Following our debate on Avalanche Safety,
Jake from Facewest adds the following:
'With
reference to the vote on avalanche training, this is my
argument:
Less than 50% of saisonaires actually
go off piste properly. But in doing so they are taking responsibility
for themselves and for their friends.
If caught in an avalanche no one else
is to blame - not the ski patrol, not the weather, not the
snow pack, not the slope angle etc etc (especially not a
chalet company).
Going off piste is as serious as going
climbing or mountaineering. Only an idiot would do it poorly
equipped or with a lack of knowledge. Unfortunately most
do it both poorly equipped and without a clue. This can
be put down to trendy marketing of the backcountry and a
"shrug off the danger" attitude sadly seen amongst many
borders and skiers.
I've seen loads of people change
their ideas overnight when something scary happens to them.
Others unfortunately never get that chance. To go off piste
without a guide is very serious.
As a bare minimum do an avalanche
safety course and get the proper equipment. Our courses
only cost £99 for the weekend and include accommodation
and food! This type of course will offer a starting point
for learning the Dos and Don'ts of the backcountry.
£99 - How many people spend that on a pair of sunglasses
or a trendy jacket? The same is true for avalanche safety
kit. We can sell an F1 Transceiver and Telescopic shovel
for £195. Sounds like a lot, but is less than the
price of a snowboard and will last a lifetime - more important
it may save your life - or help you save someone's else.
So take responsibility for your actions,
invest in kit and truing. Don't blame the chalet company.
Don't blame anyone. Especially the mountain.
Jake
Facewest avalanche safety
www.facewest.co.uk
PS: We still have 3 or 4 places left
on our training course 18.19th November - a course particularly
aimed at saisonaires
