ortovox safety academy

SAFETY ACADEMY

Whether in backcountry skiing or freeride: you must be able to assess the avalanche risk every time you venture into unsecured areas in the mountains. Careful planning, appropriate behavior in the field, and experience in identifying potential danger zones are the foundations of mountain safety. To equip yourself better, consider checking our selection of cheap backcountry ski equipment and avalanche safety gear. To share this knowledge, Ortovox has been offering avalanche safety training for beginners and experienced backcountry skiers since 2008, in cooperation with about thirty schools. The SAFETY ACADEMY is the world's largest training initiative in avalanche prevention. Train to reduce risks! It is the only way to avoid finding yourself in danger.

Winter training objectives: Safety and risk management during backcountry skiing and freeride outings in unsecured mountain areas. If you want to go further in your mountain experience, also discover our mountaineering shoes.

UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS OF AVALANCHES

First point to know: there are different types of snow, over 5000 snowflakes, hence the complexity of snow. However, you do not need to know it inside out to enjoy powder snow safely. For this, it is essential to have good backcountry ski equipment suited to your needs and level.

Initially, it is important to carefully consult the avalanche risk bulletin to know which outings are possible the next day. Then, it may be useful to study the topographic map to locate potential danger zones or to buy cheap mountaineering equipment to move confidently in exposed areas.

How can an unstable snow layer form in the snowpack?

The snowpack resembles a millefeuille, sometimes even more fragile! It is made up of many different layers that accumulate throughout the winter following various climatic episodes. The structure of the snowpack and the cohesion between the layers are always the decisive factor in avalanche risk. To improve your safety, it may also be wise to buy mountaineering equipment suited to your specific needs.

ortovox safety academy

Discover the 5 levels of avalanche risk

The avalanche risk bulletin is the essential basis for preparing any hike! It details the state of the snowpack, provides information on dangerous areas, and informs about the weather.


Find out which hike is possible without danger - The graphic reduction method

This method allows you to roughly assess the avalanche risk on a given route while still at home. It takes into account factors such as: avalanche risk level, slope inclination, conditions, and slope exposure. That said, the graphic reduction method obviously does not allow you to observe the snowpack... once on the ground, you must always reassess the signs of danger to decide whether to go on the hike or not.


Interpreting signs of danger in the field.

The terrain relief influences the triggering of avalanches as it plays a decisive role in the direction and strength of the wind, thus affecting snow accumulations. A bit of experience and a lot of observation are necessary to choose the right route. To organize your outing, also consider choosing a climbing and mountaineering backpack suited to your activity.

IN CASE OF AN AVALANCHE

How to search correctly

In case of an accident, every detail counts to maximize survival chances. Who coordinates the rescue? How to direct the search? So many questions that can waste precious time.

Finding exactly the right spot

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

The fastest way to get a victim out

Of the three steps: locating with the DVA, probing, and digging to free the victim, it is usually the last one that takes the most time. For an average burial depth of 50cm, it is easily 1.5m³ of snow that must be cleared.

Useful emergency procedure to have in your pocket

Once the avalanche has occurred, the adrenaline rush and stress level are such that we generally have difficulty controlling ourselves and it is very hard to think clearly. What phone number to call? How to give the right information to the helicopter? What are the official distress signals? In case the worst happens, we have gathered this information on a memo ready to print and slip into your pocket!
To learn more: consult the Safety Academy Guide Book


Comprehensive courses to master mountain safety

The Safety Academy trainings cover a wide range of skills so that everyone can venture into the mountains with solid knowledge in risk management. The courses, accessible from beginner to advanced level, include:

  • Training Basic: introduction to the use of emergency equipment and first actions in case of searching for a victim under avalanche.
  • Tour & Training Basic and Advanced: these trainings deepen the basic concepts and include guided hiking outings from one to two days, dedicated to assessing risks and dangerous zones based on weather and snow conditions. To complete your mountain gear, it is also crucial to have high-performance mountaineering clothing.

Registrations are already open, so don't delay! To reserve your spot and learn more about the locations and dates of these events, check the Ortovox Safety Hub website.

AVALANCHE EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Avalanche backpacks AVABAG, DVA, shovels, and avalanche probes ORTOVOX are always there when you need them in case of emergency. They impress with their reliability and ease of use. Bivouac bags and first aid kits optimally complete the emergency equipment in case of avalanche.

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ortovox safety academy