Humans have been exposed to the danger of avalanches ever since the Alpine habitat was colonized. Avalanches are gravity-driven mass movements that pose a potential danger as a result of meteorological conditions.
The typical skier avalanche is around 50-70 meters wide and has about three times the flow length. The fracture depth (also called break-off depth) is on average around half a meter.
Skiers and snowboarders who are out and about in the open ski area must be well prepared and equipped with the necessary equipment to minimize their risk and be able to act in an emergency.
More than half of all people involved in avalanche incidents suffer no or only minor injuries. Around 32 percent of the people involved are seriously injured, and the death rate of people who are buried (regardless of the burial depth) is around 13 percent.
Snow is a form of frozen water. It consists of many small ice crystals that form into snowflakes.
If you are caught in an avalanche, you are a passenger and your life is in potential danger. Independent rescue and rescue attempts may be successful, but in most cases you will be dependent on the help of others.
More than half of all people involved in avalanche incidents suffer no or only minor injuries. Around 32 percent of the people involved suffer serious injuries, while the fatality rate of people caught (regardless of burial depth) is around 13 percent.
The 10 rules of conduct for skiers & snowboarders regulate how to get along on the slopes.
Emergencies and accidents rarely happen out of the blue without any warning. Of course, sometimes you can be unlucky and simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Helicopters are often the means of rescue of choice in the Alpine region – if they are available and the external conditions (weather conditions, daylight, etc.) permit their use.
