Ski Instructors Receive Vital Avalanche Training

140 members of Anena (National Association for the Study of Snow and Avalanche), ENSA (National School of Skiing and Mountaineering) and ESF (French Ski School) gathered in Montgenèvre for a training day that aims to keep ski professionals and their clients safe from avalanche and other mountain risks.

In the morning they took part in an avalanche search and rescue exercise, under the guidance of 11 instructors. In the afternoon they held a conference organised by various professionals, amongst them Captain Colombani, commander of Briançon PGHM who commented, "the training of professionals is becoming more and more advanced, it should also consider amateurs and federations."

Regarding the avalanche risk bulletin (BRA), mountain rescue services advised that they should be warning messages issued whenever avalanches occur, so that they can have forewarning and a potential head start when rescues become necessary.

Spokespeople from the CRS and PGHM mountain rescue services addressed the ESF ski instructors with the message, “if you're in a critical situation, do not hesitate to call us for help. You will never be reproached for it".

As for the rating of the avalanche risk in ski stations, it was decided that the display should be in line with international standards. The levels from 1 to 5 would be represented by colours from black to green, explained Frédéric Jarry of Anena.

John Paul Carlhian of the ski instructors union said of the annual training event, “the percentage of professionals involved in accidents is low… the training works and it is absolutely necessary."

Source: Le Dauphine Libere