It is no longer sufficient with some oranges and a chocolate bar when the modern ski tourist goes on an Easter ski trip.
Ski mountaineering has become a sport for everyone, and freeriding not only for long haired ski dudes with 50 days on skis a year. Following the marked track between cabins are not enough to quench the citizens’ thirst for an adrenalin rush. Their mantra is fast up and steep down.
Risk management
The most beautiful mountain hillside can transform into a thunderous monster in seconds, silky snowflakes into blocks as made of concrete. Weather and wind in a shady game, this whimsical and unpredictable which is the terror of every skier: Avalanche. Experts fear the combination of unstable snow layers and more people expose themselves to danger. They urge to avalanche brains in Easter.
Cautious
Rule nr. 1: Make a plan for the trip. Search for information about the conditions in the specific area, and speak to skiers who have visited the mountain. Read the map and figure out possible ways down according to abruptness and formations. If the angle is less than 30°, the incline can be considered as safe.
Well equipped
Transceiver, shovel and probe are mandatory equipment when mountaineering. Even more important is to know how to use these safety essentials. It’s all about searching fast and effective. The method is simple to learn, but has to be learned so well it can be performed under great pressure. Hopefully, it will be knowledge you never needed to use.
Inflatable
As a supplement to the traditional security gear, avalanche backpacks are becoming the new must-have. Inspired by hunters experiencing the uplift from animals they carried, the rucksacks were introduced 25 years ago. Since then, the ABS and Snowpulse backpacks are more and more often seen on dedicated skiers. In the Alps, it’s difficult to find a guide without.
Self made thinking
With or without an airbag system, the tour appears a whole lot nicer if you feel safe. Experience is invaluable, as making independent choices. In that way, it’s all about enjoying the oranges at the top and placing those perfect turns in wonderful Easter slush on the way down.