One hundred fifty people perish due to avalanches each year. That’s a small figure compared to other disasters such as earthquakes, floods, typhoons, and terrorist attacks. Still, one life lost is one too many.
Trekking up a snow-capped mountain and going down the slope on skis, snowboards or snowmobiles is certainly a wonderful way to spend your vacation. It’s still winter season in the United Sates and you’ll surely find a nice ski resort to practice your snowploughs and eagles.
Of course, it doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or an expert skier who does aerials on a regular basis. When you’re on mountain filled with snow, you better be wary of an avalanche.
Preparing for An Avalanche
Nine out of ten times, an avalanche is caused by one of those buried under the killer snow. Remember this fact the next time you go up the mountain for some snowy adventure. Simply put, if you don’t want to be buried under snow, you better not cause an avalanche.
This was what happened to Dutch Prince Johan Friso in 2012. The prince was skiing in Austria when a friend veered from the groomed slopes and skied in an area that had a high risk of avalanche. In 2013, Friso succumbed to injuries suffered during the avalanche.
Before going up a snowy mountain, you should be wary of your surroundings. See if it’s safe to proceed. The snow conditions should tell you if it’s okay to ski down the slope or not. If you see signs saying not to go or ski there, just don’t.
Wear the Right Attire
You don’t go skiing in your underwear or bikini. If you see some skiers in skimpy outfits, they’re possibly lost or you could be probably be in Russia during the popular Bikini Ski Parade. As much as we want to see people in swimwear, it’s not the best thing to be in when an avalanche decides to, you know, rain on their parade.
Socks
Wear socks made of wool for ultimate comfort and warmth. Your pair should also be thin, long and fits just right. You don’t want them to fall and wrinkle in your boots. It would be hell if you have to take your boots off just to fix your socks.
Base Layers
The base layers are the ones next to your skin so it’s pretty obvious they need to be quite comfortable. They should be able to regulate the temperature while keeping you dry even if you sweat under those many layers of clothes.
Choose long underwear that’s not made of cotton. Instead the material should keep moisture away from your body. Those made of merino wool are perfect for keeping you warm and dry. You’re also better off wearing one in case you’re buried in an avalanche.
Mid Layers
Your second layer of clothing should ideally be lightweight and breathable. Of course, it should provide warmth and comfort. Wear something made of fleece if the snow is a bit slushy. A synthetic jacket will also work in such condition. If it’s cold and dry, wear a down jacket instead.
Outer Layers
The outer layer is commonly waterproof and insulated, for obvious reasons. Don’t insist on wearing something like a pair of jeans. You’ll just end up with a pretty wet bum from all the falls.
Most ski resorts rent out jackets. This is great if you’re not too eager on spending on stuff you will rarely wear. But if you live in such snowy conditions, you’re better off buying your own.
Gloves
A good pair of gloves goes a long way. Make sure your hands are warm and frostbite-free by wearing a pair of thin glove liners under your leather gloves. If you’re trying to stick to a particular budget, a Gore-tex glove is a good option.
Helmet
In 2009, actress Natasha Richardson was not wearing a helmet when she fell while skiing. The accident didn’t look that serious and Richardson brushed it off as just being clumsy. She died later from hematoma. There are two lessons to be learned in this tragic story. First, wear the proper gear. Second, get medical attention even if you think you’re fine.
Racing legend Michael Schumacher was a bit luckier. Doctors said he would have died if he wasn’t wearing a helmet when he had a skiing accident in 2013. He was later placed into a medically induced coma but has since been declared stable. His actual condition remains cloudy as the family has opted to stay mum about it.
You’ll be prone to falls and bumps when you take up skiing, which is why you should always wear a high quality helmet. This will especially be important if you’re being manhandled by an avalanche.
Goggles
A good pair of ski goggles not only protects your eyes from being poked, it also protects them from snow blindness.
Proper Gear/Equipment
Another vital key in surviving an avalanche is having the proper equipment. Just recently, a teenage Australian boy was killed in Austria when he and his family were hit by an avalanche. The teenager was completely buried by snow. Unfortunately, they didn’t have anything they could use to dig him out in time. Our hearts go out the people the young man left behind but as sad as this tragedy is, this should remind everyone that proper preparation is important even if you’re just out to have some fun.
Avalanche Beacon
Carry an avalanche beacon with you wherever you go. You need every piece of equipment that will help you survive an avalanche in case it makes an appearance.
An avalanche beacon, for example, will help your friends locate you in case you’re buried under a few feet of snow.
Breathing Apparatus
The Black Diamond AvaLung Element is an apparatus that lets you breathe in case you’re trapped under snow. The Alias AvaLung Pack provides fresh air while an exhaust port directs carbon dioxide away when you exhale.
Avalanche Shovel
Always bring an avalanche shovel with you. In case someone in your group is trapped under snow, use your shovel to dig the person out. Use your shovel to determine if the snow is safe to ski on. Dig into the snow to see if there are weak layers that could cause an avalanche. It’s also useful in building a shelter and finding water in emergency situations.
What to Do During An Avalanche
Move Fast
If you have ninja-like reflexes, you can probably get out of harm’s way once an avalanche starts. But unless you were bitten by a radioactive star-nosed mole or hit by the Speed Force, you’ll always be in danger of being crushed by an avalanche.
Jump Up the Slope
If you feel the snow falling from right under you, this is probably the start of an avalanche. Quickly jump upslope so you won’t be caught in the slide. You have a better chance of avoiding the avalanche if you were able to get away from where the snow breaks off.
Ski Sideways
Evade the incoming avalanche by skiing sideways as fast as you can. If you ski straight down, you risk being swallowed by the fastest part of the avalanche. Remember, the snow moves the fastest at the center of the avalanche.
Hold On for Dear Life
It’s not as easy as it sounds but you should know if the avalanche is a huge or small one. A smaller slide is less likely to knock down trees in its path. You can survive a small avalanche if you grab onto a tree or something stable. If you managed to maintain your position, you will know which side is up. You avoid being disoriented even if you’re covered in snow.
Swim
When you’re being dragged by snow, you must release your inner Michael Phelps and swim your way to the top. Keep your head up as you try to stay afloat. If you can, swim on your back so you have a better chance of reaching out for air.
Raise Your Hand
Keep one arm above your head. If you get buried, there’s a chance that your raised arm will stick out of the snow and help rescuers locate you. If your hand can feel air, you’ll know you’re right side up.
What to Do When You’re Trapped Under Snow
Spit Then Punch
If you don’t know which way is up, let gravity do the job. Spit and see which way it goes. If it trickles down your chin, then you’re right side up. Punch your arm up through the snow until you can feel air.
Dig
Snow will start getting more compact once the avalanche stops. This gives you little time to make sure you survive. Wriggle your hands and arms free to create an air pocket before the snow hardens.
Dig a pocket around your face so you can breathe. A small air pocket will help you last for about half an hour.
Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds. Doing so will expand your chest and provide you with a little breathing room before the snow becomes as hard as concrete.
Conserve Air
If you can dig your way out, go ahead. Just be careful not to ruin your air pocket. If digging is not an option, stay still and conserve air and energy.
If you other ways to survive an avalanche, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. They will surely be appreciated. You can also check out The Gentleman Pirate for more articles on survival.
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