We have been calling to the snow gods the last couple of weeks and they have answered our cries with buckets of snow! It’s been dumping all across the Alps, and it’s no surprise that seasonaires and holiday makers alike are STOKED.

However, with tonnes of the white fluffy stuff comes increased risks. The avalanche risk has been really high staying at 4 or 5 out of 5 in our resorts, particularly across the Portes du Soliel and Espace Killy areas and we have had a number of reports in from our French store staff that the conditions are risky out there.

It’s super hard to contain your excitement on that first bluebird powder day, but it is so, so important that we always remember to shred safe so here are some tips to keep yourself safe and stoked whilst playing in the pow this season:

• Always check the avalanche risk. You can find this out usually by heading to your local resort’s website or they have avalanche safety signage at the top and bottom of most ski lifts in resort. Before you head up make sure you are aware of what the risk is that day.

• Pay attention to the weather forecast. Is there a storm due? Has there been a lot of wind? This will affect the terrain and the area you might want to ski. Make sure you are aware what the weather has been like the last few days and what the forecast is for the rest of that day.

• Before even thinking about going off-piste, sign yourself up to an avalanche safety course. If you are in one of our resorts we often host avalanche safety talks in our stores. Or you can sign up with so many ski and snowboard schools who will offer seasonaire deals or options to book as a group to keep it on the cheaper side. Check out our list of partners below all of who offer avalanche safety courses across the alps.

TDC- Val D'Isere & Tignes

Peaksnowsports - Morzine

SkiMarmalade - Meribel

Billski - Morzine

New Generation

Evolution 2

• If you are going off-piste ensure you have mapped out the area and the potential risks. Are there likely slide paths or terrain traps? What are the consequences of a slide? Is there a clean runout or is there a cliff below you?

• Do not head off-piste without the right avalanche safety equipment even if it is just for one run. Make sure you have the right equipment, you know how to use it and that it has been tested in a safe area before you head out off-piste. And don’t forget the most basic of equipment… the helmet!

• Make sure you have the pisteurs number on your phone or written down in your backpack! If you head to our store in Val D’Isere you can get stickers with the number printed on! Slap it on your head, on your skis… having this number to hand is essential!

• Stick with like-minded riders, make sure you all are aware of what the plan is before dropping in and always ride with a buddy when off-piste. A group of 2 – 5 people is usually the sweet spot.

• Talk to the professionals – the Ski Patrol and pisteurs have a whole wealth of knowledge about their local area, stop and talk to them - they are usually always happy to help.

• Know your limits and respect them. The mountains are no place for egos. There is no harm in turning back if the risks are too high.

• Check the snowpack. Learn how to read the snow and the mountain. There are so many hints and things you can learn just by looking at the terrain, the gradient of the slope and the weather.

So stay safe out there guys!