Hiking in the mountains, when the snow is much need prudence

Hiking in the mountains, when the snow is much need prudence

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Before leaving, equipped with, consult weather and avalanche forecasts.
And if the conditions are not safe, you have to give up.

The mountains in winter, especially in clear and sunny days that follow anabundant snowfall, offers wonderful scenery, exerting an incredible charm.

But at the same time can become tricky , making the dimly recognizable compared to the summer, with the white blanket that covers everything, even the dangers . Although our territory is not generally subject to avalanchetraining, you should be aware that in certain situations and with a set of factors is not completely excluded you can verify.

It is therefore necessary to pay appropriate attention, avoiding venture between mountain slopes so unsuspecting. The top of thePlateau today is much more popular than years ago: apart from those who do ski touring and that in most cases they know anyway assess the snow conditions and decide how to move, a lot of people are going to walk with snowshoes, there are also those who go off-piste to descend with the snowboard.

It is good that these users of winter mountain territory are able to assess whether certain days or periods it is appropriate or not to practise these activities.
"The most exposed to the danger of avalanches – tells us Daniel Zotti, stationmaster of Asiago's Alpine rescue -the Valley of Portule and Val Renzola. When there is lots of snow as in this period, the avalanche risk is high, especially at the time, stopped snowing, the mantle begins to settle. Not to mention the places where the wind form the so-called "teeth", i.e. the accumulation of snow on the ridges, which expand with temperature variations you can detach ".

To do so, if you want to go to the mountains to admire the beauty of winter landscapes?  "The rules to follow," explains Zotti-are, first, check weather forecasts and learn to read the avalanche bulletin, by visiting the site www.arpa.veneto.it , therefore, assess whether the path that you want to do is fit, otherwise change itinerary or give up.

Basically, if you are overwhelmed by an avalanche, is self-rescue, this means Start company and equipped with shovel, probe and A.R.VA . Whoever ends up under the snow, if not pushed towards rocks or stones that cause fatal trauma, has a 95% chance of survival. Percentage decreases until about 35% after 15 minutes. Relief efforts, once alerted, at best arrive by helicopter after about half an hour, while rescuers must arrive at walking distance, the time required may be a couple of hours. And it is not said, however, that the intervention is insured, in the event of serious conditions that undermine the lives of rescuers. "

The Asiago mountain rescue service only when called, which can be made through the 118. By 2011 a few types of intervention are paid, and can be covered by insurance by joining in the Dolomites Emergency or CAI. 23 are the components of asiaghese station, held regular training coached by.

"Apart from the danger of avalanches -concludes Zotti-should not be underestimated is the possibility of getting lost or getting surprised from the dark: who makes snowshoeing thinks he can do the same paths of the summer, but in winter the risk of lose increases for the decrease of references, plus it takes longer. If you have this passion, it's good to know to evaluate their skills, maybe take a course in Alpine skiing, training in the use of self-rescue devices and learn how to use theA.R.VA. And, if needed, to renounce, in order not to endanger the life of their own and that of others".

Silvana Bortoli