More Off Piste Skiing

What to do if a Friend Gets Caught

Your chance of survival is greatly increased if you are discovered quickly. The deeper you are, the worse your situation.

Speed is essential. Two-thirds of fatalities are due to suffocation, so the chances of survival diminish very quickly after the first half-hour.

Make sure the slope is stable after the initial slide. Stay alert as you search so you are not caught in a second slide.
Mark the spot where the victim was last seen.
Carry out a quick search first, then a more detailed hunt. Shout and use the handle of your pole or the tail of your ski to probe the snow if you don't have a shovel or avalanche pole. Most probable areas are at the edges of the slides, or around boulders and trees.
If there are several in the group, two should go for help after a first quick search, the rest carry on searching.
Once you have located the victim, uncover the face with all speed.
Depending on the type of avalanche, injuries are likely to be suffocation or crushing, as well as hypothermia.

Using Transceivers

First search down the flow line from the last seen point, following the route as shown.

Single Search		Group Search


Once you have received a signal from the buried transceiver, turn off all except one receiver. Walk in the direction of the signal until you reach the point where it is strongest. Turn through 90 degrees and once again find the place where the sound is strongest. Repeat this process until you can pinpoint the buried victim precisely.

Pinpointing the signal

Avalanche cords

Avalanche cords are a second-best option. On dangerous-looking slopes, you trail a 10-metre cord behind you as you ski. If you are buried, it is hoped that part of the cord remains visible on the surface.

Recco transmitters

Recco transmitters consist of a chip of material that can be detected under snow by a receiver (the system is similar to a shop's anti-theft device). They are cheap and light, and can be attached to your clothing or ski-boots. While better than nothing, their disadvantage is that the searchers must be equipped with a receiver. In practice this means waiting for rescuers to arrive and hoping that they carry the necessary equipment.

Inflatable vest

New on the market in the last few years, you can also wear an inflatable vest. This incorporates a cylinder of compressed air.

In the event of an avalanche, you crack the cylinder, inflating the vest. Not only does its bulk help you to float on the surface of the slide, but should you be buried, you can breathe the air from the vest (as long as you can find the nozzle).

Nice idea, but remember, the best plan is not to get caught.