Those of you who have already visited Tignes this winter will know that the snow conditions this season have been really unpredictable. With the lack of snow at the beginning of the season, to the huge dump we recently had, along with the rapidly rising and falling temperatures day to day in resort, we've been left with a hugely volatile snowpack. In some places, the terrain is really quite dangerous! This month alone, we've witnessed a fair few slides and avalanches across the Espace Killy area.
Movement skis rider and Tignes local Dave White, was subjected to a couple of avalanches recently, yet he and his crew managed to ski out safely and dodge the brunt of the slide.
So far this season at least 17 people have died in the Alps with about 30 people being killed every year in avalanches in the Alps according to the French national association for the study of snow and avalanches (Anena). Knowing the type of snow and the snowpack is essential when planning your day off piste. Snowpack refers to the layers of snow, which form due to different temperatures, wind and type of snowfall throughout the season. Assessing the formation and stability of the snowpack is important in the study and prediction of avalanches and therefore is vital knowledge to those both on and off piste.
Some of the Tignes Spirirt crew went touring this week however ensured they were as prepared as they could be for the unpredictable conditions out there this winter. If you are thinking about heading out into the backcountry or testing your skills off piste it is a good idea to get yourself a guide or an experienced skier who knows the mountains here in Tignes and Val D’Isere well.
We have found that Henry’s Avalanche Talks offer amazing advice and guiding across Tignes and Val D’Isere. Henry’s Avalanche Talks is a team of professionals and free riders who are committed to helping you have more fun off piste. Having helped off piste skiers and riders to get more from the mountains within the Espace Killy since the early 90’s, they are an invaluable source of local knowledge. If you’re considering hiring a local guide they come highly recommended.
They offer advice on the following topics:
· Weekly Snow Fall & Conditions
· Lessons & Training
· Mountain Awareness
· Equipment Tips
Head over to the HAT website to find out about talks scheduled for Tignes & Val d’Isere, and keep up to date on localised weather conditions via their newsletter.
Josefine Alex also had a close call in the Couloir du Cret on the same day as Dave....
