Valais: Skifahrer Nach Lawine Verschwunden

DER

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Dec 25, 2024

42 visitor like this post

Share

Valais: Skifahrer nach Lawine verschwunden – Eine beängstigende Realität und was wir daraus lernen können

Oh man, this hits close to home. The news about a skier going missing after an avalanche in Valais… it’s chilling. I’ve been skiing in the Valais Alps myself, and the sheer power of nature there is something else. It's beautiful, breathtaking even, but also incredibly dangerous. This isn't just some random story; it's a harsh reminder of the risks involved in backcountry skiing.

My Close Call – A Wake-Up Call

A few years ago, I had my own near-miss. I wasn't even in that serious of terrain, nothing crazy steep – just a normal, seemingly safe slope. I was with a friend, we were confident… cocky, maybe. We didn't check the avalanche forecast properly. Yeah, I know, total rookie mistake. We just figured, "It's been a while since the last snow, we're good." Wrong.

Suddenly, whoosh – a small, but significant, avalanche slid right beneath us. We weren't caught, but it shook us to our core. It was a terrifying reminder of how quickly things can go south in the mountains. We were lucky. Really lucky. The guy in the Valais news? He wasn't.

Valais Avalanche Safety: What We Need To Know

This tragedy underscores the absolute need for avalanche safety training and awareness. It's not just about having the right gear – although that's crucial – it's about having the knowledge and the respect for the mountain's power.

Essential Gear & Techniques:

• Avalanche Transceiver: This is non-negotiable. Knowing how to use it, and practice using it regularly is even more important. We did practice drills, but you always need to improve on this critical skill. There are many online courses to improve this.
• Probe & Shovel: These are your tools for searching for a buried person. Practice your search patterns! Seriously, this isn't something you want to learn on the fly during a real emergency.
• Avalanche Airbag Backpack: These can significantly increase your chances of survival, helping you stay on top of the snow. This is something you shouldn’t look at as an unnecessary extra expense.
• Check the Avalanche Forecast: This is crucial. Websites like the SLF (Schweizer Lawinenforschungsinstitut) provide detailed forecasts for different regions in Switzerland, including Valais. Check it before every trip. No excuses.
• Partner Check: Before and after each run, check in with your skiing partner. Even a quick "all good?" helps. This is vital in the event of an accident.

Beyond the Gear: Respect the Mountain

The most important thing? Respect the mountain. It's not a playground; it's a powerful force of nature. Never underestimate its potential. Here are a few more things that will improve your safety in the mountains:

• Go with experienced skiers: Don't go alone, especially if you're not an expert. Go with someone who knows the terrain and has experience handling avalanche situations.
• Stick to marked pistes: While backcountry skiing is tempting, the marked pistes are much safer.
• Plan your route: Always have a plan, and share it with someone who isn't going skiing with you. Let them know when you will return. This is important for both your safety and also to allow emergency services to know exactly where you were and the time you were there.

The disappearance of this skier is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of the mountains. It's a brutal lesson, but one that we all need to learn and take to heart. Let's all commit to being more responsible skiers and to prioritizing safety above all else. It might just save a life, and you will feel a much stronger sense of accomplishment.