5 tips for safe freeriding in powder snow
Excitement grows when the forecast predicts heavy snowfall, promising ideal powder conditions at the ski resort. While this sets the stage for a perfect day of skiing, it also requires careful awareness of the risks associated with venturing off-piste.
For avid ski touring and freeride enthusiasts, descending through untouched mountainside powder is bliss. However, it's essential to remember safety.
While marked and groomed trails offer security, venturing off them comes with risks, especially when dealing with large amounts of snow. If you decide to explore off-piste terrain, it's essential to take extra precautions. To help ensure your safety, here are some valuable tips for safe skiing in powder conditions.
1. Avoid terrain steeper than 30 degrees and the area below. Natural avalanches can occur here, but you can also trigger slides. Remember that there is plenty of great skiing in terrain less steep than 30 degrees!
Tip: Download the Varsom Regobs app where you can view steepness maps for the area you are in.
There is a lot of great skiing in terrain that is less steep than 30 degrees!
2. Check today's avalanche forecast at varsom.no. Here, you can also find the "Avalanche School" with great tips on safety.
3. Always ski with a friend who can assist you in case of an accident. Many skiers have experienced becoming trapped in deep snow, especially in small valleys and windblown areas where snow accumulates. These conditions can be challenging to manage alone. Therefore, sticking to groomed slopes is crucial if you're alone.
4. Carry avalanche equipment and know how to use it, but do not let this replace safe choices in the mountains. An avalanche transceiver, avalanche probe, and shovel are what you need to locate and dig out your companion if an accident occurs.
If you want to learn more, join an avalanche course where you will learn about avalanche risks, riding patterns and line choices, slope evaluation, and companion rescue.
5. Be mindful of high snow banks. When approaching cabins, roads, and other infrastructure in Myrkdalen, you should be aware of the high snow banks. With 1.5 meters of snow, the banks can easily double in height, posing a risk of sliding off. Additionally, vehicles and tractors may be working on snow ploughing and clearing along the roads.
P.S. Children also love large amounts of snow, so remember to remind them of the dangers associated with the snow. Make sure they do not create snow caves along plowed edges or play in areas where snow blowing and plowing occur.
Most importantly: Remember to have fun skiing!
