How to survive an avalanche: Expert tips on what to do if the worst happens on ski slopes

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An avalanche that left three skiers dead in the French ski resort of Les Deux Alpes on Wednesday has served as a tragic reminder of the risks of off-piste skiing and the need to be prepared when disaster strikes.

While avalanches may be difficult to predict and can happen quickly, experts have revealed their top tips for skiers to improve their chances of avoiding or surviving one.

They include everything from carrying essential gear, including a locator beacon, at all times and 'swimming' or rolling while you're carried down the mountain.

Members of a rescue team search in the snow for missing people after an avalanche in Les Deux Alpes

What is the avalanche danger rating?

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) said skiers should regularly check avalanche danger ratings and weather conditions online or with their resort before they head out and while they are on the mountain.

There are some smartphone apps that display updated information.

An Abta spokesperson said: ‘Tens of thousands of British holidaymakers will be heading to the slopes in the next few months and yesterday’s tragic incident highlights the need to be aware of avalanche safety.

‘Abta urges skiers and snowboarders to ensure that it is consulted regularly as it can change from day to day.

‘Heavy snowfalls can create an unstable snow base and an environment for an avalanche. Following recent snowfalls, many European resorts are now displaying avalanche warnings.’

A shovel can be used to dig out a skiing companion who has been buried by an avalanche, said experts

Avoid off-piste skiing or closed runs

Wednesday's avalanche hit a piste at Les Deux Alpes resort which has been closed to the public all season, killing two French students who were part of a school group from Lyon, and a Ukrainian man.

Abta’s spokesperson said: ‘Skiers should be aware of the dangers of leaving the controlled area of the mountain and those who plan to go off-piste should exercise extreme caution using an experienced guide.’

What to watch out for

When they're on the mountain, skiers should try to spot signs of previous avalanche activity and cracking or collapsing.

They should also listen for hollow noises when they are moving across the surface.

That’s a sign that the snow pack may be fracturing and is not solid enough to support a skier, said former SAS member and TV presenter Phil Campion in an interview with Adventure Travel Magazine.

Significant snowfall, rain or rising temperatures can all make the snow pack unstable, said the American Avalanche Association.

Stay on top

If an avalanche occurs, a skier is in a struggle for their life. They can be buried or thrown into trees or rocks.

Experts said skiers should begin to ski sideways when an avalanche begins and do everything they can to remain on the surface of the slide.

That includes shedding their poles and using a ‘swimming’ technique in the direction of the slide or rolling like a log if they are knocked off their feet.

They can also try to grab onto a tree, although that can be impossible as the snow moves at a high speed.

People who are skiing in areas where there is a risk of an avalanche should wear a locator beacon at all times 

In a situation where a skier is buried, they should immediately try to make some air space around their nose and mouth before the snow hardens around them and move their body to create some more space.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland said people should keep one hand in front of their face to try to clear and maintain an air space, try to maintain space for chest expansion by taking and holding a deep breath, and try to remain calm and conserve energy.

The odds of survival are just 30 per cent for those who are completely buried, said the American Avalanche Association. 

Carry the proper gear

Skiers should carry equipment such as an avalanche transceiver or beacon, a shovel, probes and an airbag.

With the best-rated ones selling for about £200 in shops, a transceiver or beacon transmits the location of a person who has been buried in snow.

Today, some jackets or clothing contain technology that can help rescuers to locate a buried skier.

Collapsible probes look like tent poles and can be used to penetrate the snow to accurately find a trapped skier who has been located via a beacon.

Avalanche airbags are costly – selling for more than £500 – and inflate with the pull of a cord. They are designed to make the wearer larger so that they rise to the surface as snow slides down a mountain, although they do not guarantee survival.