoided by communicating clearly with the other participants and respecting one another. Stay in a group and share your impressions. Every member of the group must know where you’re going and what route they are taking. Make sure a family member knows your destination, what itinerary you have planned and when you expect to be back. If you’ve planned an outing on your own, beware – minor incidents can easily turn into serious emergencies.
10. Respect nature and the environmentHigh mountain areas are the perfect place to discover the uniqueness of nature. Appreciate this freedom and respect the fragile environment and the areas where animals take refuge. Stay on the official paths and avoid reforestation areas. Use public transport or car sharing.
https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/training-and-safety/safety/safety-when-ski-touring/
Alpine Ski Club
People
Always take time to reach decisions. Only decide once all information has been gathered.
- How enthusiastic are the others? Raring to go? Excited? Resist peer pressure.
- How far have people come? Is this their only chance this year? Resist pressure from goals and itineraries.
- Suppress personal ambition and pride.
- Other groups nearby? Resist implicit or explicit competition to ski virgin slopes.
- How strong is my group? How experienced?
- Other parties, above, below? Are they behaving responsibly?
Avoid the situation where people that are less skilled in assessing snow stability or in selecting routes in avalanche terrain migrate to the front of the group. Those behind, even if experienced, often just follow the track, paying little attention to terrain or snowpack.
Adjust speed to suit the slowest. The group will be stronger if it stays warm by moving slower together than if it stops for long pauses to let others catch up, becoming cold and acrimonious in the process. Change the objectives if necessary. Do not race ahead, even when the hut or the summit is in sight.
Poor visibility and whiteouts make it difficult to keep the group together and select safe routes.
At pre-planned checkpoints, cross-check terrain and snowpack. Always checkpoint before entering any steep slope even if others are skiing or snowboarding there already.
Involve less experienced people in route selection and stability assessment to build the knowledge and experience of every person in the group. Ask, “Why do we think that slope is stable?”
Combine checkpoints with breaks for chocolate and hot drinks. A party that is warm and rested will perform better than one that is tired and dispirited, cold and hungry.
Do not be afraid of changing plans.
https://www.alpineskiclub.org.uk/ski-mountaineering-safety/defensive-mountaineering/#people
Ten tips from the Swiss Alpine ClubSki touring offers great opportunities to discover nature, share experiences, take on responsibilities and keep fit. The following advice will help you deal with any danger you may have to face in the winter.
These ten points are based on the recommendations made by the CAA and have been completed by the SAC training and safety experts. However, they can’t replace training courses, which provide a solid base and help you expand your competences and improve your technique with qualified instructors.
1. Fit and healthySki touring is an endurance sport. The effort it demands, which is beneficial for the heart and circulation, requires you to be in good health and able to assess your abilities. Avoid being pushed by time and adopt a pace which is suited to all members of the group. Bear in mind that you will need to save energy for the descent.
2. Careful planningInformation about distance, height differences, the level of difficulty and the conditions can be found on maps, in guide books, online or by asking experts. The weather forecast is particularly important as storms, snow, wind and cold weather can greatly increase the risk of accidents. Make sure that the itinerary is adapted to the level of the group and always plan alternative ones. Take note of the emergency mountain rescue phone numbers of the country (REGA: 1414; European emergency number: 112).
3. Appropriate equipmentMake sure your equipment is suitable for winter conditions and for your destination. If you’re headed for areas prone to avalanches, avalanche transceivers, spade and snow probe, first aid kit, bivouac sack and mobile phone constitute the standard emergency equipment which everyone should carry. An airbag rucksack increases the chances of survival. Check your equipment before every outing and emphasise the importance of this to all the other members of the group. For outings on glaciers, it is essential to have a harness and other specialized equipment.
4. Avalanche report and snow conditionsBefore setting out, get detailed information concerning the risk of avalanches. Check the avalanche report, paying particular attention to the danger level (1-5), and information about the type of danger (what is the main danger today?), exposure and altitude. Take note of the dangerous sections (what dangerous parts will I be confronted with?) and the weather evolution during the day.
5. Evaluate the danger of avalanchesIt is very difficult to determine the risk of avalanches. Base your decision on strategic methods to estimate the risk and learn to recognise the warning signs (e.g. snowdrifts). Steer well clear of dangerous areas and turn back if in doubt. Bear in mind that avalanches can also occur in the forest.
6. Breaks and orientationTo keep up your energy levels and stay concentrated, it is important to take breaks, to eat and to drink. Hot, isotonic drinks are ideal for quenching your thirst and warming you up, especially in the winter. Always use your sense of direction to find where you are and check it by using a map, a compass, an altimeter or a GPS. It is essential to have this equipment on you for orientation. Other skiers’ tracks provide no guarantee so be wary of them!
7. Respect distances and instructionsKeeping a certain distance between everyone helps spare the snow cover and reduces the danger if there is an avalanche. In addition, kick turns on steep slopes are easier when there is a distance of 10 meters between everyone. During the descent, the distance should be of 30 meters. On steep slopes, skiers should go down one after the other and each one should stay on a defined line.
8. Avoid fallsFalls on the descent are the most frequent cause of ski touring accidents. They put extra stress on the snow cover. A good skiing technique and an appropriate speed (depending on your ability) help reduce the risk. Wearing a helmet protects your head. NB Be particularly careful if the snow is frozen and if there are stones or rocks.
9. Small groupsThere are fewer risks with small groups (up to 6 people). Dangerous situations can be avoided by communicating clearly with the other participants and respecting one another. Stay in a group and share your impressions. Every member of the group must know where you’re going and what route they are taking. Make sure a family member knows your destination, what itinerary you have planned and when you expect to be back. If you’ve planned an outing on your own, beware – minor incidents can easily turn into serious emergencies.
10. Respect nature and the environmentHigh mountain areas are the perfect place to discover the uniqueness of nature. Appreciate this freedom and respect the fragile environment and the areas where animals take refuge. Stay on the official paths and avoid reforestation areas. Use public transport or car sharing.
https://www.sac-cas.ch/en/training-and-safety/safety/safety-when-ski-touring/