SIS Prevention & Equipment
PREVENTION
- The easiest was to avoid a SIS accident is to remain on groomed areas and avoid deep snow and tree well areas.
- Be aware of the recent snowfall and the depth of the loose snow - check local resources for recent snow conditions.
- If you venture into UNGROOMED terrain:
- Ride or ski with a partner and keep your partner in sight at all times.
- Ski or ride in control.
- Give tree wells a wide berth. Look at the open spaces between trees not at the trees.
- Skiers should remove ski pole straps.
- Carry safety equipment including:
- Cell phone with resort emergency number
- Transceiver / beacon
- Avalung
- Whistle
- Shovel
- Probe
- Recco
- Keep your partner in sight at all times. In many SIS accidents, skiers and snowboarders, have part of their body or equipment visible - but a partner wasnt there to see them.
- Take heart. Increased awareness and education reduces SIS risks. There are more reported cases of skiers and boarders being rescued by their partners each season.
EQUIPMENT
The type of equipment that can help in a SIS accident is readily available and is already being carried by skiers and snowboarders who regularly venture into backcountry/ avalanche terrain and many in-ski area riders.