Avalanches take hundreds of victims every year and in most cases they are triggered by the people themselves. Many skiers do not follow the rules for safe skiing but they should be aware of the basic rules in order to reduce their risks. Remember that you should never go in the mountain alone and always carry with you appropriate safety equipment (e.g. avalanche beacon or transceiver which will send signals to make the rescue team find you quickly). You need also certain knowledge about the actions to undertake if caught in an avalanche. Backcountry skiers should be aware at most, because of the highest risk to trigger avalanches when discovering risky terrains. For this reason, keep in mind that the time for avalanches is between December and April; however check the avalanche forecast always before heading to the slopes. Which are the things that cause avalanches appearance? In spring months the probability of avalanches raises since the snow is melting. The strong temperature changes at this period, such as rising of degrees in day and dropping down at night, may be again a provoking factor for avalanches. After a warm winter front that passes through for several days, another potential for avalanches is created. It is also dangerous after a heavy snow storm since the extra snow layer can cause a slab to tear off and fall down, so you better avoid going to the mountain in the following couple of days. Another way to recognize the risky areas is to watch out for cracks or slabs on the snow surface, which show that the snowpack is weak there.

In case the avalanche catches you
If it happens that you are caught in an avalanche, get rid of your baggage to become lighter and shout as louder as possible. The important thing is to try in any way to stay near the snow surface and swim in the snow, otherwise if you allow yourself to go deep, it would be almost impossible to dig your way out. Being near the surface means your chance to be found quickly is bigger, so indicate the rescue team your location by sticking out a leg or arm.

In case you are not near the snow surface, do not panic. Do your best to use your arms and make an air pocket in front of your face. Thus, you will have an air space and reduce the danger of suffocation. Try to take as deeper breath as you can and hold it. Use the air to yell only if you think the rescue team is nearby and thus you will preserve it for longer. Try to breathe steady and stay calm in order to preserve energy.

Get prepared against avalanches
Ski in a group or with partner Think about rescue equipment against avalanches (beacons, shovels, probes, etc). Be aware all of the time about changes in temperature or weather. When on the slope, try to stay away from the potential avalanche areas If you have to cross a risky slope, minimize the hazard by passing one person at a time.