ortovox safety academy

SAFETY ACADEMY

Whether you're ski touring or freeriding: you need to be able to assess the risk of avalanches every time you venture into unsafe areas of the mountains. Careful planning, appropriate behavior in the field and the experience to identify potential danger zones are the foundations of mountain safety. To pass on this knowledge, Ortovox has been running avalanche safety training courses for beginners and advanced hikers and freeriders since 2008, in cooperation with around 30 schools. The SAFETY ACADEMY is the world's largest avalanche safety training initiative. Train to reduce your risk! It's the only way to avoid finding yourself in danger.

Winter training objectives: Safety and risk management during ski touring and freeride outings in unsafe mountain areas.

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF AVALANCHES

The first thing you need to know is that there are many different types of snow, with over 5,000 different types of snowflake. But you don't need to know it inside out to enjoy powder in complete safety.

First of all, it's a good idea to check the avalanche bulletin carefully to find out what you can do the next day. Then, it's a good idea to study the topographic map to locate potential danger zones.

How does an unstable layer of snow form in the snowpack?

The snowpack is a bit like a millefeuille, but sometimes even more fragile! It's made up of many different layers that accumulate throughout the winter as a result of different climatic episodes. The structure of the snowpack and the cohesion between the layers are always the decisive factors when it comes to avalanche risk.

ortovox safety academy

Discover the 5 avalanche risk levels

The avalanche risk bulletin is the essential basis for preparing any hike! It describes in detail the state of the snowpack, gives information on dangerous areas and provides weather forecasts.


Find out how safe a hike is - The graphic reduction method

This method allows you to estimate the approximate avalanche risk on a given route while still at home. It takes into account factors such as: avalanche risk level, inclination, slope conditions and exposure. Having said that, the graphic reduction method obviously doesn't allow you to observe the snowpack... once you're in the field, you always have to re-judge the signs of danger so as to re-examine the situation and decide whether or not to go ahead with the hike.


Interpreting danger signs in the field.

The terrain influences the triggering of avalanches, as it plays a decisive role in the direction and strength of the wind, and hence in snow accumulation. A little experience and a lot of observation are needed to choose the right route.

IN THE EVENT OF AN AVALANCHE

How to search properly

In the event of an accident, every detail counts to maximize chances of survival. Who coordinates the rescue effort? How to direct the search? These are all questions that can waste precious time.

Finding exactly the right place

A simple system and a little experience are important for finding the right spot quickly when sounding. A few simple tips will make your job easier.

The quickest way to extricate a victim

Of the three steps: locating with the avalanche transceiver, probing and digging out the victim, it's usually the last that takes the longest. For an average burial depth of 50cm, that's easily 1.5m³ of snow that needs to be cleared.

A useful emergency procedure to have in your pocket

Once an avalanche has occurred, the adrenalin rush and stress levels are such that it's generally hard to control oneself, and it's very difficult to think on one's feet. Which telephone number to dial? How do I give the right instructions to the helicopter? What are the official distress signals? Just in case the worst happens, we've compiled this information in a ready-to-print memo that you can slip into your pocket!
To find out more : consult the Safety Academy Guide Book

Comprehensive courses to master mountain safety

Safety Academy courses cover a wide range of skills, so that everyone can venture into the mountains with a sound knowledge of risk management. Courses, available from beginner to advanced level, include:

  • Training Basic: introduction to the use of emergency equipment and first aid in avalanche rescue.
  • Tour & Training Basic and Advanced: these courses go into greater depth on the basics, and include supervised one- to two-day outings devoted to assessing risks and danger zones in relation to weather and snow conditions.

Registration is now open, so don't delay! To reserve your place and find out more about the locations and dates of these events, visit the Ortovox Safety Hub website.

EMERGENCY AVALANCHE EQUIPMENT

AVABAG avalanche backpacks, avalanche transceivers, shovels and ORTOVOX avalanche probes are always there when you need them in an emergency. Reliability and ease of use are their hallmarks. Bivouac bags and first-aid kits are the perfect complement to avalanche rescue equipment.

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ortovox safety academy