TRAGEDY THREATENS OVER-REACTION...

30 December 1999

Our thoughts are with the families of those who died in the recent avalanche at Galtür, Austria.  Anyone who has worked in the mountains will know how devastating such tragedies can be for mountain communities. 

They are among the first of the many avalanche victims there will be this winter.  The mountains are a dangerous place, and anyone who wants to take them on will make their own decisions about the considerable risks. 

But don't over-react and shun the off-piste - be aware, be sensible and if in doubt, don't.  Respect the mountains, but remember there's a reason the powder is there.