Mountains in winter are extremely fascinating, with their immaculate white caps and the snug comfort of the fireplace warming you up in the coldest of the night.
To enjoy your holiday at best, leave behind everyday stressful routine and bear in mind that free quality time is too short to be wasted. Search for new sensations, be positive and proactive and learn to see the glass half full; a day with bad weather is not ideal for skiing, but you can enjoy the landscape and relax in a cosy inn!
Always remember that mountain environment is fragile, so learn to respect what is around you, you will enjoy more!
Trekking with Snow Shoes
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Easy – Beginner Trekker |
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| Easy walks without technical difficulties. Basic training recommended. |
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Medium – Intermediate Trekker |
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Courses of medium difficulty, with some steep stretches. Good training and technique recommended. |
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Difficult – Advanced Trekker |
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Technical courses, walking with snow shoes and crampons. |
Excursions with the snow shoes are the natural prosecution of summer trekking. It is the ideal sport for mountain lovers and for those who want to enjoy silence and amazing views.
It is advisable to have a good preparation and training according to the excursion you choose.
EQUIPMENT
Snow shoes have been always used as a mean of transport in this area during the winter. Once they were made of wood, while nowadays, thanks to technology, they are resistant, light, very reliable and do not require major maintenance. The materials used are plastic and aluminium, with crampons under the binding. The prices vary according to types and uses and before buying a pair, make sure you take into consideration your weight, how many times you will be using them and what kind of courses you will be following. It is advisable to use telescopic poles as well. As for footwear, it is enough to wear good quality waterproof walking boots. It is recommended to carry with you ARVA (Avalanche Beacon), shovel and probe.
DURING THE EXCURSIONS
For beginners, it is always advisable to be accompanied by a qualified guide. As a general safety rule for everybody, always check the weather forecast and the conditions of the snow before departure. It is better to postpone an excursion in case of bad weather.
Mountain skiing
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Easy – Beginner Skier |
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| Wide slopes, low differences in height, average 2 hours ascents. It is necessary to have an average skiing technique. |
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Medium – Average Skier |
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| Steep slopes between 3 and 5 hour ascents. Good skiing technique on every type of snow recommended. |
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Difficult – Advanced Skier |
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| Long courses on very steep slopes. Suitable for expert skiers with very good training. |
For all skiers, experts and beginners, it is very important to follow basic safety rules when you decide to go for an excursion with mountain skis. Never go by yourself, especially if you are a beginner, and always communicate to somebody your plans, prior to departure. It is very important to know the condition of the snow.
EQUIPMENT
Make sure you wear warm and comfortable clothes. It is advisable to wear cotton underwear, light clothes and gloves for the ascent and warmer waterproof clothes for the descent. Make sure you carry a surviving kit; in case of accident, it is very important to try and keep constant body temperature. Obviously, pick your clothes according to the season and the length of the excursion. The equipment includes skis, bindings, boots, poles, skins and backpack.
Always carry ARVA (Avalanche Beacon), probe, shovel, extra skins, food, water bottle and camping equipment.
For long and difficult excursions on steep icy slopes, it is advisable to use crampons and ice axe.
DURING THE EXCURSIONS
Mountain skiers have to be aware of a major danger: avalanches. The mains causes for avalanches are fresh snow, wind, temperature, conditions of the snow and type of slope.
Before departure, check the snow bulletin and during the excursion constantly check the thickness of snow and its general conditions and the wind, to avoid dangerous situations.
Always carry ARVA (Avalanche Beacon), probe and shovel. If you are surprised by an avalanche, try and escape laterally and if not possible, try as much as you can to “swim” on the snow keeping your mouth closed.
Alpine skiing
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Easy – Beginner Skier |
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| Blue slopes |
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Medium – Intermediate Skier |
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| Red slopes |
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Difficult – Advanced Skier |
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| Black slopes and off-piste |
A good training is recommended to avoid accidents. Jogging and running are particularly suitable to prepare leg muscles. Many gyms organise specific course to prepare you for your holiday on the snow.
EQUIPMENT
Each skier has to have skis, bindings, boots, poles, water proof jacket and trousers, hat, gloves and sunglasses. Before departure, have your skis inspected, in order to avoid accidents. If you haven’t got the equipment, it is possible to rent everything in your hotel or by the slopes.
ON THE SLOPES
Before your first descent, it is advisable to warm up.
If haven’t got very good skiing technique, avoid off-piste.
Respect fellow skiers and do not be reckless.
Always check weather condition and use sun screen and sunglasses.
