Christmas snow conditions 2009
HAT Snow Report 23/24 December
New Snow for the Holidays, but watch out for instability! It’s great to get new snow and there’s some really nice turns to be had out there. We’ve been out there every day enjoying it no matter how cold, windy or cloudy it’s been. Aside from sniffing out the best snow, my main goal at the moment is to stay away from the many unstable areas. Most of these unstable areas are on steep slopes (or slopes exposed to steep slopes) facing North-east; to North; to North-west.
That’s not to say that everything else is totally stable though; so my advice for the moment is to either know what you’re doing off-piste (even if you’re going off piste right next to the groomed, secured piste) or go with someone who really understands how to have fun and be safe out there.
Here’s why: there’s a weak layer that is sitting under that new snow in many places at the moment.
I, and all of my ‘off-piste friends and colleagues’, are very concerned about this layer (Wayne Watson from Alpine experience put it simply, “..the base is rotten!”). We’re concerned because it can collapse with the weight of just one skier – that collapse can then release a slab avalanche under a person’s feet or even on a steeper slope above them. Météo France is warning about this too.
Tip of the Week:
Most avalanche accidents happen within view of a lift or a run. When you are up on the mountain, the local authorities (the ski patrol or ‘pisteurs’) are only responsible for making the groomed pistes secure.
Once you leave these secured runs, even if you go just right next to them, you’re no longer in a secured area. I would never tell anyone not to go off piste; I’m off piste every day. However, it is a good idea to know that when you shoot off next to the piste to get some nice turns in, you’re in an unsecured area and you should be prepared and thinking about what you’re doing. I’ve seen too many accidents right next to the piste - so remember: once you leave the secured pistes, your safety is your own responsibility.
Have Fun and Be Safe! Henry
Off Piste & Avalanche Awareness Talks week of 27 December:
Monday 15.30 sharp Basic Talk at the Moris in Val d’Isère
Tuesday 17.45 sharp Basic Talk at the Bagus in Tignes
Weds 18.00 sharp Basic Talk at the Pacific Bar in Val d’Isère
You need to show up at least15 mins before the talk to take advantage of the deals on food & drink!
Tickets are €7.50 (one person under 18 per adult free) and includes great deals on food and drinks at each place! Pre-booking on line price is: £6 on www.henrysavalanchetalk.com (if you can’t come to a talk see our on-line talks on the web site).
HAT is taking the Talks on-snow this year for people who want to learn more in Val d’Isère & Tignes!
See www.henrysavalanchetalk.com for more info on these practical short courses.
