Winterize Yourself And Practice Avalanche Avoidance

Snow skiing and snowboarding are some favorite pastimes of people who just love winter sports. Indeed, they are a lot of fun, going fast whipping down those slopes. However, winter time also brings a danger that should be addressed before you even go hit the slopes. And that danger is avalanches. These are common occurrences, especially after heavy snowfall.

Avalanches happen when sections of loose snow dislodge and start tumbling down a slope or mountain. There are several conditions which can cause an avalanche. Weather conditions play a huge part as do the accumulation of snow in certain areas and the types of sloping in the area. When the snow becomes disturbed, it starts cascading down. That disturbance is many times triggered by people. Avalanches are dangerous and have killed many people throughout the world because some of them did not practice avalanche avoidance.

When snow starts to accumulate at certain angles and creates a cornice effect, it is these cornices that are the most susceptible to crash down. If you see these on your skiing adventure, do not climb or walk below them, especially after snowstorms or abrupt rising temperatures. They could suddenly come crashing down at the slightest vibration, like adventurers going for a little skiing trip down the slopes.

Before skiing, it would be advisable to attend a clinic on avalanches and how to avoid or live through them. In addition, if you plan an extended skiing trip, you should be knowledgeable in various types of avalanche equipment and know how to dig yourself out. Here are a few tips on avoiding avalanches and what to do if you get caught up in one:

1. Before heading out on your ski adventure for the day, check the weather as well as the snow. Also check for reports of any avalanches in the area.

2. If you notice previous avalanche activity on a certain slope, pass that one by and find another.

3. Snowing always means fresh powder to ski on. However, be cognizant of the fact that continuous accumulation of snow can be hazardous.

4. Only ski on marked slopes. These will be the safest. Going off the beaten path is what causes the most trouble.

5. If you should happen to be caught in an avalanche, do not panic and become frantic. You will lose your precious oxygen supply that way. Also, keep your mouth closed so that the snow won't choke you to death.

6. Before the snow finishes tumbling down, try and move around in the snow as this will create a pocket within the snow for you so that you are not totally confined.

7. If possible, once the snow starts slowing down, try and stick your hand out to the surface. A ski pole would work too.

8. Try to stay on top of the snow by wading as if you were in a pool.

9. First and foremost, call out so that the other people with you will know that you are still alive and need help.

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