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September 2001
SAFETY FIRST
Mountains are pretty dangerous places so it's always
wise to think carefully about the kind of riding you
do and what you should be wearing or carrying to keep
you at least risk of damage.
Helmets:
Only two years ago, the only person on the mountain
you'd see in a helmet was under the age of 6. For a
kid a helmet goes without saying (think about it - most
adults wouldn't consider riding without one either if
we were sharing the pistes with elephants travelling
at 40kph)
Nowadays, however, with the massive growth of all snow
sports - helmets are becoming more and more common.
They're also pretty reasonably priced (mostly around
£70) and may end up saving your life - so do yourself
a favour ...
Words of advice -
1. Make sure you take your goggles with you
when you're shopping or you're bound to find they don't
fit together properly.
2. Buy one with with air vents - lids are great
for keeping your head warm when it's cold, but like
sticking your bonce in a sauna when it's not.
3. Don't expect to be able to hear anything
so don't try and answer your phone up the mountain.
You will look like an idiot.
Avalanche Safety:
If you ride off piste, you can't know enough about
snow, the mountain you're on and the conditions you're
skiing in. As there are so many influencing factors
determining avalanches, you'd have to do a phd in the
subject to really get your head round some of the details
(and then there's the random factor!)
When the conditions are good all you want to do is
head out and find your own first line ... so if you
haven't got time for that phd before the season starts,
here are some basics you should always consider before
venturing off the beaten track:
>> current weather conditions and forecast
>> past weather conditions
>> wind speed and direction
>> recent snow conditions
>> past snow conditions (and temperatures/winds
since)
>> angle of slope
>> orientation of slope
>> depth of snow
>> type of terrain (eg rock bands, trees etc)
>> where you're going
>> time of day
But there's no use in thinking about these things unless
you know a little bit of theory (!), so it's definitely
worth reading up on the subject - Avalanche Safety for
Skiers, Boarders and Climbers by Daffern (around £13)
is pretty comprehensive and not too hard to digest!
The daily weather report always includes an avalanche
warning (take notice of it - they do know what they're
talking about), and pisteurs will be able to tell you
the risks in a particular area (it's what they do for
a living!).
Final point: If you're skiing off piste, you will also
need the right equipment:
Helmet
Avalanche tranceiver
Shovel
Probe
LEARN HOW TO USE IT ... and never go
anywhere alone.
Check out the Face west site for equipment, books and
residential courses in avalanche awareness for only
£110:
www.facewest.co.uk
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