HAT blog
GLIDE CRACKS in perspective
People do not trigger glide cracks. Over 9 out of 10 off-piste accidents occur due to victims triggering the avalanche themselves. This usually happens because they weren’t applying basic accident reduction measures at the time of the accident despite clear signs of...
What is the Risk of Riding in Avalanche Terrain?
This is the title of a blog posted by Bruce Tremper in 2009. I am planning to examine this question in more detail this week by attending the International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW) in Innsbruck. I hope to be posting more about this whilst I am there. Here is a...
The Ortovox Off-piste Awareness Tour is back
Henry Schniewind will be visiting the UK from 23rd October to 26th November for a series of events that we call The ORTOVOX Off-piste Awareness tour. Henry will be visiting Covent Garden, Tamworth, Bristol, Manchester, St Pauls, Kendal, Fort William and The Hurlingham...
Meteo France Special Bulletin about Avalanche Risk
Meteo France have just issued a special bulletin on the unusual avalanche risk that is present in the Northen French Alps at the moment. You can see the original click here. This kind of special bulletin is quite unusual and reflects a significant concern that people...
The ski helmet debate: Prevention should precede Protection
As skiers, more and more of us are wearing helmets nowadays, particularly for use on the piste. But how about when we venture off-piste? After discussion with Henry, here's where he and the HAT team stand on the subject.... There are certain situations when we would...
Raising the black flag again 22nd January 2018
Black flag - rating 5 out of 5 - for the third time this season. Speaking with Cédric Bonnevie, directeur of the Val d’Isère Service des Pistes (Piste Patrol). He believes it’s the first time in at least 30 or 40 years that the they’ve had to put the black flag up so...
Avalanche risk assessment – post storm 10th Jan 2018
Henry tells about the likely avalanche risk and things to look out for tomorrow and the day after. This includes his observations after skiing today. He discusses why and how the danger rating can drop from a level 5 to a level 3 in just 2 days. After all the snow,...
Avalanche and off piste awareness course – 3 days with Henry
3 days with Henry Henry does run off-piste and avalanche awareness courses through the season. we call each course "3 days with Henry". There is one is happening next week on Tuesday 9th to Thursday 11th January. We have spaces available. Conditions are expected to...