Experiences in the snow? For sure!

Whether on or off the slopes: Enjoyable nature experiences and fun in the snow go hand in hand with safety – both in terms of weather conditions, natural hazards and the right equipment and preparation. Considerate behavior towards other athletes and nature is also part of this. Tips, courses and initiatives at a glance.

Climbing lonely peaks on two skis. Making your first tracks on a deep snow slope. Trudging through untouched winter landscapes on snowshoes. Some people long for experiences like these. For excursions of this kind to be a pleasure, you need the right equipment, precise preparation and a keen eye on the weather and avalanche report. It is best to follow the motto “better ride with a guide” and choose an expert and local guide. Guided tours and courses are offered by Vorarlberg’s ski schools and some villages also regularly organize guided ski or snowshoe tours.

Safety first

For skiing, ski touring and snowshoe hiking, the right equipment and considerate behavior towards others are essential for a carefree sporting experience, alongside a realistic self-assessment of fitness and ability. Helmets, back protectors, shovels and an avalanche transceiver can be lifesaving. It is also important to observe the 10 FIS slope rules. They serve as a benchmark for sporting behavior on the slopes. The snow report provides information on the current snow depths in the ski areas. It is also available as a weekly newsletter from Vorarlberg Tourismus.

Away from secured slopes, skiers act at their own risk. For safe skiing fun, especially when planning ski tours: “Preparation is half the battle”. In addition to the route, difficulty level and duration, weather and snow conditions must be taken into account. For selecting and planning ski tours, the recommendations from tourism organizations like Vorarlberg Tourismus are a reliable source. Updated daily are the mountain weather and avalanche reports – both can also be accessed via various apps.

Precise route planning and checking the weather and avalanche report is also important for those who are snowshoeing off the signposted trails. It is also important for them to have an avalanche transceiver and a shovel in their rucksack. These items of equipment are provided for guided snowshoe tours in open terrain.

Courses and further training

Numerous mountain guides, ski schools and mountain schools offer a varied course program for athletes of all levels throughout the winter. The offer ranges from a ski touring day for beginners and how to use emergency equipment to guided tours and taster tours through Vorarlberg’s winter landscape. Other events include introductions to lesser-known sports such as splitboarding.

Respectful travel

Throughout Vorarlberg, the “Respektiere deine Grenzen” initiative calls for responsible behavior in open terrain. Skiing through winter forests, for example, can damage trees and disturb wildlife. “Respektiere deine Grenzen” website also lists tips for tour planning and nature compatibility in social media.

In the Montafon, Nagelfluhkette Nature Park and Kleinwalsertal, signs and guidance systems point out protected areas and wildlife rest zones, appealing to winter sports enthusiasts to take responsibility for a nature-friendly stay. In addition, rangers are out and about, providing information on site about possible routes and various protected areas. The initiatives focus on education rather than bans. “Winter in particular is a challenging time for animals, when stress can be life-threatening for them. We are working towards a good coexistence between humans and nature, because there is room for everyone. With our work, we awaken understanding and look for compromises – and also ensure beautiful experiences while respecting nature,” says Lisa Klocker, ranger at Nagelfluhkette Nature Park.
https://www.vorarlberg.travel/en/winter-safety-tips-on-the-mountain/