Читать книгу Alpine Ski Mountaineering Vol 2 - Central and Eastern Alps. Ski tours in Austria, Switzerland and Italy онлайн

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PREPARING FOR YOUR SKI TOUR

Objective Decide on the route/ski tour/mountain Gather sources of information Guidebooks, maps, articles and photographs all help build a mental picture of the tour. Tourist and Guides Offices are also sources of information. Determine the terrain Understand the terrain/slope angle. Is it rocky, glaciated, steep, couloir, forested, populated? Studying the terrain allows you to pre-empt problems. Is it a known route or exploration? Study the map carefully. Identify difficulties. Pre-empt problems. Don't assume a summer route is also the ski route. How difficult is the tour likely to be? Identify the specific difficulties/dangers. Does your party have the skill and fitness to handle the challenges? Be properly equiped What equipment is required for individuals and the group? Do you have it and can you use it? Can you repair it in an emergency? Season and conditions When is the best time of year for the tour? What effect will elevation and slope aspect have? How will these affect timing on the route? Being in the right place at the right time is often critical. Weather/snow conditions – past, present and future What have past weather conditions been? How have factors such as wind, precipitation and temperature affected the snow pack? What are the present conditions and what is forecast for the future? Know what causes avalanches Put snow and slopes together and the potential for avalanches exists. Learn about avalanche phenomena and the factors that contribute to avalanches. Snow stability How will poor weather and snow stability affect your options? Will you have route options or are you committed? Gather information about the snowpack from Guides offices, pisteurs, avalanche bulletins, personal tests. Huts Are there huts and are they open/wardened? If not, is the tour viable? Book accommodation in advance. Contingency plans What escape routes are possible once on tour? What alternatives exist in poor weather or dangerous snow conditions? Emergency proceedures Have information and a procedure in place relative to area of operation. Communications. Allow for the unexpected.