Live the Dream: Respecting the Mountain

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Every day before you go off piste you MUST check the local International Scale of Avalanche Hazard Rating. This 1-5 scale (5 being the greatest risk) will help you assess the potential dangers of freeriding from one day to the next. Just because it was safe yesterday does not mean it will be today!

Important: Even on a lower hazard rating, risk of avalanche can exist.

1. Low: This means that natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
2. Moderate: Natural avalanches are unlikely, human triggered ones however are possible.
3. Considerable: Natural avalanches are possible. Human triggered avalanches may occur and therefore freeriders should use extra caution especially on steeper terrain. Avalanche danger is localised, in these areas/pockets the risk can be considerable. These can be dangerous especially on lee slopes (subject to rapid snow accumulation during storms or windy weather) where wind slab may have built up.
4. High: Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely. Off piste skiing and boarding is not recommended.
5. Extreme: Human and natural avalanches are certain. Stay on piste or in the bar. Going out to the backcountry is not brave - its crazy.

Note: Checked flags denote an avalanche risk of 3 or 4 and black denotes a risk of 5.

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