Safe winter mountaineering

ByTravesía Pirenaica

The practice of mountain sports activities in winterWhether hiking, snowshoeing, skiing or mountaineering, it involves a added set of risks that we need to know.

Proper preparation of the route, adequate equipment, knowledge of the environment, safety techniques and having practised them, are essential to minimise risks. It is always better to prepare for a worst-case scenario and not need it, than to be caught in one and find out that you were not prepared.

General recommendations

PREPARATION

  1. Plan your routeDistance, gradient, timetable, technical difficulty, level of commitment, orientation and escape routes.
  2. Choose one appropriate activity for the level of the group.
  3. Consult the weather reportthe snow conditionsthe risk of avalanches.
  4. Find out about the conditions of the route chosen.
  5. Find out the road conditionsSome are closed for several months.
  6. Inform a contact of the chosen itinerary and the approximate time of return.
  7. Avoid going out alone.
  8. Think a Plan B.
  9. Hire a guide.
A group of mountaineers meet to agree on an alternative plan.

THE TEAM

  1. Equip yourself for the road with the individual material adequate: boots, warm clothesgloves, gloves, mackintosh, goggles...
  2. If necessary carries ice axe, cramponsrope, rope, helmet, harness, etc.
  3. It also carries a small emergency teamfirst aid kit, thermal blanket, whistle...
  4. Mobile phone.
  5. Map, GPS…
  6. And if the situation requires it: probe, arva and shovel and practice beforehand how to use it.

DURING THE ACTIVITY

  1. Early startIn winter, the days are very short.
  2. Check that you are complying with the planned timetable.
  3. Turn aroundYou have to know how to renounce.
  4. Pay attention to the evolution of time.
  5. Look at the terrainthe state of the snow, the possibility of avalanches.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER PEOPLE

  1. Respect the place in which you find yourself.
  2. Other mountaineers can share the same itinerary. than you. Be especially careful with those below you.
  3. Respect those who overtake you and be patient with those in front of you.

IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT

  1. Protect - Warn - Aid (P.A.S. Protocol).
  2. Learn the conventional signals in case of accidents:
    1. Call for help: standing, immobile, with both arms raised.
    2. We don't need anything: standing, immobile, one arm raised.

READ ALSO:

Avalanches: basic safety tips for winter mountaineering.

Self-arrest, a fundamental safety technique in the mountains.