Avalanche Awareness: What You Should Know
Skiing off-piste can be one of the most thrilling parts of a ski holiday — untouched powder, peaceful landscapes and a sense of adventure. However, with that comes risk and one of the most serious risks is avalanches.
Whether you're leaving the marked runs or skiing in variable conditions, it’s vital to understand avalanche safety - being prepared and making the right choices on the mountain.
Avalanches can (and do) occur within ski resort boundaries, especially on less maintained or off-the-beaten-track runs. Don’t assume ‘on-piste’ always equals ‘zero risk.’
What Causes Avalanches?
Avalanches occur when layers of snow become unstable and slide downhill. They can occur naturally (e.g. from heavy snowfall (particularly after bright sunshine or higher-than-average temperatures have caused the slope to melt then refreeze causing an imperfect binding of new snow), wind or temperature changes) but can be be triggered by skiers and snowboarders themselves.
Steep slopes, fresh snow, high winds and temperature shifts are key warning signs — especially in combination. Avalanches can also happen on less steep terrain, so don’t assume gentler slopes are safe.
How to Spot Avalanche Terrain
Even piste skiers should know the signs of risky areas:
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Avalanche barriers across the slope
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Slopes between 30–45 degrees
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Convex terrain (where slopes bulge outward)
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Terrain traps like gullies or bowls
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Visible signs of previous avalanches
Here are a few trixski tips for avalanche safety
- Carry a whistle or emergency beacon. See this article by SNOW & ROCK about choosing a transceiver.
- Don’t assume following others’ tracks is safe
- Wear high-vis or bright kit for visibility in deep snow
- When in doubt, hire a guide
- Check the avalanche forecast daily. Avoid off piste is risk is 3 or above
- Never to off piste alone – and let someone else know your route before you set off
- Take an avalanche safety course. Henry’s Avalanche Talk is a great place to find advice and resources.