Sales of off-piste safety equipment are reported to be booming but the knowledge and skills at using the gear do not always match the quality of the avalanche pack.
In an effort to remedy this, Hemsedal ski resort in Norway (skistar.com/hemsedal) has opened a free training arena for the use of avalanche search equipment.
Since the start of the year, snow has fallen steadily in Hemsedal and is now 1.7m deep tempting people to explore the virgin powder snow away from the groomed pistes in the ski area.
“Sales of skis for off-piste and transceivers and airbags surge every time we have fine powder conditions,” said Steffen Gulbrandsen at SkiStar Sportshop Hemsedal. “Sales of skis have grown by about 40% compared to last year and powder skis represent the majority of this increase.”
“If you opt to ski the steep backcountry slopes away from the groomed and marked pistes it is important to have practised using the transceiver, shovel and probe,” adds Per Ola Seim, of the Hemsedal Ski Patrol.
“The only way to learn how the transceiver works is through practical training with free testing on the new search course by the base of Hemsedal’s Hollvin Express lift.”
Resort operator SkiStar, which runs Hemsedal, recommends that off piste skiing is enjoyed with an experienced guide who knows the best areas while making sure that you have a safe and enjoyable off-piste experience.
The guides loan transceivers, shovels and probes and before setting off everyone is instructed in their correct use.
